Summer Crossing: A Novel (Modern Library Paperbacks)

Book Description

Thought to be lost for over 50 years, here is the first novel by one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century.

Set in New York during the summer of 1945, this is the story of a young carefree socialite, Grady, who must make serious decisions about the romance she is dangerously pursuing and the effect it will have on everyone involved.

Fans of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Capote’s short stories will be thrilled to read Summer Crossing.

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

review.......2007-09-12

I didn't get very excited over this novel, didn't have enough time for that - it was over too soon. Still, it definitely creates an atmosphere and gets one involved. I loved the picture on the cover, a great match to the protoganist, in my opinion.

It has that Capote spark.......2007-08-12

This is a very early effort by Capote, and it wasn't published in his lifetime so it should be regarded as unfinished, but you can see hints of his future greatness in his elegant use of language, his ability to evoke a world, and his love of the shocking moment. The plot is very simple: Grady, the 17 year old daughter of a wealthy Park Avenue family, stays in New York while her parents spend the summer in Europe. She's fallen in love with a parking attendant in a city garage and wants to spend the summer enjoying her secret love. But she hasn't thought through the consequences of a liaison with someone from another social class. Events begin to spiral out of control...

The book is short, a novella really, and well worth reading if you are a Capote fan, although it certainly doesn't compare with his mature work.

A Taste of Things to Come.......2007-05-20

This long-lost novella, written when Capote was only 19, is startlingly brilliant for a first novel. To think that it was written by such a young man, barely aware of life's mysteries, is astounding.

It is the very simple story of Grady, a spoiled young heiress whose parents wanted a boy. In one dreamlike, tumultuous summer right after World War II, she sees off her parents to Europe, takes over (and trashes) their lavish New York apartment (as big as a mansion) and takes up with the rakish Clyde, a completely unsuitable young man, a Jewish veteran who works in a parking lot. Her rebellion could not be more complete, but she is so physically besotted with her swain that she is lying to herself and those around her. And then she marries him in a secret, wild elopement.

The denoument is simply brilliant, definitely foreshadowing Capote's later writings. An excellent period piece and glimpse into the young author's psyche.

Summer Crossing.......2007-01-30

No wonder Truman Capote didn't want this book published. It's disjointed and rambling, with no clear characterization. Cross it off your list.

Capote's unfinished first novel.......2006-09-07

Truman Capote began writing Summer Crossing in 1944 when he was just 19 years old. Unsatisfied with his work, he abandoned the manuscript a decade or so later. The unfinished manuscript resurfaced in 2004 and was published in 2005. I read the novel with reservation, mainly because I found his other unfinished work to be almost unreadable. As it turned out, my reservations were unfounded. Summer Crossing is a beautiful and thoughtful first novel.

The book's protagonist, Grady McNeil, is the strong-willed, somewhat rebellious youngest daughter of a wealthy New York family with an apartment in Manhattan and a house in the Hamptons. Seventeen year-old Grady is on the verge of her debut into NewYork's fashionable crowd, an event which Grady dreads and which her mother greatly anticipates. When the book opens, the McNeil family is preparing to embark on a cruise to Europe, and Grady has just announced that she intends to stay in Manhattan. What Grady doesn't reveal is her reason for staying. She has started seeing Clyde Manzer, a rough-mannered parking lot attendant. Although she knows almost nothing about Clyde, the relationship has already become sexual. Grady is hoping that, with a vacant apartment at their disposal, the relationship will blossom into something even better by summer's end.

In spite of her misgivings, Grady's mother leaves Grady to her own devices for the summer. Grady rushes headlong into a relationship for which she is not ready, dragging the reluctant Clyde with her. She sets in motion a course of events which ultimately overwhelm her.

This is a noticeably unfinished novel. There is a break in the narrative toward the final chapter. Up to the end of chapter 5, the plot is linear and fairly easy to follow. But to get the gist of the final chapter, you have to read between the lines to fill in some gaps. Nevertheless, the story worked for me. I felt that Capote got Grady's character just right. Capote gives the reader just enough background and lets the reader see just enough of Grady's mother to understand what is going on in Grady's head and heart. Coincidentally, the break in the narrative happens precisely at the point in the story where things get out of hand and Grady realizes that she is in over her head. At the point where Grady withdraws into herself, the narrative starts to shut down as well. I doubt that Capote intended this effect, but it made the story all the better. There are a few other flaws, such as poor editing. But, all told, this is a good story.

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Summer Crossing: A Novel
Truman Capote
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0739467271

Book Description

For years, many have believed that the rise of superpowered mutants represents a threat to the survival of ordinary humans. The uncanny X-Men have dedicated their lives to proving that peaceful coexistence is possible. When a refugee spacecraft crashes on Earth, hounded by a warship bent on its destruction, the X-Men race to the rescue -- only to learn that it carries beings of an entirely different order whose very existence may jeopardize life as we know it.

Now, facing a direct threat to all life on Earth, the X-Men grapple with an impossible moral dilemma -- to defend the aliens whose only crime is being born different . . . or to embrace the methods of those who have long condemned mutantkind, joining forces with their own greatest persecutors to go hunt down their common enemy and end the evolutionary menace, once and for all.

Customer Reviews:

Watchers on the Wall Review.......2007-02-26

Watchers on the Wall by Christopher L. Bennett, is a story that pits mutant against mutant. It plays a lot like the movie which I felt was a good however I also felt it was in a way extending it in some manner. I thought that the storyline was intriguing and couldn't help but wonder if the author was trying to relay a message of things going on in the real world.

The novel moved at a swift paced and unlike the author's Trek books, this wasn't bogged down with science stuff. This is a stand alone so you don't have to be a comic geek to follow the story. Throughout the book, Bennett makes references to other Marvel heroes but never by name although I was waiting for some cameo from someone at some point. Regardless, the story works as is and it has a satisfying ending.

It is a little predictable though early on but doesn't spoil anything. I thought the Latin chapters were interesting and wondered why it was done. Actually, I thought it was amusing. But, when all is said and done, Watchers on the Wall makes a good edition to your library.

Not a bad X-Men tale with all the right characters........2006-10-15

I have been reading comics since I was 9 and I have to say that I really enjoyed this book. X-Men rollcall for this book - Cyclops, Jean Grey, Wolverine, Nightcrawler, Rogue, Beast, Kitty Pryde and Lockheed. The only one of the X-Men that I missed was Colossus as he was always my favorite.
This book starts out with a new group of young mutants making their first visit to the Xavier Institute and quickly turns into an exciting race against time to save a group of alien refugess called the Chlorites from a pursuing alien race called the Diascar along with the help of the Imperial Guard from the Shi'ar Empire which is run by the love of Charles Xaviers life the Majestrix, Lilandra Neramani.
This book has action almost from start to end and even includes the Sentinels which are reprogrammed to work alongside the X-Men to search for Chlorites but as with all things Sentinels you know it can't last long, or does it?
I definetly recommend this book to any X-Men fan because I know that like me they will truly enjoy this great ride.

Good Charactorizations, So-So Plot.......2006-08-14

The author hits the charactorizations spot on, and picks most of the best X-men to include in this book, but the plot is not equal to the charactors. Could have used more action.

Real X-Men fans will be real dissapointed........2006-07-24

The author has talent, but it makes me wonder why he never did much research about the X-Men. This is the worst X-Men book ever. I own all the books and sad to say Watchers on the Walls is the first X book I will never re-read. It was a total waste of money. Christopher L.Bennett didn't understand the characters or their relationships. He tried to write a deep-thinking X-Men novel, and ended up writing an offensive story with a poorly written conclusion. Maybe, just maybe if you've never heard of the X-Men (and you write the ending yourself) you should read the book.

A brutal choice to make.......2006-05-30

I used to read superhero comics all the time, but I've moved away from them (mostly for lack of storage space and how much they cost more than anything else). I knew that some superheroes were making the transition to novel form, but I hadn't bothered to go find any and see what they were like. However, I stumbled across X-Men: Watchers on the Walls, by Christopher L. Bennett, at the library and thought "he's a Trek author I've talked to on the Star Trek boards, and I like the X-Men, so why not give this one a try?" After doing so, I'm glad I did. It's an interesting book, with only a couple of missteps which I'm not sure are Bennett's fault anyway.

It's a normal day at the Xavier Institute of Higher Learning, with a brand new batch of students finding out what they're in for. Unbeknownst to the rest of the world, these children are mutants, children born with an extraordinary power that makes them more than human. In a world where humanity treats mutants with fear and some loathing, Professor Xavier takes them in, trains them to use (or at least control) their powers, and how to live amongst humans. But the school is also home to the X-Men, mutant heroes who are also instructors at the school. On a training mission with Jean Grey, Professor Xavier happens upon a spaceship in distress, being chased and fired upon by another ship. The fugitive ship crashes and the X-Men are called to protect them. However, they may be more menace than prey. The form of life on that ship is deadly to most carbon-based life forms, and if they aren't dealt with, the whole of humanity could be destroyed. The X-Men must balance the safety of the Earth against the persecution of a people whose only crime is being born different; a sentiment that many humans share about mutants.

Bennett does a great job with the characters all X-Men fans know and love. All of them are recognizable, even as I kept on trying to figure out where in the comics continuity this novel was taking place. Bennett has said that he was told to create a stand-alone novel, but he was able to mix in a few references to ground the reader who is familiar with these things, and his characterization definitely fit my image of these heroes at the time (about five or so years ago). Wolverine is irascible but with a good heart. Rogue is extremely idealistic, taking the side of the fugitives often. I wanted to smack her a few times because of how much I disagreed with her, but she was definitely in character. The others are well-done too.

Make no mistake, this novel is definitely set in the comics universe, despite its release being timed to coincide with the new movie. In the movies, it seems like there are no other superheroes around at all, but in this one, many of them are mentioned. None of them are actually on screen, but there are plenty of mentions of the Fantastic Four (though oddly, not by name), Spider-Man, and myriad other Marvel heroes. A lot of mutants show up as well, including some who have worked with the X-Men before, such as Banshee. If you're not familiar with the comics universe, however, don't be alarmed. None of the references are strange enough that you won't know what Bennett's talking about.

Bennett writes an exciting tale, too. The plot is interesting and the resolution is definitely appropriate, though I have a bit of a problem with the main key to the resolution being a mutant who just happens to have come to Xavier's school very recently, and is introduced in this book. That's the only real fault with the plotting that I could find, and it's certainly a debatable point whether or not it detracts from the book. It did for me. Everything else is grand, though. The arguments from all sides just felt right and they were well-presented by Bennett. Rogue goes a bit too far over to the side of the fugitives, but she's always been a huge idealist, so I don't fault her for that. It was nice to see that it took other circumstances happening before others began to join her.

The writing in this book was great, except for one thing: I don't know if it's because it was two groups rather than two individuals fighting, but the standard fight scenes that every comic has to have just fell flat on their faces for me. I'm not sure that comic book fight scenes translate that well to the novel format, though I'd have to check out an individual's book (like a Spider-Man) before I figure that out. Whether it's Bennett's fault or a fault of the format, the two or three huge fight scenes left me cold, and I couldn't wait for them to be over. The description of one person's powers affecting another person almost felt like exposition in the middle of the battle. Unfortunately, the ultimate fight with the Sentinels was one of those instances. One thing that does lead me to guess that the problem is more the size of the fights is that when Bennett breaks the X-Men up into smaller groups, the scenes do work a little better. Not a lot, but some.

All in all, though, Watchers on the Walls is an excellent example of a superhero book done well. It brings up interesting philosophical points, provides good characterization, and tells an interesting story. If you like your X-Men, then it's definitely worth a read.

David Roy

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Watchers of the Wall
William Meikle
Manufacturer: Spectral Visions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1931402280

Customer Reviews:

Good but not great.......2007-08-11

The second in a seres analogous to the American Civil War, where the North of Detina rebels against King Avram for trying to emancipate the blond serfs. Fantasy solutions replace technology, such as magic carpets replacing railways. This book covers the southern army's fight north to cut the north in two.

I found this book to be more entertaining than the first one in the seres, Sentry Peak, as if Turtledove had gotten a better feel for his characters. However, this is not one of his best stories, as the story never really takes off. I recommend this book to Turtledove completests, but not to someone who is looking for a place to start Turtledove.

Not Turtledoves usual good stuff.......2002-08-07

Many others have mentioned that this storyline is based on Shermans march through GA. While I'm a mild civil war buff, and I could make connections with real world names, some events and names were explained better at the end of the book than I could remember.

However, as to the book and series itself, I cannot recommend it, or at least, not purchasing it. Harry Turtledove has finally hit a "slump" after his previous outstanding alternate histories.

One gets the feeling that this entire series is filled with a lot of pap filled with little bits of meat, in order to stretch it out for 3 books. I believe this storyline could have been better told in a single book, something along the lines of "Guns of the South".

I hope that Harry Turtledove has not fallen into the rut that many sci-fi/fantasy authors have, taking an original idea and trying to stretch it out for several books just to keep on having something published, or to cash in on their names, an unfortunate trend of recent years.

Bottom line, if you want to keep up on all the Harry Turtledove books, get this one (and the previous and next) at the library.

A Very Good Rendition.......2002-04-20

I really liked this book.

Now, though I know some about the Civil War, I am not a super fan nor do I know it battle by battle and general and colonel by general and colonel. Maybe this is why I liked it so much - many of the characters were new and unknown to me. In fact, maybe this book would be even better for those with a good grasp of geograhy but not a photographic memory of the Civil War.

The book is not perfect - at times it's a little boring regarding the incessant pep talks that both sides lead to keep up their courage (We'll lick them, of course). Also (and this is not the author but me) where did he get that weird pantheon from with lions and all? Why a virtual US with a pagan religion? I suppose it's to reinforce the swords and sorcery theme.

The author does a good job showing the lives of ordinary soldiers, too.

I thought Marching Through Peachtree better than its predecessor Sentry Peak. I admit that since he is following real history some of the characters do have to make stupid mistakes too often. This is especially true in Sentry Peak with Thraxton the Braggart and his too idiotic mistakes, but I don't think it is as bad in the sequel. I especially liked the characters Rollant, Smitty, Doubting George, and Roast Beef William. And who'd ever think to see a picture of Abe Lincoln in a crown?

So all and all a neat adventure even if bound by real history.

Good character development in recast history.......2002-01-21

The war between the provinces drags on with the serf-holding north holding on despite advances by the south. After winning the battle in Franklin, the southern army faces a new opponent--one who intends to keep his army intact and to force the south to take losses for every mile of territory they conquer. Fortunately for the south, the northern generals are constantly back-stabbing their leader. If the southern population is willing to continue the battle, the blond serfs of the north may, eventually, be freed.

MARCHING THROUGH PEACHTREE is a fantasy novel (magic, dragons, flying carpets) version of the U.S. Civil War recounting Sherman's march through Georgia. This type of fantasy recasting of real historic events is something of a Harry Turtledove specialty and MARCHING THROUGH PEACHTREE is the best of these novels I've read yet. Turtledove gives the reader a full range of the battle, depicting the decisions and lives of both generals and privates. Ex-serf and blond Rollant is an especially interesting and sympathetic character.

Fans of epic fantasy may be disturbed by the moral ambiguity in MARCHING THROUGH PEACHTREE. Although the southern (U.S. northern) cause is depicted somewhat more sympathetically, the northern side also has its merits--there can be no pure battle between good and evil. To enforce the parallels to U.S. history, Turtledove is forced to introduce some rather extreme stretches--e.g., using magic carpets as a substitute for the all-important railroads. As always, when recounting historical events, the reader is forced to accept foolish decisions (because they actually happened) that no reader would accept in a pure fiction work (because no villain or hero would do anything that stupid).

If you enjoy this type of historical analogue novel, MARCHING THROUGH PEACHTREE is one of the best. It may be read independently of the earlier novel in this series.

awsome.......2001-12-14

I just realy enjoy all of the turtledove books but this one has caught my eye and everyone should read it.

Average customer rating:
Relationships and Communication Activities: Includes 90 Ready-To-Use Worksheets for Grades 7-12 (Just for the Health of It!, Unit 3)
Patricia Rizzo Toner
Manufacturer: Center for Applied Research in Education
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
General | Sociology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Social Situations | Sociology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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Life Skills: 225 Ready-to-Use Health Activities for Success and Well-Being (Grades 6-12)

ASIN: 0876288476

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It's All About the Spice

Practical, easy, and delicious recipes

Not a good indian cookbook

Exotic Weeknight Cooking

Great cookbook for the twenty-somethings!

The Spice is Right: Easy Indian Cooking for Today
Monica Bhide
Manufacturer: Callawind Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Herbs, Spices & Condiments | Cooking by Ingredient | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Indian | Asian | Regional & International | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1896511171

Book Description

The Spice Is Right is a down-to-earth Indian cookbook for the time-squeezed, health-conscious home cook. The book highlights more than 150 simple, healthful versions of traditional Indian dishes as well as Western dishes with an Indian twist. The book is organized into menus, with takes the guesswork out of planning an Indian meal. If you'sre a fan of the cyber-food world, The Spice Is Right has all the right links to interesting food sites and markets on the Internet.

Customer Reviews:

It's All About the Spice.......2006-10-13

The Spice is Right is one of my favorite cookbooks and I have scores of Indian cookbooks, as I'm sort of a gourmet chef. I wrote a cooking column for a sailing magazine for a couple years and one of my favorite articles was my "Two Ways to Tandoori" which you can read in one of my "Amazon So You'd Like to Guides," if you want. Tandoori chicken is just delicious. Anyway, while I was making the guide, I listed fifty cookbooks from my collection. I have more. I know, I know, one would think a couple books would be enough, but it's sort of an obsession with me, making food taste great and I just love to see how others have done it.

While I was doing the guide, I pulled out all my Indian Cookbooks, had them all stacked around me. Then I decided to pull out all the ones I didn't think I could live without. It came to an even dozen and The Spice is Right was one of the books. The recipes are just divine. I've never been to India, been a lot of places, but never there. Delhi, Bombay, Ganges, names that just ring with adventure. I imagine I'm there every time I cook up something Indian. I can feel the smells as they wrap their delicious flavors all around the kitchen, or galley, if I'm cooking on board the sailboat my husband Dub and I live on half the year. You won't go wrong with this book. Check it out. Check out my other eleven too. Cook up something from India tonight, taste the adventure.

Review submitted by Captain Katie Osborne

Practical, easy, and delicious recipes.......2006-03-21

I use this book often for several reasons. First and foremost, the recipes taste great! Secondly, and nearly as important, is that they don't require an inordinate amount of time to prepare -- the recipes are streamlined more than in other cookbooks. Third, I like the writing style and the author's practical serving suggestions and food combinations. I am not Indian and therefore I don't dare speak to the "authenticity" of the recipes, but frankly I don't think it matters, either. The point is that these recipes taste good and they'll remind you of your favorite Indian restaurant's cuisine, but they're do-able in your own home.

Not a good indian cookbook.......2006-03-21

I am indian and eat indian food all the time, so I was looking for a good cookbook to learn some new recipes. This is not a book for people who want to learn to cook traditional indian dishes, most of the recipes are made up by the author and are very far versions of the traditional indian dishes.

Exotic Weeknight Cooking.......2005-12-16

I can't look through this book without finding something new I want to make. There are no pictures, but the recipes are simple, interesting, fast, healthy and taste good. It's perfect for those Monday nights when you don't have a lot of time or energy, but want something more interesting than meatloaf. And for most recipes--if you're afraid of spicy food--just leave out the chili powder.

A lot of recipes do require exotic ingredients. Many can be found in Whole Foods, but not all. You won't be able to replicate the food from your favorite Indian restaurant, but the flavour profile is similar. I highly recommend the Kulfi, and the Indian Mashed potato salad. I also really really liked the curry leaf spice rub sandwhiches.

Great cookbook for the twenty-somethings!.......2004-03-12

As an Indian American brought up here, it's a wonderful resource to have in my young kitchen! This is a great gift to buy any twenty-something. A great graduation, housewarming, or just any-day gift! Thanks Monica for demystifying Indian cooking tastily!

Average customer rating:

The definitive Fiestaware® and Harlequin® text.

The *Definitive* Fiesta Reference Book

Get the Huxford One First

Given the hype-

The definitive guide fro collecting Fiesta & harlequin

Fiesta, Harlequin, & Kitchen Kraft Dinnerwares: The Homer Laughlin China Collectors Association Guide (Schiffer Book for Collectors)

Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Glass & Glassware | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Kitchenware | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Pottery & Ceramics | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Post 86 Fiesta: Identification and Value Guide

Collecting Fiesta, Lu-Ray & Other Colorware

ASIN: 0764311484

Book Description

Three of the most collectible lines of vintage dinnerware are throughly explored in this major work written by expert collectors. Colorful Fiesta, Harlequin, and Kitchen Kraft sets made since 1936 by The Homer Laughlin China Company are shown in 592 color photographs and detailed measured drawings along with extensive analysis of the shapes, marks, production methods, and decorations. Their enormous popularity, originally and now, has made these dinnerware lines familiar to four generations of Americans, and this reference will link them with collectors, dealers, and users long into the future.

Customer Reviews:

The definitive Fiestaware® and Harlequin® text........2002-05-16

This is the definitive text on Fiestaware®, Harlequin® and Kitchen Kraft. It was written for collectors by collectors (the combined efforts of the Homer Laughlin China Collectors Association.)

The book has insightful, smart and readable text that was reviewed by experts for accuracy. Each piece is illustrated with gorgeous, professional full-color photos, scale line drawings and details on its manufacture.

Homer Laughlin gave the authors unprecedented access to the original journals of Franklin Rhead, the original designer behind Fiestaware® and Harlequin®, and it shows.

This is more of a textbook than a guide. I find myself using it constantly. For Fiesta and Harlequin® collectors there is no equal.

The *Definitive* Fiesta Reference Book.......2002-02-06

This book, by far and away, is THE BEST for the collector of Homer Laughlin colourware. It has an amazing amount of detail and answers almost every question a person could ask about the dishes named in the title. Measured line drawings are an invaluable help for both the novice and seasoned collector. And it is quite a treat to see photos of nearly every piece in all glaze colours. I found the price guide to be a major improvement over most, as each piece is priced individually by colour.

Readers are treated to a wonderfully accurate history of the dishes. Several rumours that have circulated among the collecting community over the years are laid to rest. The fact that the authors had access to both Frederick Rhead's journals and the HLC modeling logs resulted in a book that is sure to become "The Fiesta Bible".

It is quite refreshing to be able to consult a reference for information, and know that it is factual and free of some author's prejudice and innuendo. This particular book sets a new standard for what collectors' books should be. A MUST BUY!!!

Get the Huxford One First.......2001-10-20

This is a fine quality coffee table type book, with heavy paper and nice color reproduction. If you are an advanced collector who owns every book about Fiesta as well as every piece of Fiesta, you will want this book.

If you are a new collector who has absolutely no idea what any thing is, have no assortment of Fiesta to look at as you read and have no spatial visualization skills, you will want this book because it very pedantically gives every measurement every which way so that you can figure out that your plate that measures 9 5/8 inches is ... surprise commonly called the 9" luncheon plate, and not some "rare, unknown, experimental" due to that extra 5/8". In fact, if you are given to such flights of imagination, especially when pricing your items for sale, please buy this book.

If you are the average collector who falls in the middle, who has seen a set or two of Fiesta, or owns some already, who knows the difference between a bowl and a cup, the tried and true Huxford book, also out at this time in a new edition at about ... and in stock at ..., is the more standardly used alternative, and the one that all but the most novice collector would probably find the better value.

Given the hype-.......2001-05-05

Given all the hype that has been sounded off about this book, I guess my expectations were far too high. I expected something that would make me throw away my Snyder book for the pictures, stop constantly using my Huxford for the information and become enraptured with this one... sorry folks. I found the "one item to a page" thing a little too overdone and self important. Really, MORE information on LESS pages at a LOWER cost would have been much preferred. At 39.95, it is unlikely that I will buy the next (inevitible) edition...- I mean, just how many photos of a single item, followed by a line drawing of the same item, do you need to see?... Huxfords have always kept prices at around $20 per each edition update.... at $40 I would rather buy a piece of Fiesta than (a second edition of) this book. If you can, buy it used or borrow it.

The definitive guide fro collecting Fiesta & harlequin.......2000-12-09

If you are a beginning collector of Fiesta, Harlequin or Kitchen Kraft, this book will be an excellent source of information, particularly with regard to colors, dimensions and marks, the most commomly asked questions. If you are a more advaned collector, there is still a wealth of information to be found in this reference. The inclusion of dimensions for each piece is a subtantial improvement over most collectors guides to dinnerware. An absolute must own for the Fiesta or Harlequin collector!

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Merry Christmas Quilts

Merry Christmas Quilts

Merry Christmas Quilts
Patchwork Place
Manufacturer: That Patchwork Place
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1564776352

Book Description

Deck the halls and the rest of your holiday home with quilted treasures! These classic Christmas quilts are the perfect way to celebrate the season, or to shower family and friends with gifts from the heart.

· Eleven festive projects include bed and wall quilts, plus a banner and tree skirt

· Popular quilts gathered from favorite books feature baskets, holly, snowflakes, and cardinals

· Quilts come from best-loved designers such as Roxanne Carter, Mary Ellen Von Holt of Little Quilts, and Tonee White

Customer Reviews:

Merry Christmas Quilts.......2007-08-29

I found this book to be amoung my favorites and I have a lot of quilting books. You will not be sorry to buy this book.

Merry Christmas Quilts.......2006-11-05

The book is very delightful. I have enjoyed looking at it and hope to make many quilts from it. The instructions are very easy to follow.

Paper Piece a Merry Christmas (That Patchwork Place)

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Paper Piece a Merry Christmas (That Patchwork Place)
Jodie Davis
Manufacturer: Martingale and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1564772969

Book Description

If quilters can sew a straight line, they can "Paper Piece a Merry Christmas"! This fun-filled book is packed with a collection of festive patterns and quilts that are simple to stitch and delightful to display. Even quilters who are new to paper piecing will enjoy this library of Christmas blocks and start-to-finish project guide, all in one resourceful book. Includes:

• Ten quilt projects and over 50 block and border patterns, including Christmas trees, stockings, a snowman, reindeer, candy cane, sled, trumpet, and nutcracker, plus five different Santas

• Full-size paper-piecing patterns to mix and match for dozens of original quilt designs

• Bonus how-to's for turning blocks into charming ornaments--perfect for stocking stuffers and quick little gifts

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Merry Christmas
Sara Nephew
Manufacturer: Clearview Triangle
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0962117250

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Merry Christmas quilts (Quilts made easy)

Manufacturer: Oxmoor House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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ASIN: 0848712692

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A Merry Little Christmas to Appliqué
Kay Mackenzie
Manufacturer: Quilt Puppy Publications & Designs
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0972585249
Release Date: 2005-08-22

Product Description

Happy Christmas designs for your appliqué pleasure in a variety of shapes and sizes that play nicely together. Use your own favorite appliqué method. Includes color photos of Christmas wall quilts and other projects for inspiration. Also presented: Kay's hand appliqué tips.

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QUILT A MERRY CHRISTMAS
SANDRA L. Hatch
Manufacturer: HouSE OF WHITE BIRCHES
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OFXF5I

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QUILT A MERRY CHRISTMAS (#141063)
SANDRA L HATCH
Manufacturer: HOUSE OF WHITE BIRCHES
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000O9QUXS

Product Description

LOTS OF PROJECTS TO DO FOR CHRISTMAS. GREAT FOR PRESENTS AND BAZAAR'S.

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Merry Christmas Quilts
n/a
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000M3IO1C

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Quilt a Merry Christmas (141063)
Sandra L. Hatch
Manufacturer: House of White Birches
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000J465Q0

Product Description

Decorate your home for Christmas with quick and easy-to-stitch projects -- Christmas Trees Bath Set, Ribbon Table Runner, Santa's Nine-Patch Wall Quilt, Holiday Pillows & Valances, All Hearts Come Home for Christmas Wall Quilt, Overall Santa Stocking, and Sunbonnet Sue Stocking.

Book Description

Filled with elegant designs and clever tips, A Japanese Touch for Your Home offers bold and exciting ideas for remodeling your home or redecorating your apartment. The author, architect Koji Yagi, explains the basic elements of Japanese interior design and shows you how to use them. Install tatami mats and shoji doors--cardinal elements of Japanese interior design--and see how beautifully they respond to the Western home. Change the size and shape of a room easily and tastefully with bamboo screens and movable partitions. Build a simple Japanese-style alcove, decorate it with something special, and then flaunt it. Try some Japanese lighting techniques--low, soft, and beautiful. Change the mood of a room, and change your way of looking at things. A Japanese Touch for Your Home includes much more. Practical, approachable, and authentic, it is written by a prominent Japanese architect concerned about the demands of contemporary lifestyles, and the answers that traditional Japanese design has to offer. Over 120 color plates taken by a leading Japanese photographer accompany the informed text. In addition, over 200 black and white sketches, floor plans, and a section on do-it-yourself projects make this a book that will pique your desire to be creative and then show you how to fulfill it. A practical guide for homeowners, interior designers, and people who like to work with their heads and their hands, this book will introduce you to a new way of living.

Customer Reviews:

The Title is Misleading.......2004-07-31

Although it is a GOOD book with great quality pictures, it does very little to add a Japanese Touch for Your Home. It graphically explains the areas of a Japanese style house but it does not help you integrate the oriental with the western style of living, which is what I thought it was about.

Further more the couple of projects for building Japanese furniture a pretty basic, you can find better one for free in the Internet.

It is a good book to read but for me it didnt have any practical use.

A New Hunger........2002-12-17

This book has created a new hunger in me to find and devour every book I can get my hands on dealing with Japanese architecture. I can now see where Frank Lloyd Wright got a lot of his inspiration from. This is the first book I have read on the subject so far, and it seems to cover a bit of everything with lots of nice photos. If your looking for a book on organizing and storing stuff like only the Japanese can do, then get "Small Spaces: Stylish Ideas for Making More of Less in the Home" by Azby Brown

Great Primer for the Novice to Japanese interiors........2002-08-17

This is the first I purchased on the subject of Japanese interiors, which I crave. Yagi and Williams cover the essentials of what you need to know, provide excellent photographic examples of their topics, and intructions on do it yourself projects. I rate it a 4 because I wanted the book to have more!

EXCELLENT !.......2001-08-25

I and many friends have enjoyed this book-not only because it has excellent photos of examples on how to give your home or apt a touch of Japanese tranquility/simplicity but also because it gives you exact details on how to build or create the area. Even if you're not interested in making changes in your home it's the kind of book that can transpose you to a more tranquil space via the excellent photos and drawings

Got a lot of money?.......2001-08-06

This book has beautiful photos of very lovely Japanese-style homes, but I wouldn't say that it's full of ideas for how to find more space in your home, or how to easily incorporate Japanese design or features into your already existing home. I would say if you have a lot of money, a lot of space, and at least some land, you could use this book to rebuild and create the perfect Japanese home. And you're going to have to get rid of all (and I mean all) the tchatchkes, or else cram them all in your new storage space. Which is not a bad idea for us Americans (getting rid of them, that is). I would like to see a book with ideas on how to use Japanese interior design ideas to help create more space and beauty in any home, using the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi.

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A JAPANESE TOUCH FOR YOUR HOME
Koji Yagi
Manufacturer: Kodansha International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000V3HAN6

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A Japanese Touch For Your Home
Koji Yagi
Manufacturer: Kodansha International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NUHYOW

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A Japanese Touch for Your Home
Koji Yagi
Manufacturer: Kodansha International Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OGORZ4

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A Textbook I Will Hang onto Long After the Class

Designing with Type: The Essential Guide to Typography

pleased typography student

New edition and companion website are great for typography classes.

New Fifth Edition is Even Better

Designing with Type: A Basic Course in Typography (Fourth
James Craig
Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

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Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students (Design Briefs)

Basic Typography: A Design Manual

Creativity for Graphic Designers: A Real-World Guide to Idea Generation--From Defining Your Message to Selecting the Best Idea for Your Printed Piece

Stop Stealing Sheep & Find Out How Type Works, Second Edition

Graphic Design School, Third Edition

ASIN: 0823013472

Book Description

• First published in 1971, used universally ever since
• Access to lessons from distinguished typographers around the world through Web site: designingwithtype.com
• "An excellent and useful introduction to the subject."—Milton Glaser

New information and new images make this perennial best-seller an even more valuable tool for anyone interested in learning about typography.

Customer Reviews:

A Textbook I Will Hang onto Long After the Class.......2007-09-13

As a graphic design student, I purchased this book as the required text for my Typography I class. The school has been using Designing with Type for years and it is easy to see why. The information is clear, consice, and covers everything from the history and naming of typefaces to the nitty gritty technical information. The definitions of technical terms, measurements, and industry standards are incredibly useful and are supported by visual examples throughout the entire book. The glossary in the back is also a great reference to some common and and popular typfaces. One thing to note, a lot of these reviews refer to the spiral bound (4th ed.), which unfortunately is no longer a feature in the 5th edition.

Designing with Type: The Essential Guide to Typography.......2007-01-09

I have used this book for a number of years, along with a number of other books on typography, as primary reading for my Typography 1 class that I teach at a design school. It is an excellent resource for the student who is just starting out and learning the fundamentals of design.

pleased typography student.......2006-09-16

I am a second year Communication Design student at a prestigious (pretentious) art school in New York City. This year marks my first foray into typography, and this book was the first recommendation on my to-buy list.

Anyone who is at least vaguely familiar with the concept of typography knows that most type enthusiasts range from "I didn't realize there was that much involved" to "Oh my god, you even named your child after a typeface." (I didn't know that's what they meant by "font family.") But seriously, folks: for those not yet versed in the trials and tribulations contained within passionate pursuit of the perfect sans-serif, typography can be very intimidating.

When I bought DWT 5 -- because I had to, remember -- I expected a tome comparable to the tedious scrolls of a monastery scribe; typography was to be my new religion and I was ok with that. Thankfully, that's not how my experience with DWT played out at all.

First of all, it's actually a book, complete with pleasing cover that isn't obnoxiously heavy and is able to withstand backpack fare. It's solid and smooth and looks good on my shelf -- apparently an improvement over earlier editions. But this is hardly the reason for my enthusiastic review.

The truth of the matter is, the "hands-on" way this book approaches the art of teaching typography is beyond superb. In fact, it's so superb, it makes me want to jump into a rambling anecdote -- so bear with me.

I once had a beyond awful chemistry teacher. Awful because he was dryer than a saltine and refused to get off his wrinkly behind to put some damn liquid over a Bunsen and show us the magic of the science. Don't get me wrong here -- chemistry is and should be treated with academic respect and precision. It is surely a very "logical" subject, in that the math-based reasoning behind the formulas and the calculations and the diagrams and the nomenclature is all very structured. But the propensity by which one can dive into the circuitous lexicon of chemical confoundry makes it easy to forget that a chemist is actually dealing with the stuff that makes up our physical world. Being a visual person, it would kill me to sit for an entire hour and a half doing worksheets and readings and spar in lofty conversations without doing so much as one experiment to demonstrate. I mean, it was pretty simple -- I wanted to SEE what the hell it was we were talking about. And sure enough, when we WOULD actually do an experiment, I was able to link the lofty ideas with the visual responses, and it would all be clear as day.

This is the hands-on approach I describe as being taken on by DWT. Craig makes no mistake in realizing that typography IS the book, and uses this to his advantage by creating ACTUAL TYPOGRAPHIC EXAMPLES to explain the principles of type. It's one thing to be told that Bodoni is much easier to read because of its simplified serifs, but to actually SEE Bodoni set in multiple iterations makes the difference between remembering and absorbing. It's as if Craig is stopping in the middle of his lecture, walking over to you, and drawing for you on your paper exactly what he means. Not to mention he does it in a clear and simple layout that it probably unique to edition 5.

I was ready to dread my typography readings, expecting them to be a series of formulas. Now I look forward to seeing all the neat explosions and chemical reactions, and to wondering how I'll fit them into my next layout. But don't go too fast with it Craig, take it slow -- this is introductory level, after all, and I'm not ready to put Helvetica on the birth certificate yet.

New edition and companion website are great for typography classes........2006-09-10

This new edition (5) is a great textbook for the beginning typography class; thorough, well-written and illustrated, highlighting the most important things a beginning designer must know. It is very engaging and easy to read. Students will benefit greatly not only from using the book in class, but having it in their design library for the future. Professors will find it a great resource, along with it's wonderful companion website, which contains a vast resource of lecture material, visual samples, links and project assignments with examples of student work.

New Fifth Edition is Even Better .......2006-06-17

This is the new fifth edition of this classic book on typography that first began in 1971. Since then it has become a standard of the industry. It's real strength is how it describes fonts from the standpoint of conveying feeling, readability, aspects of fonts that you wouldn't normally think about.

Type is an important part of graphics art. It is likely that in most projects type is what covers most of the page. Through the use of the proper type face, size, and special effects type can be used to assist in the conveyance of information which is what graphics art is all about.

This book has been around for some thirty-five years. It is the standard text in design schools around the world. For this fifth edition it has been redesigned, printed in full color and had much new material added without omitting features that have made the book such a valuable tool.

Designing with Type A Basic Course in Typography

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Designing with Type A Basic Course in Typography

Manufacturer: Watson-Guptil
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound
ASIN: B000GT0LDG

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Designing with Type a Basic Course in Typography
James Craig
Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound
ASIN: B000KHR60U

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Designing with Type : A Basic Course in Typography
James Craig
Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill Publications, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound
ASIN: B000KPD0V6

Customer Reviews:

Bettie Page, the world's greatest pinup.......2004-11-12

I bought this book for my husband's birthday last year; he has always thought Bettie Page was great, and he is the one who enlightened me about her. As an artist, I was drawn to her style and unpretentiousness, and have drawn her twice so far.

This book is well-written and leads the reader through Bettie's life; from her start and to her present day in a respectful and fascinating manner. I came away from this book understnanding the appeal she had to men, and wanting to draw her portraits over and over.

Ultimate tribute and book on Bettie Page.......2003-01-04

There was one another 50's icon who rivals Marilyn in popularity today--Bettie Page. True, she didn't make any A-movies, but like Marilyn, embodied that woman who drew a fine line between good girl/bad girl and crossed the lines as easily as one drank Coca-Cola. Unlike Marilyn, Bettie survived, but like Marilyn, her legend lives on for one simple reason: she dropped out of sight in 1957 following the fall of Irvin and Paula Klaw by the Kefauver Committee on indecency and pornography and refused to have herself be photographed as she is now. Thus, she is remembered as she was back then. And as her life has become simpler, she values her privacy. She says so as much in the hand-written foreword, at the same time surprised and honoured that so many people are interested in her.Karen Essex and James L. Swanson book is a great place to start for those curious about Bettie Page. Basically, it's a biography accompanied by lots and lots of colour and b&w photos, many of them topless. There are two of them which has her completely nude. She also posed for countless magazine covers and photographers. Art Amsie's photos are the best of the lot here. Bunny Yeager is touched on briefly, but that woman has a book on herself so... Looking at the early Bettie, before she became a pin-up from 1947, is also quite a revelation. She is still beautiful, but in an ordinary way, like a typical girl growing up in 1940's America.There is clearly a dualism going on here. There's the pretty wholesome girl in the bathing suit or maybe not, and then there's the darker leatherbound fetish girl, be she receiver or giver. That latter half led to her downfall. The point also was that she enjoyed her work, mainly the lighter beach stuff. You can see it in those twinkling eyes and smile of hers.The last section of the book features models who have been influenced by her, be they in clothes or just looking like her. Of the lookalikes, Eva Herzigova, Debi Mazar, and Janice Dickinson have got it down to the bangs, (it's the bangs that did it for Bettie, after all), long black hair, and prominent eyebrows.Apart from being one of fantasy artist Olivia's favourite subjects, Bettie's images appear on album covers by My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult and the David Lee Roth Band. Her three videos, Teaserama, where she acts opposite stripper legend Tempest Storm, Varietease, and Strip-O-Rama have come out. She'll live on, no doubt about it.Anyone interested in Bettie Page-start with this book. You won't be disappointed.

GREAT BOOK IN EVERY WAY.......2002-02-14

This is the ultimate book on Bettie Page. This book is for every true Bettie fan. Even contains an introduction from Bettie herself.

If you really want to follow the history of legend, this is the ultimate book on Betty Mae Page!

"I'd like to eat ice cream out of her belly button....".......2000-02-11

So said one of her photographers. What a marvelous book. If you're like me, and have been a Bettie fan for years, you've been waiting for this book. For years one could find stuff on her only in comic shops and the like, dealing in old memorabilia from the Fifties, or in various "alternative" shops that sold her image on T shirts. As a teen that's where I learned about her, thanks to "The Rocketeer," the comic "The Bettie Pages," and psychobilly trash-punk band the Cramps, who for a short time had a bass player the spittin' image of our fair maiden. Now that we've finally opened our eyes, we can buy several books on her, this being by far the best. It is the ne plus ultra of Bettiebooks, of pin-up books in general. What a trend-setter; a humble, troubled, open and honest woman who was not exploited, who has not turned herself into a PC victim--she's idolized by smart, hip young women who see in her freedom, sexuality, playfullness, life itself. This book had better be reprinted--it's an absolute crime to be unavailable. Get this book by any means necessary!

Pin - Up Legend Reveals the Inner Icon.......1998-12-07

Within moments after my wife proposed gifting this book to our business partner last Spring, I seized it for myself. She had run across the only copy left in one of those funky shops which cater to the growing interest in cultural icons.

The authors, Karen Essex and James L. Swanson, render a definitive biography of one of the most enigmatic figures of our memory. Their slick 288 page paperback version lovingly portrays the images and life of Bettie page. You can take this book two ways:

On the coffee table, it presents a seductive collection of family photographs and pulp covers documenting the pin-up icon.

In bed, it seduces you to learn about the studious young woman who triumphed over family heartbreak to become a legend.

In the Fifties, I was one of the multitude of pre-adolescent boys who furtively witnessed her near-perfect body and impish smile - without knowing who she was. Now, more than forty years since her last session, Essex and Swanson answer some of the questions and heap on plenty of deja vu in the process.

The authors expose a life of someone who is noble and genuine. The "real" Bettie Page turns out to as fascinating as her ubiquitous image. Secretarial stints, jobs in Hati, persistent self-improvement and disappointing husbands propel her into a series of vicissitudes worthy of a Henry Fielding novel. Amid the rich and varied photographs, drawings and memorabilia, Essex and Swanson weave an engaging tale of someone quite surprising. Her guileless and genuine approach to life are almost Zen-like when viewed from our age of media hype and agents. Here is the story of a bright, beautiful, autonomous loner who deals directly with her life, shunning pretense, flattery and victimhood.

The Bettie Page you discover in this book, as her beautiful visage, is both accessible and mysterious.

Maybe I'll follow through with the gift idea my wife had last Spring.

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