Taran Wanderer (The Chronicles of Prydain)

Book Description

The Newbery-winning fantasy series now available in gorgeous new paperback editions! Since The Book of Three was first published in 1964, young readers have been enthralled by the adventures of Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper and his quest to become a hero. Taran is joined by an engaging cast of characters that includes Eilonwy, the strong-willed and sharp-tongued princess; Fflewddur Fflam, the hyperbole-prone bard; the ever-faithful Gurgi; and the curmudgeonly Doli-all of whom have become involved in an epic struggle between good and evil that shapes the fate of the legendary land of Prydain. Released over a period of five years, Lloyd Alexander's beautifully written tales not only captured children's imaginations but also garnered the highest critical praise. The Black Cauldron was a Newbery Honor Book, and the final volume in the chronicles, The High King, crowned the series by winning the Newbery Medal for "the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children."Henry Holt is proud to present this classic series in a new, redesigned paperback format. The jackets feature stunning art by acclaimed fantasy artist David Wyatt, giving the books a fresh look for today's generation of young fantasy lovers. The companion book of short stories, The Foundling is also available in paperback at this time. In their more than thirty years in print, the Chronicles of Prydain have become the standard of excellence in fantasy literature for children.

Customer Reviews:

Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

Pig boy has status envy and the horn.

So, not thinking he can do a princess he goes off instead, and has some magical animal stuff happen again, this time, in the form of a cow. The useful crow also happens along.

A bit of training is also had by said pig boy in the art of magical weapon wielding. Magic potions, friend saving and wizard waxing are also to be found here.

Very pleased with Taran Wanderer.......2007-01-16

This book is probably my favorite of all the Prydain Chronicles . . . It's maybe not as intense as some of the others are, but I love how Taran travels around and meets so many interesting characters and learns to view life differently by seeing how they live and view their own lives. It's just a very fascinating journey, one that I'd like to take again and again. A Journey that I'd like to share with my friends and family. . . And someday, my own children.

A SWEET READ!!!.......2007-01-12

Taran Wanderer, is the third book of the Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander. So far this is the best one of the series. The first two book were great, but this is even better. The main character, a boy named Taran, is looking for the truth and he learns that the truth can play with you. It's a very unusual book, you won't find many like this.

Taran Wanderer is an amazing fantasy adventure book. It's got magic, enchantment, a few funny parts, and suspense. It has a grumpy dwarf named Doli. Doli is the kind of person who always turns up at the exact right moment. Taran is an adventurous boy who tries to gather wisdom and friends wherever he can find them. He goes on several quests. My favorite part is chapter eight, when Taran meets the magician, Morda. It's scary and has an unusual ending.

I read this book in less than a week. It just took me captive! I don't want to give away the plot, because I don't want to spoil it. You should read it for yourself. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, The High King.

Ben (age 10)

Taran Wanderer.......2005-05-17

This was a good book. But the begining was not very good. It was basicly about going from kingdom to kingdom. The main charcter is Taran. He is a very interesting charcter. He starts on a quest to find his parantage. And he goes through mountains, castles, swamps and even caves. The biggest conflict comes into place when he meets Dorath. Dorath is a meen charcter who is part of a group of "hired swords". He treis to convince Taran to hire them but he doesnt so he becomes a enemy of Taran. He challenges Taran for his sword and a few other items that dont matter. But he wins and take sthe sword for his own. Taran has a grudge on him until he fights him again and defeats him by breaking his sword. Taran also faces a wizard who turned his freinfd Dolly in to a frog. Taran defeats the wizard and he turns Dolly back into a dwarf.

Amazing Story of Courage,Friendship and the Search for Truth.......2004-09-18

Taran Wanderer was not given the Newbery Award like it's successor The High King; nor was it awarded a Newbery Honor medal such as it's predecessor The Black Cauldron. However, Taran Wanderer is the most complete book in the Chronicles of Prydain. Lloyd Alexander deftly tells the tale of Taran's quest to find his parentage in hopes of being decendant from noble blood. Gurgi, Taran's faithful sidekick journeys with him through far off parts of Prydain. Along the way, old friends and faces reappear such as Fflewwder Fflamm the bard/king, Doli of the fair folk, Kaw his hijinxing bird, Llyan the giant cat who Fflewwder now rides as his mount and King Smoit whose army rescued Taran and his companions at the end of The Black Cauldron. Taran's journey to find himself takes him to a number of different trades such as metallurgy, weaving, farming and pottery. He also meets his fair share of adventure and enchantment along the way. At 254 pages Taran Wanderer is the longest book in the series but it reads the fastest because there is so much action and uncertainty in what Taran will finally find out about himself. The Chronicles of Prydain still stand as some of the greatest fantasy stories ever written and Taran Wanderer is the BEST book in the Chronicles of Prydain. Highest Recommendation.

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TARAN WANDERER (PRYDAIN, NO 4)
LLOYD ALEXANDER
Manufacturer: Dell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GQI9WY

The Prydain Chronicles: The Book of Three; The Black Cauldron; The Castle of Llyr; Taran Wanderer; The High King and The Foundling and other tales of Prydain

Average customer rating:

Worth 1000 stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Prydain Chronicles: The Book of Three; The Black Cauldron; The Castle of Llyr; Taran Wanderer; The High King and The Foundling and other tales of Prydain
Lloyd Alexander
Manufacturer: Guild America Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: B0006DBJOC

Customer Reviews:

Worth 1000 stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2006-09-25

This is the best fantasy series since The Lord of the Rings. While this series is not as widely know as Narnia or LOTR it deserves a lot of credit and imo is better then Narnia.

This is very easy to read and easy to understand. Narnia jumps around to much. This series is about one set of characters and their adventures in Wales like Prydain.

This is an abosolute gem of a series and encourage anybody who likes the fantasy genre to read these stories you will be glad you did.

The Prydain Chronicles Book Four: Taran Wanderer (The Prydain Chronicles)

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The Prydain Chronicles Book Four: Taran Wanderer (The Prydain Chronicles)
Lloyd Alexander
Manufacturer: Listening Library (Audio)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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Taran Wanderer
Lloyd Alexander
Manufacturer: HENRY HOLT & CO
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000VF6YDQ

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Taran Wanderer
Lloyd Alexander
Manufacturer: A Yearling Book
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OOBN9Y

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Taran Wanderer
Lloyd Alexander
Manufacturer: Yearling Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MS8674

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Taran Wanderer
Lloyd Alexander
Manufacturer: Holt Rinehart & Winston
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding
ASIN: B000H0C0EC

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Taran Wanderer
Lloyd Alexander
Manufacturer: Holt, Rinehart and Winston
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LO92MM

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Taran Wanderer (A Dell Yearling Book)
Lloyd Alexander
Manufacturer: Dell Publishing Co., Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

$Strangers: Mystery Man\Obsession$
Average customer rating:

Throw it in the trash

Warning

Thriller! Page Turner! Awesome read!

WOW !What a great book a real page turner!
Strangers: Mystery Man\Obsession
Lisa Jackson
Manufacturer: HQN Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books
Jackson, Lisa | ( J ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0373770855

Customer Reviews:

Throw it in the trash.......2007-01-19

Having read many Lisa Jackson novels, I expected this (back cover) "harrowing tales" of love to have some action, plot, suspense,or something besides the never ending nauseating angst of two insipid females.
What little action these stories contain only comes at the very end of the story. It's too little too late. The only reason I finished this book, it was a struggle, was to be able to write this review and save someone else their money. I'm throwing my copy in the trash.

Warning.......2005-10-26

This is definitely some of her older work re-issued. Try some of her new work.

Thriller! Page Turner! Awesome read!.......2005-07-30

This book was just an awesome read, because it is 2 stories wrapped into one novel. These stories of Lisa Jackson's have to be the most suspensful I've read so far. This book was an excellent read on the beach, and I would definently recommend this novel to anyone who loves Lisa Jackson's work!!

WOW !What a great book a real page turner!.......2005-07-01

This book starts out with a bang and it continues straight throught to the end.
Great Book to take to the beach and get lost in. Just watch out for the waves.
Enjoy

ELLERY QUEEN'S MYSTERY - Volume 19, number 107 - October Oct 1952: Tyger Tyger; Stranger in the Park; The Twelve-Minute Grave; De Crimine; The Bearded Golfer; Two of a Kind; Dead Man; Torrid Zone; The Gold Makers; Nesselrode to Jeopardy; You Got to Have

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ELLERY QUEEN'S MYSTERY - Volume 19, number 107 - October Oct 1952: Tyger Tyger; Stranger in the Park; The Twelve-Minute Grave; De Crimine; The Bearded Golfer; Two of a Kind; Dead Man; Torrid Zone; The Gold Makers; Nesselrode to Jeopardy; You Got to Have
Ellery (editor) (A. H. Z. Carr; Thomas Walsh; Roy Vickers; Miriam Allen deFord; Michael Arlen; Laurence Kirk; James M. Cain; Fletcher Flora; J. B. S. Haldane; S. J. Perelman; S. R. Ross; Mark Twain; Austin Ripley; Robert P. Mills) Queen
Manufacturer: Mercury Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GVUX6O

MIKE SHAYNE MYSTERY - Volume 44, number 7 - July 1980: The Turning Point; Girl in the Dark; In the Cards; A Company Man; Man with the Cigarette; A Passing Stranger; The Enigma of Andrew Marler; Bells; Obituary

Average customer rating:

MIKE SHAYNE MYSTERY - Volume 44, number 7 - July 1980: The Turning Point; Girl in the Dark; In the Cards; A Company Man; Man with the Cigarette; A Passing Stranger; The Enigma of Andrew Marler; Bells; Obituary
Charles E. (editor) (Hal Charles; Chester H. Carlfi; Alan J. Warren; Patrick Scafetti; Robert Edmond Alter; Edward D. Hoch; Mel D. Ames; Gary Arpin; Thomas Dwyer) Fritch
Manufacturer: Renown Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GW0SC2

Death of a Tall Man/ Deadly Weapon / Beer for Psyche / Stranger At Home

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Death of a Tall Man/ Deadly Weapon / Beer for Psyche / Stranger At Home
Wade Miller , Frances and Richard Lockridge , Dorothy Gardiner , and George Sanders
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000QPYGIQ

Strangers - Contains Mystery Man and Obsession

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Strangers - Contains Mystery Man and Obsession
Lisa Jackson
Manufacturer: Harlequin Enterprises
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000K1RBQK

Customer Reviews:

Packing Fangs Instead of Guns.......2004-12-19

Clan Giovanni are neutrals in the conflict between Camarilla and Sabbat. In vampire terms that means they are out for themselves and devil take the hindmost. At their best they are the business people of the darkness, at there worst (which is often) they are simple gangsters only slightly smoother than the Brujah. Don't expect a Giovanni to be polite unless they have to be.

Chaz Giovanni Tello, is more goon than smart guy, Even so, he is likable - if you are drawn to people with excess potty-mouth and a huge sadistic streak. Still, his character is alive, and he has a certain flair. Assigned to find the missing Benito Giovanni, Chaz descends on Las Vegas and proceeds to wreak havoc, even if he comes up short on results. His path crosses that of Isabel Giovanni who is in the midst of negotiations with the clans of the Camerilla and Sabbat.

Complications develop immediately as Isabel realizes that wherever Benito has vanished to, there is bad news for her clan. Something dark is hunting them, something even darker that the Giovanni themselves.

While this novel is typical of the series in that it rarely offers an explanation and confuses more than it clears. It is my favorite of the series. Achilli shows a genuine flair for deadpan comedy, especially when he takes Chaz through his paces. Characters seem to pop off the page, and go into action. Undead proof that it is possible to write a Masquerade novel that doesn't have the pace of a textbook. I only wish Achilli has made a stronger effort to make this a completely standalone story. This is a fine example of why the Masquerade has so many fans.

No payoff.......2001-05-08

After slogging my way through this increasingly disappointing series of books, I had some hope for Clan Novel: Giovanni. There were many directions the book could have gone, and it seemed that Justin Achilli SAW those opportunities, but never took them.

A clan with such a rich and unsual history as the Giovanni offer an amazing opportunity for any Author, even beyond the obvious puerile topics of Necrophillia and Incest (which seems to be the primary focus of Giovanni authors, aimed to shock and titilate.)

Unfortunately Achilli never uses any of the opportunities afforded him.

Great series, poor novel........2001-04-07

While the Clan Novel series was a very enjoyable read (especially for those familiar with the World of Darkness from White Wolf), this chapter of the series was fairly disappointing. Concentrating on shock, the novel failed to engage me, and while giving me more pieces of the puzzle, was the series' low-point. I'm fairly certain you could skip this book and still put the pieces together in Clan Novel: Nosferatu, and I'd recommend saving your money.

Trouble Shooters are Supposed to Help.......2000-10-14

Justin Achilli gives us a look at the Giovanni portion of the vampire world. There are ghouls, vampires, crypts, new world gangsters, and old world necromancers. These subjects make the book barely worthwhile, because the main characters are stupppiiddd.

Don't get me wrong. The character ideas are great. Chas is a new world gangster and a relatively unimportant Giovanni vampire thug. Isabel is an old world necromancer, old and wise to vampire politics and goings on. They're both trouble shooting the same problems for their clan elders. Its just that these two characters behave like morons throughout the book. Time after time they flush the Giovanni clan fortunes down the toilet. But whats worse is that the author might actually think his characters are clever.

The pulp fiction of the undead.......2000-08-11

I loved this book, my favorite so far of the series. The main character, Chas, is a mean SOB but the book allows you to feel for him by making explicit his inner struggles with the beast. Tzimishe are evil but the book didn't let us care about them. Chas on the other hand is a tragic character who describes to a few other characters what it's like to lose control. Gangrel also dealt with the beast, but in a much more shallow way. The gangster hi-jinks were hilarious. Highly recommended.

Note: Don't read this novel if you don't know a lot about the game Vampire: the Masquerade. You'll probably have no earthly idea of what's going on.

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Divine mercy in my soul: The diary of the servant of God, Sister M. Faustina Kowalska
Faustina
Manufacturer: Marian Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0007299D0

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Divine Mercy In My Soul, The Diary of Sister M. Faustina Kowalska
Sister M. Faustina Kowalska
Manufacturer: Marian Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000J12CWO

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Divine Mercy In My Soul: The Diary of the Servant of God Sister M. Faustina Kowalska
Sister M. Faustine Kowalska
Manufacturer: Marian Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GRIYZU

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LEE BAILEYS GOOD PARTIES
Lee Bailey
Manufacturer: Clarkson Potter
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Reference | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Tablesetting | Special Occasions | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 051755934X
Release Date: 1986-12-13

Book Description

In addition to 160 new recipes, a focus on Lee Bailey the designer, with specific information about all the ingredients that make up a good party. 130 full-color photographs.

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Lee Bailey's Good Parties -
Lee Bailey -
Manufacturer: Clarkson N. Potter Publishing -
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000QSAD3A

Lee Bailey's Good Parties : Favorite Food, Tableware, Kitchen Equipment, and More to Make Entertaining a Breeze

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Lee Bailey's Good Parties : Favorite Food, Tableware, Kitchen Equipment, and More to Make Entertaining a Breeze
Lee Bailey
Manufacturer: Crown Publishing Group, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GVN77Q

Book Description

Rare patterns created during the 1920s, 30s and 40s by legendary needlework designer. Instructions for over 100 delicate designs: 50 edgings, 40 medallions, 3 collars and yokes, 7 doilies, 3 luncheon sets, and 4 baby items. Step-by-step directions, sharply detailed photographs allow even beginning tatters to create beautiful items.

Customer Reviews:

a reproduction of books from the 30's.......2007-01-17

A reprinting from earlier books including a large number of edgings, a few collar/yokes, baby bonnets, a booty pattern, doilies, medallions and table settings. The socklet edge designed for the baby booty pattern would make a great choker. The styles are typical of the period, some of the table settings make very nice doilies. There are several patterns that include a linen center also and a couple with insertions.

A lovely book.......2005-08-17

This is a lovely book, and one I've used for a long time. I first ran into a copy in a library in Arizona while visiting my mother and brother. I copied some of the designs to try out and found them so satisfying that I ultimately purchased the book itself. It's one of my more treasured tatting books.

Some of the designs are overwhelming, not because of the technique involved so much as for the time involved. I have little disposable free time, and a project of any great magnitude is likely to take an eternity. Some of the designs are very useful for tatted snowflakes, which I've made by the score for Christmas cards and tree ornaments. These projects are brief, the equipment small enough to fit into a pocket or purse to be done in spare moments--I've discovered I've the patience of a saint waiting in doctor's and dentist's offices or in line for anything--and are appreciated by most of the people who receive them as gifts.

Wonderful reprint of early tatting patterns.......2005-08-07

This lovely book contains a delightful collection of tatting patterns from the 1920s through to the 1940s. Patterns include the wonderful doily shown on the front cover which is almost entirely worked in the mignonette or ring only style, some exquisite baby bonnets, and a range of edgings and motifs, medallions, coasters, and doilies which is too numerous to list in detail here.

The tatting is in the traditional style and few if any of the patterns make use of Ann Orr's invention the split ring (she calls it a reverse ring). However the split ring and other modern techniques could definitely be incorporated into the patterns shown here which would be easy to adapt accordingly.

Patterns as others have said are in written longhand and some of the instructions are quite old fashioned; for example in one of the christening bonnets the instruction is given for a ring of 9 long picots instead of the modern style of writing which would be 1 DS, 9 P separated by 1 DS, 1 DS, close ring. In many patterns in this book the word Turn is used instead of the more modern instruction to Reverse Work. There are no diagrams and although basic tatting instructions are included I would regard this as a book which the confident beginner would enjoy rather than for someone who has never tatted before.

However it's very good value for money and will provide lasting enjoyment on your tatting bookshelf. I recommend it unreservedly.

"Old" patterns.......2003-01-03

I like this pattern book a lot. It has lots of wonderful doilies and some "wearables" like baby caps and collars in it, lots and lots of motives and edgings,...
The only drawback is that all patterns are written in long hand notation, which is difficult to read sometimes, but I do re-write my patterns anyway so I can write into them and take them with me when I "travel" (e.g. when I move into another room after my 2 year old *lol*, or when I visit my parents and don't want stains/creases on/in the book).
There's really plenty of wonderful patterns in this book and it's definitely worth the few dollars. I have more expensive tatting books that have not even half the ammount of patterns in it and I have to say sometimes quantity is better than quality *lol* but in this book you get it all :-)
Just a quick note though: this book doesn't use the "modern techniques" like split rings, split chains, scmr's etc. but you could certainly eliminate a lot of "cut and ties" when you "rewrite the patterns for yourself. Also, some patterns don't state all too clearly when and how to turn/rotate your item and when to change shuttles (when you use two) but there's a picture for every pattern (black and white) so you can usually tell by the photo how the finished piece ought to look like and work out how to "rotate, etc" it.

More than 100 designs, mostly for beginners.......2000-11-15

Most of the patterns featured in this book are at the beginning tatting level: there are more than 40 medallions and more than 40 edgings. Some of the patterns are very unusual (triangular motifs) and all of them come in varying shapes and sizes, especially the edgings, which range from narrow to very wide. The other designs consist of four round doilies, several rectangular mats, a few patterns involving tatting attached to linen, two baby bonnets, baby booties, a luncheon set and a few collars/yokes. All of the patterns are written in shorthand. Though they have a definite old-fashioned look, the patterns would be a good addition to any tatter's library.

Book Description

Updated with all-new content for 2002, Terence Conran’s invaluable reference on kitchens tackles the most complex design project in the house.

In many ways the heart of the home, the kitchen is a place where style and function can coexist magnificently. International style king Terence Conran shows us how to do just that in Terence Conran Kitchens. In terms of planning, the kitchen makes unique demands, and Conran covers both the overarching style concerns and the nitty-gritty practicalities of making your dream kitchen a reality. The book ranges from the basics of good design (whether you’re starting from scratch or fitting new appliances into an old layout) to an encyclopedic look at all the materials (storage, lighting, worktops, and more) available to the kitchen designer today. As always, Conran provides case studies and floor plans, bring-ing the best kitchens within reach of every reader. No one embarking on the demanding task of redesigning a kitchen wants to do it without the right book for reference and inspiration. With up-to-date information on the latest styles and a thorough look at classic appliances and materials, Terence Conran Kitchens does it all.

Customer Reviews:

Useless, the worst of the bunch.......2007-04-26

I was a little sceptical as there were only two reviews, but they were both 5 star so I went ahead. What I got was a beautifully put together book with nice paper and photos... of absolutely nothing that was useful to me.
All of the kitchens appear to be European (all of the electrical switches and outlets were European). All of the designs were very modern, high tech, contemporary, and... different. They were also very "designer" as in perhaps not very practical, but very different and put together. If you are looking for something unusual along these lines for a city loft or a very modern space, this might be a great find for you.
There was not a single photo of any kitchen you would consider normal here in the States. Although I read the entire book (faster as I went) there was not a single feature, design, or anything that was potentially useful in my project. There was also very little information, very much an idea book with lots of pictures and little text. The book was not cheap, and it was a complete waste of time for me.

Inspirational.......2007-02-02

I love this book and found it very inspirational when I designed my kitchen. I had already thumbed through the various decorating house and kitchen magazines one might see at Barnes and Nobles. Most of those showed your typical cheesy American kitchen with lots of over-the-top materials badly paired together in one space. The kitchens in this book appealed to me because, as a generalization, they were a little arty, sophisticated and unexpected, without being kooky. I even borrowed a color them from one of the examples. Granted some of the kitchens didn't work but the majority did - and there was a lot of variation among those that did.

great ideas for contemporary kitchens.......2002-07-11

I am design professional and found this book to be very inspirational when looking for contemporary kitchen ideas for my personal kitchen.

Book Description

A sophisticated addition to Chronicle Books' popular design library, this lavishly illustrated volume offers a unique survey of Italian commercial graphic design during a period of both creative artistic vitality and extreme political turmoil. The first English-language book to showcase the bold typography and streamlined imagery of modern Italian design motifs on comercial products of the day, this fascinating and important resource for designers, history buffs, and collectors includes a discussion of the Futurist influence on the Italian Art Deco style and the success of such individualized expression despite a ruthless Fascist regime.

Customer Reviews:

Great reference.......2002-10-10

This is one great book for coming up with Deco designs. It really helps to make us visual types think in the Art Deco way.

Italian Art Deco.......2000-06-12

Steven Heller and Louise Fili have captured the essence of the Art Deco era Italian style with clear, crisp, and colorful graphics. The quality of the book itself with it's quality paper stock and thick bendable hard/soft cover is outstanding. The quality of the curation and academic research was excellent. I will cherish this book always.

Italian Art Deco : Graphic Design Between the Wars

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Italian Art Deco : Graphic Design Between the Wars
Steven; Fili, Louise Heller
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OLS4VW

Book Description

In this award-winning biography, Petsalis-Diomidis closely examines Maria Callas's life in Athens from 1937 to 1945. These years have been largely absent from previous works about Callas, but were crucial to her professional and personal growth. The author examines her professional development, her studies, her concertizing, and her work with the Greek National Opera. He also recounts Callas's daily life, her friendships, her rivalries at the conservatory, and her personal life. Though it is a detailed historical biography, the writing and pace are novelistic. HARDCOVER.

Customer Reviews:

Finest biography of Callas.......2003-09-02

This is by far the finest biography I have ever read of Maria Callas. So much of her life is still surrounded by myth (mostly propogated by herself and her hagiographers) that a fascinating, scholarly, non-sensationalistic book is truly special.
This book mostly covers Callas's early years in New York and Greece. Far from being an "ugly duckling" the photos and descriptions of Mary/Maria in this book suggest an attractive, ambitious young soprano who by the time she left Greece already had several lovers and admirers. Nicholas Petsalis-Diomidis somehow managed to interview every surviving neighbor, student, singer, soldier, and friend who knew Callas and her family "way back when" in Athens. He also did the impossible and got Callas's sister Jackie to speak candidly of her much more famous sister. The stories do not always match exactly, and Petsalis-Diomidis is remarkably sensitive to the viewpoints of all the sources. He is careful not to sensationalize anything. Even though the details are often horrifying (including Jackie's essentially becoming a semi-prostitute to support the family and Litsa's crude attempts to prostitute both her daughters) the tone of the book is always scholarly and respectful.
Maria Callas, even in her early years as a teenaged soprano in the Greek National Opera, tended to arouse strong feelings, both positive and negative. To her "enemies", she was crass, grossly ambitious, ruthless, mean, and worst of all, a collaborator with the occupying forces (Italians and Germans). To her admirers, she was enormously talented, intelligent, basically good-hearted, and a worthy investment of time and energy. I came away from the book feeling that both views were essentially right. Petsalis-Diomidis should be congratulated for writing such a fascinating, insightful, scholarly book.

Overlong, but full of interest.......2002-04-10

Despite the volumes of material that have been written about her, Maria Callas remains a fascinating enigma both as a person and as an artist. Nicholas Petsalis-Diomidis has taken an important step in filling in some of the gaps that remain in our understanding by tracing in exhaustive detail the singer's early musical life in Greece, where she moved with her mother and sister in her early teens and remained until returning to the United States in 1945.

The perception that her Greek sojourn was a relatively unimportant preamble to her "real" career was in part propagated by Callas herself. Petsalis-Diomidis shows that the eight years she spent there were, on the contrary, an essential part of her musical development. It was in Athens that she received her first formal vocal training from Maria Trivella and Elvira de Hidalgo (the author is careful to give the former due credit in Callas' education), and sang her first leading roles onstage with the Athens Opera. Among her credits there were operas that would form the core of her later repertory, such as Tosca, and others that she would never sing again, such as Fidelio.

Perhaps even more fascinating than her musical history is the multitude of detail about Callas' personal life during this difficult time. Though he tries to be evenhanded, Petsalis-Diomidis is ultimately unsparing in his condemnation of Litsa, Callas' mother, whom he regards as an amoral and destructive parent. His collection of anecdotes about the hardships of war and the professional difficulties encountered by the young Callas make for fascinating reading. Occasionally his passion for research makes the narrative seem fussy and overburdened with detail (was it really necessary to give the diva's exact weight at various times in her career?), but in the main this carefully researched volume is an essential addition to the already voluminous collection of Callas writings. Credit must also be given to the fluent and readable English translation.

Outstanding scholarship, moving biography..........2001-05-08

"The Unknown Callas" is uniquely devoted to Callas' early life as a child, student, and young professional in Athens during the 1930-1940s, and is without question, the finest biography of the singer ever. This powerful intimate portrait is essential to understanding the complex woman and musician of the climatic years in the 1950s and 1960s.

Petsalis-Diomidis researched this work like an archaeologist seeking every surviving document and artifact, but presents it in biographical form as a psychologist with a deep understanding of human nature. The whole is framed by discussions of the politics of the time and the harsh realities of daily life during the war. Though this is the work of a scholar, it is also that of an artist, where every care has been taken to paint a three-dimensional backdrop and recreate the atmosphere for each scene.

While much of the original research for this book consisted of interviewing every surviving person associated with the family, conservatory, neighborhoods, etc. in those years; the author never accepts statements mearly at face-value, always examining every angle. The search for truth is ever apparent, and though his devotion to Maria is unquestionable, he never gives her unearned benefit of doubt.

Beautifully typeset and printed with copious photographs, the book unfortunately does not include the many photographs of programs for school concerts and early opera performances that were featured in the original Greek version. Albeit many of these programs were in Greek, some were also printed in German and Italian during the war, and afterwards in English. Likewise, the index does not present proper names in their original Greek alphabet, so the original version is now a nice scholarly cross reference for this new English book.

But for those intimidated by scholarship, this book tells a moving story with just enough gossip to keep things interesting. For fans and detractors alike, it's a story of a girl with modest gifts and very modest beginnings, fighting to survive adolescence and make a name in the world of opera, a fight that would continue throughout her life.

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Unknown Callas the Greek Years :Callas
N Petsalis Diomidis
Manufacturer: TIMBER PRESS +
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000N7831S

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