but the lessons on those pages are taught with such clarity they will stick with you and help when you go further with your talents into areas like colored pencil, watercolor, pen and ink, acrylics or even oils.

The lessons include things like perspective, a lesson taught in just about every book on art written today. It seems so many books cover this topic because it is such a hard topic to teach - notice I say teach and not learn. If it was easy to teach then more of us would learn it and would not have such a hard time with the concept. Bill Martin has touched something in his lessons on perspective, at least for me, and I will never have the same difficulty with perspective again. At least if I do in the future, I will have this little gem to pick up and refer to! He does not cover this topic quickly, but goes into it slowly and covers it quite completely, as he does most difficult topics. I will no sell the four or five books on my shelves devoted to perspective, books purchased to help clarify a topic once so unclear.

The only downside about his book is the section on color theory, which could be much more indepth. There is only a small chapter covering it at the end, almost as though it was an afterthought. It would have been great to see Mr. Martin tackle the important and often difficult topic of color with the same skill he had handled perspective and so many others in this great little book!

This book is filled with examples that have you actually drawing from the very first page. The theories are very well explained and understandable. Examples are easy to emulate and you receive instant gratification from the many fine examples of techniques and theories.

this book on astrology is excellent in quality, form and content. in martin schulman's book, joy and the part of fortune, he details and educates readers on a little-known aspect found on everyone's natal charts, the part of fortune. it is a great resource for anyone interested in astrology at any level of study. the information found within the book's 120 pages is easy-to-read and comprehensive. don't let appearances fool you! despite its diminutive size, there is a wealth of information. recommendation: keep a copy of your natal chart handy (complete with the part of fortune) as you read the book. in this manner, you will be able to experience the validity, usefulness and beauty of martin schulman's writings on the part of fortune firsthand. p.s. if you enjoy this book, i highly recommend that you read other astrology books martin schulman has written. schulman's books form the foundation of my astrological library, and i have yet to be disappointed when i encounter a previously unread book by him.

martin schulman's books form the backbone of my astrological library. this book is no exception. in it, he provides detailed descriptions of a less-mentioned aspect in everyone's natal charts - the part of fortune. it is one of the few astrological books out there that explores the particular topic, educating the reader in the process. don't let appearances deceive you when you receive this book. despite the low page number (120) and its small-size, it provides a wealth of information that is easy-to-read, in-depth and comprehensive. note: it is helpful for the reader to have your natal chart handy (complete with the part of fortune) while you review this book. then, you will be able to see and experience the usefulness, validity and beauty of martin schulman's shared astrological insights for yourself! p.s. if you enjoy this book, i highly recommend that you read martin schulman's other books. they are all excellent! :-)

This is one of the best collections of sermons I have ever read. The messages are powerful and life changing! This should be a must read for all christians. I highly recommend this book!

Dr. Wright is a dynamic and awesome speaker, a prayerful and teaching Pastor who is never too busy for anyone. After hearing Dr. Wright speak in person, you will walk away just knowing that the sermon was intended only for you. Everyone walks away with joy and inspiration. This I know for a fact, I am a member of Dr. Wright's church. I am also a member of the Women's Chorus which consists of approximately 255 women. GOD IS GOOD -- ALL THE TIME !!! PASTOR, WE LOVE YOU !!!

As a lover of photography, I've never gone wrong with this book. Whether you're a beginner who wants to learn the basics, or a serious shutterbug who's in need of the occasional reference, this one has to be in your Library. Best of all, "The Joy of Photography" is not a book that demands to be understood on its own terms. It's as thorough, informative and technically detailed as you need it to be, or light enough to jump around to get whatever you want from it. However you may want to use this book, it's a valuable resource.

The J of P has great referencing for beginner's, intermediates, or those who take shooting casually and need to brush up occasionally. The comprehensive index makes it easy to find information on a technical topic, or matter of technique. Simple explanations, examples, and common-sense tips will help your pictures mean more to you. This will also help you "see what you saw and felt when you took that shot." One can learn from the endless pointers on techniques, equipment, methods, and manual settings for the best results, as well as some philosophical insights into what different types of photography is intended to bring about.

There is good referencing and historical notes on photography as well. Where did the photography term "candid" come from? Erich Salomon, an early photojournalist, who so enthusiastically wanted to capture the true and natural human condition, he hid his cameras in hollowed-out books. The authors note quite correctly, that keeping a low-profile, shooting frequently and rapidly, brings the best chances of getting a successful candid--because very few shots actually will capture those moments that typify everyday life.

Some photo history tid-bits mention for example, that in 1878 Eadweard Muybridge won a famous bet. He wanted to prove that all four of a trotting horse's hooves are off the ground at one time. His picture proved him right.

Some photographers' works and their techniques explained in the the J of P include: Annie Leibovitz, Joyce Tenneson, and one of my favorites for unique shots of natural wonder and travel photography, Galen Rowell. The chronology of photojournalism, pioneered by Dorothea Lange, is also covered.

The authors note that as you take more pictures of what feels good and right to you, you will start to develop your own unique style that is yours. It's a style that you and others will be able to recognize. Photos, are a part of you: your likes, perceptions, and beliefs about what is worth immortalizing. This takes place on a subconscious level as well as a cognizant one. You can't always quantify it; that's the beauty of it.

Digital is steadily making it's way to dominate photography. But still, For the 35 mm this book contains hundreds of tips, techniques and practical advice, expressed plainly, that will make all the difference in your photos. From the serious minded to the casual shooter, to someone who pops off their point and shoot. We all wants the photos to represent what we felt when you snapped the shot.

I have advanced beyond this book, but it was a very integral part in my learning of photography. It is a great resource to use while learning the basics, to be able to question how to shoot a particular subject and so forth. Also deals with the basics of film, camera, lens etc. although I find it quite outdated (as this has progressed so rapidly over the years).

I have only good things to say about the man John Piper, both as a theologian and pastor. I was however, a little disapointed with this book. I love all three of these Christian heros and was very excited to read about their lives and ministries especially agaist the backdrop of their blatent failures. Piper however, spends more time molding their lives into three preset themes he wishes to discuss then their lives themselves. His chosen themes are Sovereign Joy, Sacred Study, and The Divine Majesty of the Word.

This book is certainly not a biography (something that is tipped off by its 150 pages of large type) but is interesting if you wish to read about all of the aformentioned ideas. It certainly is a quick read and worth the edification. I would reccommend though that after this book you read some of the men themselves to get a fuller picture of their lives and more importantly, how they display God's glory.

Most reviewers have hit upon the highlights of this book. I do not feel the need to repeat it.

This book is a set of mini-biographies of the lives of three flawed saints. I emphasize the word "flawed" because one of the things I appreciated most about this book was how it emphasized each man's weaknesses and sin. These were flawed saints. There is no saint who is not flawed. When it comes to heroes, there is an easy downward slip from the desire for imitation to the discouragement of intimidation to the deadness of resignation. Seeing their weaknesses and how God's grace triumphed in them is to see Christ's strength perfected in weakness.

And seeing how they sang of their sovereign joy of God in the midst of incredible opposition both from the world and their sin gives me hope; for I am flawed, I am imperfect, and I struggle with sin. But oh, I sing for my Sovereign Joy! There is hope in these pages that even men of God sin, but God pulls them out of the mirey clay as an example of His grace, not their greatness.

While I wish Piper could have gone a little bit deeper, I found in his book enough to meditate upon, and a spark has ignited a desire to learn more about these men in order to see their God, their Sovereign Joy.

John Piper's series of biographies, The Swans Are Not Silent, of which this is the first book, is so named for multiple reasons that come out in the preface. When Augustine was handing over his administrative duties to an assistant named Eraclius, Eraclius was asked to give a message. As Augustine sat silently on the bishops throne behind, Eraclius said, "The cricket chirps, the swan is silent." This is how I feel looking at the way that God has impacted men like Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Edwards, Owen, and even Piper. Being motivated by the grace that God has shown them in their lives and learning from their lessons, as I go out to the world with the motive of Paul that is seen in so many of these great men in history, "Him we declare, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom so that we may present everyone mature in Christ (Colossians 1:28 ESV)," my words feel like the chirps of crickets next to the songs of these gifted swans. Sometimes, one of the best ways to let their songs be sung is to let them sing them for themselves through the words that they wrote and the testimony that they left. That is what John Piper has done in this book, and it has definitely had its desired effect.

This book is well written, although perhaps too academic in nature for my tastes. But I thought it would be more helpful to me for my situation than it was. I am 40 and expecting my first child early next year. I'm seeking information that will help me be appropriately supportive of my wife and a better father for my child. If I had known the book spent so much time comparing how fathers raised their second families with how they raised their older children I would not have bothered.

Perhaps I'm just not in the target demographic for this book, and perhaps I will re-read it in a few years and get some insights that escaped me this time around. But I just didn't find it very helpful.

I would recommend that men who are starting second families read this book, but those who have never been through a wife's pregnancy should look elsewhere.

This is the only book of its kind. Millions of men become fathers at 40, 50 or more, which is something that nature has designed us to do. But there is very little information on what the issues are or how best to cope.

The book has some statistics but mostly anecdotes of specific families with either delayed or remarried fatherhood. It gives some glimpses of societal changes as we all live longer and healthier and so may have children later.

It has excellent breadth, taking in subjects of stepkids, may-december marriage, adoption, fathers-at-home, etc.

The writing is clear and it's an easy read.

This book hit it on the nail in so many ways. My partner and I have a 26year age gap and have question so much in the last 4years. This book helped us find so many answers to our questions concerning having children together and about our relationship. Since this topic isn't a subject that is easily conformed at the dinner table, I feel like I am normal in how I feel as does my partner. We don't feel like we are the only ones feeling the way we do now!

Some of the basic questions that it helped us through was how the child might feel having an older parent? How society might treat us? Death and divorce...all major topics in a relationship that are hard to talk about to anyone.

A lot of the book concentrated on second time children...having older children(in their twenties) and having young children(children under 10)at the same time. This doesn't really apply to us, but it was interesting reading. It even included a section on adapotion which was very interesting as well.

I hope this book can help other people as much as it has helped my partner and I.

Wow, a page-filling 5.5-by-5.5 photograph of a Krups propeller mill dominates page 74. Wait, there's more: on page 116 you'll find an equally imposing photograph of a Krups steam-operated coffee maker. (There's no need for a pump, it's so clever.)

This book, essentially worthless to those interested in espresso, is completely oblivious to some famous ways of making coffee. There is no mention of café cubano and there is no mention of the traditional ways to prepare the famous Hungarian dupla....

Well, I can honestly say this book has been a God send for me. I knew absolutely nothing about Coffee before this book and drank mostly instant. I got a taste for "real" coffee by frequenting the odd Coffee House with friends. I wanted to know how I could make a delicious drink like those I purchased. Thanks to this book - I now can! This is a very interesting read and takes the reader right through from growing the beans to serving. I have since purchased an Expresso machine and my friends LOVE to have coffee at my house. I am still learning and I have received other tips to improve my brew from other books but I owe my initial success to this book. GREAT for an absolute beginner and I suspect interesting to the more experienced. Thanks Corby! I'm no longer Tea Total :-)

My husband and I both enjoyed reading Joy of Coffee, and the suggestions for improving our coffee life were interesting and helpful. Kummer's prose makes us smile, but I tried making his recipe for mocha brownies and found them, well, awful--thin and sticky little bars with ground coffee residue on top. I wondered if something was incorrect about the directions, proportions or the ingredients in the recipe. I'd love a response if anyone knows. Thanks.