Anyone familiar with Pete Turner's work over the past years, knows that he is a master magician of color. His new book, Pete Turner African Journey, a collection of color photographs taken over his many years of return travel throughout Africa is magnificent to behold for both its color and content. Pete has a creative passion for color. His connection to color reminds me of a statement by the artist Paul Klee, "Colour possesses me...color and I are one." So it is with Pete who creates his colorful art using a camera and a searching eye. The way he photographs the people, places and culture of Africa is best said in one of the quotes I have by Gordon Parks. " Recording images of serenity and beauty was a matter of devout observance." I can think of no better way to describe the beauty, sensitivity and reverence of Pete Turner's photographs. His photographs are artfully displayed in a beautifully designed book by the prominent designer and friend, Massimo Vignelli. An introduction by another prominent friend, Gordon Parks, pays tribute to Turner for "...an unforgettable gift that urges me to breathe my own roots." African Journey, is a hero's journey, and an invitation to witness the rich and radiant colors and culture of Africa, the second largest continent on our mother earth.

Showcasing 148 full-color photographs, and with an informative introduction by photography, fillmmaker, composer and author Gordon Parks, Pete Turner African Journey captures the exotic glamor of a seven-month journey from Capetown, South Africa to Cairo, Egypt while Pete Turner was on assignment for National Geographic. This is a stunningly visual journal of people, landscapes, wildlife, and visual beauty where the images captured by Turner's camera could easily stand as individual works of high art and hang on any gallery wall. Pete Turner African Journey is a superbly produced and highly recommended addition to any personal, academic, professional, or community library photography collection.

This book is a wonderful trip that takes us though the landscapes of Africa, visiting the people and the incredible wildlife, seen through the lens of one of the world's greatest photographers. Turner is a master of color and light, and he fell in love early in his career with the richness of the African continent. To spend time with this book is to be his travelling-companion, visiting ancient temples, witnessing animals in their world, crossing the Sahara and spending time in villages, getting to know the proud people who live there. One beautiful image is of a dog sleeping in an Ndelele village, its white paw matching the painted architecture. In images like this, Turner shows us again and again scenes that only his eye and lens could capture.

Polidoro has compiled an excellent and well-written history of the relationship between two extraordinary individuals. Harry Houdini and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle both possessed keen intellects, but found themselves on opposite sides of the spiritualism debate. Relying extensively on the actual correspondence of the two men, Polidoro traces their history and interactions to the unhappy, but perhaps inevitable, conclusion. Although clearly (and appropriately) a skeptic, Polidoro resists the urge many authors cannot to make fun of individuals like Doyle.
The sad moral of the story is that intelligence is not enough. A mind capable of creating characters and stories such as those that featured Sherlock Holmes and Professor Challenger could not see the simple ways in which he was being duped. The methods of the spiritualists are the methods of the magicians, and no training in physics or the other branches of natural science teaches you those tricks. If anything, such training may make you easier to fool, as experimental apparatus does not consciously lie and you are trained to trust what you see. Mercifully, Polidoro does not dwell on such topics as the fairy photographs that fooled Doyle, although they are mentioned.
The book held the interest all the way through, and one emerges with a much deeper appreciation of Houdini in particular, who inevitably comes across as the champion of experimental control, and therefore as the subtle winner of the debate.

Polidoro gives an excellent account of the relationship between master stage magician Harry Houdini and the genius behind Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Brought together by their intense interest in Spiritualism, Houdini and Conan Doyle would come to stand at opposite sides of the issue. While Doyle embraced it as a new religion, Houdini undertook a crusade to expose fraudulent mediums by demonstrating their methods.

While firmly in the Houdini camp of skepticism, Polidoro manages to treat Doyle with a great deal of deserved respect. The book gives many examples of how the two men tried to assist one another in psychic investigations (at least in the early years); and how Houdini's widow, Beatrice, maintained a relationship with the Doyles that was both touching and cordial.

Interesting and educational, Polidoro's dual bio is recommended reading.

Two of the most famous personalities of early in the last century shared a strong interest in spiritualism, the belief that souls live on after death and can be contacted by the living. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of the immortal Sherlock Holmes, was unassailably convinced that spiritualism not only worked, but that it was the religion that all of us soon would practice, once its truth were known. Harry Houdini, the brilliant showman and escapologist, was convinced of no such thing, but he was convinced that he never found a conductor of séances who used supernatural rather than fraudulent or erroneous means of getting results. These two domineering personalities became unlikely friends, for a five year period, sharing correspondence, dinners, and holidays. It isn't hard to believe that the friendship foundered over their differences on the keen shared interest, but it is surprising that the friendship ever existed. _Final Séance: The Strange Friendship between Houdini and Conan Doyle_ (Prometheus) by Massimo Polidoro is a good supplement to the current crop of biographies of both men. It gives capsule biographies of both, with an extensive and annotated account of the years when they were an item together, and thus provides an excellent picture of spiritualism, rationality, and the will to believe.

In many of these pages, Doyle emerges as the more interesting figure because he was obviously a thoughtful and sometimes brilliant man, and it is a puzzle that he kept the belief in spirituality despite what seems to be overwhelming evidence (some presented by Houdini himself). He abandoned an insistence on proofs of religious ideas, probably in response to grief over the death of his son. He could not accept that mediums used trickery if he himself saw a demonstration he accepted as psychic. Houdini was interested in spiritualism probably because of a desire to contact his mother, but such contact never happened in a way that he thought was genuine. He repeatedly demonstrated evidence that mediums were just magicians to Doyle (who thought even that Houdini was using psychic means for some of his tricks). It would have easily have convinced Sherlock Holmes, but it never convinced his creator. When, after a séance with Lady Doyle who supposedly contacted his mother, Houdini maintained that he had never witnessed any sort of psychic phenomena, Doyle took this as a personal insult, and the friendship was over.

Houdini went on to organize against mediums, including lobbying for ill-judged laws to ban spiritualism. He also offered large amounts of money to anyone who could demonstrate "psychic" powers that he could not explain or duplicate. As Polidoro shows in an intelligent critique, this was a flawed argument; Houdini's ability to duplicate an effect would not prove that the effect was not originally performed in a psychic way. However, the offer lead the way for the more comprehensive one by James Randi, who currently offers a million dollars for a demonstration of psychic powers under controlled conditions. No prize awarded yet. Houdini died in 1926, and Doyle resumed a solicitous correspondence with the widow of the man who was "in some ways, the most remarkable man I have ever known." Doyle died four years later, believing still. Houdini did us all the service of a final test; he was, if it was at all possible, to return and give his wife a message agreed between them. Mediums did try to summon him, and if anyone could have escaped from the reaches of "the other world" to get her that message, the great escapologist would have managed it. It never happened. John Edward, and you other people who make money off other's desire to believe, please take note.

"Nudes 3", Graphis Inc.(1999) ISBN: 1-888001-66-6 is a superb 255 large-sized page presentation of some 200 nudes, mostly female and almost exclusively in B/W monochrome with a rare duotone or color. Publishers deserve praise for this elegant edition.

There is an excellent, quaint but all too short introductory commentary by photographer Barry Lategan who provides a brief digest of the nude form both historically from Biblical and pre-16th Century Irish churche times down to its present-day employment in advertising, girlie magazines and calendars. He provides some reflections on perceived but not totally explained limitations and restrictions governing male nudity. He also gives an interesting explanation of why horseshoes are hung over door ways, a Celtic custom handed down from olden times.

The majority of images are excellent, nicely representative of acknowledged and established photographers of the nude body and I had especial respect for the artisitic works of Herb Ritts (folio of 12 images from "Women Through the Ages"), Barbara Bordnick, Howard Schatz, Barry Lategan and many others. However, I found Suzanne Opton's "Device" (from the midriff tragedies) and Nancy & Matthew Sleeth's "Venus at Thirty" (still no pubic hair?) contrived and of uncertain merit in the context of this book. Nonetheless, "Nudes 3" - Graphis is substantial, and could find place on many coffee tables and open library shelves.

Graphis Nudes 3 ranks as one of the best photography collections of the year. One of the most impressive aspects of the collection is the editor's decision to include emerging artists alongside some true legends in the field. One of these exciting new voices was the Maine couple of Nancy and Matthew Sleeth who have five (!) photogrphs included in the book. Their passion for the female form, as well as the personal subtext of their work qualifies these pieces as truly exceptional. I had the luck to find a collection by Nancy and Matthew at a wonderful little art gallery in the Georgetown part of Washington, D.C. called Urbanspace. Their work in Grapis Nudes 3 was amazing, but seeing it in person was an extra treat.

Graphis has put out yet another elegant, handsome collection of some of the finest nudes ever reproduced. With over 200 classic and innovative photographs from around the world, this book features exceptional work from some of the most esteemed talents, including Herb Ritts, Sheila Metzner, and Robert Farber--as well as some exciting emerging artists. Editor Nichole Ray did an exceptional job of collecting the best in fine art nude photography today. The elegant presentation will please and inspire you for years to come. A defite BUY for anyone interested in respectful and intriguing photography of the human form.

If you like'd "Squeek The Mouse", than you'll love "Joe Galaxy" from the same author!

Just wanted to get my words in edge wise about this book! I bought my copy back in 1987. The first words out of my mouth were 'This is where Groening (The Simpsons creator & so called creator of itchy & scratchy) stole this from!' It is great fun to read, & once you read it's as if the images stay imprinted in your brain! It is truly a work of art! ... Just like the guy in the first review here at amazon I wanted more as soon as I read it the first time!"

I read this book in the early 90s. I only paid 10$ for it but I loved it. If you like the humor of south park with the gore of itchy and scratchy (from the simpsons) then this book is going to blow you away! I believe there is a Squeak the mouse 2, so if you have either one and want to sell it let me know. I will pay for them.

Finally! Finally, there is a book on Micromosaics, and what a wonderful book! Prior to the publication of Jeanette Hanisee Gabriel's masterful research job, there have been no books available to the collector of Micromosaics or for anyone who wants to read about a little-mentioned, and fading art. And who better to write the book then Ms. Gabriel who has been Sir Arthur Gilbert's Private Curator since 1994. Sir Arthur Gilbert's collection which now resides at Somerset House in London can only be equaled by the collections of The Vatican Museum in Rome and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg.

There are a number of books that cover the vast and impressive Gilbert Collection: "Gold Boxes", "Monumental Silver", "Portrait Miniatures in Enamel," "Gold and Silver," "Hardstones" and now "Micromosaics." As I happily have the other books in my library - I can honestly say that the micromosaic book must have been the most difficult and yet it is extremely comprehensive. Ms. Hanisee's scholarly work on "The Gilbert Collection: Hardstones", must have been a bit easier to write as there is so much information on the art of Pietra Dura and Hardstone. Micromosaics is another ball of wax as so little was written - and I'm sure if it was to be had - Ms. Gabriel uncovered the information.

The Appendix has a fascinating section written by Professor Massimo Alfieri "New Notes on Giacomo Raffaelli and Michelangelo Barberi" two of the leading Master Mosaicists of the 18th and early 19th century ---- fascinating. It takes you to the time of the workshops, with letters, sales receipts, drawings and the like. Not only revealing, but just plain fun for devotees of the period. One can also find a section on techniques and materials used in the making of these compelling masterful and minutely executed works of art.

Seeing the fabulous color plates on almost every page, the items in the collection, one finds themselves rubbing their eyes in bewilderment over the artistry of these rare and intricate pieces. The footnotes are so interesting and well-written that they are a book within themselves, and my only wish was for a third hand to mark the place as I turned from text to illustration to footnote and back to text. In many books one tends to skip a lot of the footnotes, unless they pertain to a particular interest -- but Ms. Gabriel has added fascinating information and I told myself it was worth the digital exercise to read each and every one.

Lastly - Jeanette Gabriel has masterfully included very detailed Biographies of the known artists of the time and the literature connected with these artists; a Glossary - with full descriptions; a seven page Bibliography; Exhibition Histories, and an extremely well-written Index.

"The Gilbert Collection: Micromosaics" may look like a sumptuous coffee table book of 310 pages (which it is:), but it is definitely not fluff and mirrors -- it is a serious and fascinating work which should included in any library of Decorative Arts.

Obviously - I think it's just great, I thank Ms. Gabriel, and I give it 5 stars.

Margot Conte

Thanks to all of you who have sent me such lovely comments about this book and the Gilbert Micromosaics. Since the Gilbert Collection museum in London was formally opened by the Queen Mother in May, 2000, it has been deluged with inquiries. Thus, I have decided to take questions regarding expertise from my office in California. There will soon be a website with a link to this Amazon.com site for those wishing to purchase the book, and a link to me: gilbertcurator@aol.com.

Thanks again. Jeanette Hanisee Gabriel, Private Curator to Arthur Gilbert and the Gilbert Collection.

This is a beautiful and informative book with insights into historic and technical aspects of micromosaic provided by the leading authority on this art form. Beautiful close up photographs reveal the intricate details of these little treasures. This book is a must have for micromosaic and decorative arts enthusiasts and a beautiful addition to any library.

These guys wrote the book on DSL by creating the products, standards, processes, and applications for broadband in the copper loop. As active participants in the DSL Forum and other standards bodies, Starr, Sorbara, Cioffi, and Silverman have been there, done that. They know their stuff, and it shows in this detailed work on the state of the art of DSL in 2003. While not being shameful to get down into the nitty gritty of "Iterative Water-Filling" or "Duplex clear-down sequences", there is good coverage of the business side of DSL and simple questions like "What is Voice over DSL?" For marketers like me, there are great pictures and diagrams throughout the book about all of the stuff they are talking about! Overall, there's something in here for everyone, just don't feel bad if there's a section or twenty that you don't understand -- these guys are the geniuses who thought it all up!

This book describes the state of the art by the folks defining it. Cioffi of Stanford developed much of the original technology, Sorbara and Starr have led the industry's key technical committee, and Silverman's been a leader in the DSL Forum. A good book by pros for pros, that goes far deeper than anything else published. 01/05/02

What better book to show an architecture student, design student, or even professional designer the virtues and power of the hand? This is a small and compelling book that does not explore, but states clearly the relevance of drawing in Rossi's design process. Though the format of the book is small, the reproductions of Rossi's works are large enough and of high enough quality that we can clearly follow the craft and intuition of the initial responses and investigations of particular design problems. Rossi's drawings are intuitive, playful, and always based solidly in the knowledge of the fundimentals of orthographic, perspective, and axonometric design drawing as well as the subjectivity of gesture. In his drawings, the process, not the product, is paramount. For an instructor of design or drawing, they are wonderful for student analysis. By dismantling and revealing the underlying structures of the visual language that Rossi employs, students and designers alike will be inspired to return to paper in a much more rigorous way to explore the moments between thought and expression that perhaps only drawing can afford. Whether you are a fan of Rossi or not, this book is a great addition to a personal or school library.

This is a beautiful book which covers some of Kiefer's best work in painting as well as his photo-montage and book making activities. A small and eloquent tribute and forward leave adequate room for many full color reproductions (some double-paged) of paintings, large black and white photos taken by the artist, photos of installations and performances and reproductions of selections from his book makings. The reproductions are bright and clear and attempt to give you an adequate view of the texture and matter that Kiefer paints with. Kiefer is one of the most prodigious and poetic artists of our time. He stands out individually in our present, sometimes cynical art atmosphere in the age of post-modern theory. These are magical paintings that contain deep myth and meaning. A truly beautiful book on beautiful and revealing art that can change your view of the world.

infomation about the follwing models of management:human relations,classical,systems contingency.the theoretical approaches and contrasts.And same theorists positions such as:taylor`s perpective,the gilbreths` perespective weber perespetive fayol`s perespetive etc.

The book is nice and presents in a clear way the results and the approach used by the authors. The MilleMiglia in Automatico Tour is amazing!