The Collected Stories of Richard Yates

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

Although nobody would describe the unflinching stories of Richard Yates as beach reading, a sunny day and a soothing breeze may provide the best possible antidote to the author's trademark gloom. But even if you open the book in the dead of winter, don't expect to put it down, for Yates will draw you in despite yourself. Like the English novelist Anita Brookner--or, more to the point, like his protégé Raymond Carver--he is attracted to small lives. And like a diviner, he seeks out and locates precisely those moments when this smallness is sensed by his characters.

The protagonist of "The Canal," for example, spent most of World War II behind a desk, serving on the European front only during the final months of the conflict. At a postwar cocktail party, however, Miller and his wife encounter a former military officer, and the two begin to exchange stories. It turns out that the officer was decorated for valor in the very same battle that occasioned a major dressing-down for Miller. "I'll put it this way," he was told by his exasperated superior. "You give me more goddamn trouble than all the rest of the men in this squad put together. You're more goddamn trouble than you're worth. You got an answer for that?" Obviously he didn't--and still doesn't.

In an introduction to the 27 stories collected here, Richard Russo celebrates Yates's influence as a teacher at the Iowa Writer's Workshop. Any reader of Raymond Carver, to take just one conspicuous example, will recognize the atmosphere of lonely despair, coupled with small ambitions, that he absorbed from his mentor. It's a fascinating study in literary ancestry, and offers yet another reason to pick up this essential and long-overdue volume. --Regina Marler

Book Description

A literary event of the highest order, The Collected Stories of Richard Yates brings together Yates's peerless short fiction in a single volume for the first time.Richard Yates was acclaimed as one of the most powerful, compassionate, and technically accomplished writers of America's postwar generation, and his work has inspired such diverse talents as Richard Ford, Ann Beattie, Andreacute; Dubus, Robert Stone, and Kurt Vonnegut Jr. This collection, as powerful as Yate's beloved Revolutionary Road, contains the stories of his classic works Eleven Kinds of Loneliness (a book The New York Times Book Review hailed as "the New York equivalent of Dubliners") and Liars in Love; it also features nine new stories, seven of which have never been published.Whether addressing the smothered desire of suburban housewives, the white-collar despair of Manhattan office workers, the grim humor that atts life on a tuberculosis ward, or the moments of terrified peace experienced by American soldiers in World War II, Yates examines every frayed corner of the American dream. His stories, as empathetic as they are unforgiving, are like no others in our nation's literature. Published with a moving introduction by the novelist Richard Russo, this collection will stand as its author's final masterpiece.

Customer Reviews:

Just Terrific.......2007-08-10

These are great stories. Simply great. Yates has a remarkable way of saying much without saying too much. Each story in this collection has enough narrative power to fill a novel. Yates is somehow able to communicate a complex and varied backstory for the characters in a few paragraphs, adding to the richness of these already very rich stories. These are all satisfying, well done works. Highly recommended.

Every writer should read Yates.......2007-06-20

The Pulitzer Prize winning writer Richard Russo likes Richard Yates. In his introductory essay, he writes, "Indeed, it may be the very modesty of (the Yates characters') desires that disguises their potential for life's most demoralizing failures." Russo identifies this quality as a defining characteristic of the Yates story.

True enough.

And perhaps only a few collections of short stories are meant to be read straight through: "Lost in the City" by Edward P. Jones, "A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain" by Robert Olen Butler, and Carver's work. But there is a quality to the Yates story that made them somewhat tedious to read in succession. I suspect it is related to the modesty of failure mentioned by Russo. After a half dozen stories, a Rodney Dangerfield quality begins to seep from his protagonists.

The stories also (usually) occupy a similar place and time. And unlike other writers, there is nothing exotic in his places. They are usually working class neighborhoods, sometimes Los Angles or a very pedestrian Paris. Nor does he choose to exoticize these locations. The result is perhaps a focus on character rather than place, but also a certain sameness to the stories.

The stories also occupy a similar emotional space--usually those middle class failures extolled by Russo. Other than a few particularly poignant stories ( "No Pain Whatsoever," about a woman who is having a affair while her husband is quarantined in a TB ward, or "A Really Good Jazz Piano," a story of race and class and humiliation). The stories in the end melt together into one long narrative that has the unique texture of the Baby Boomer American Dream deferred, or maybe not deferred, but purchased second hand and made of cheaper than expected materials.

Russo also points to the idea that Yates had been considered for many years a "writer's writer." And I can see why. His stories serve as very neat examples of the sorts of things (structure, theme, action, etc.) that writers like to talk about. As I read Yates, I often thought of Charles Baxter's essays on "Counterpointed Characterizations" and "Against Epiphanies and Rhyming Action." The Yates story "Doctor Jack-o-Lantern" with its good boy/bad boy, teacher/student, point/counterpoint set up, fits Baxter's definition of counterpointed characterizations perfectly. The story "A Glutton for Punishment" fits into the epiphany story paradigm. Yates writes of the protagonist: "That was when the childhood memory began to prey on his mind, for it suddenly struck him..." And of course if one wanted to, a student of writing could contrast the epiphany story with a Yates counterpoint story or with the dramatic climax story (The BAR Man), and on and on through any of the structures outlined in Baxter's book or I imagine nearly any of the popular books on craft. That is, I suspect, what makes Yates more of a "writer's writer" than say, Alice Munroe whose stories are brilliant yet difficult to define.

Now I confess that I don't care for Russo's work. The virtues extolled by Russo in his introductory essay--modest failure, middle America, the gee-golly goodness of some characters--are similar to the things I dislike in Russo's novels or nearly any other writer's work. The exception is perhaps Carver's work. Though Carver's stories are seldom grand or high-minded, there is still an austere grittiness to his world, a meanness to it, that I like. I didn't get a sense of that meanness in Yates and certainly not in Russo. And it does not just come down to character and action. Both Yates and Russo draft some unpleasant actions and nasty characters, but it is more the difference between violence (Yates and Russo) and menace (Carver).

But in the end, I suspect that if I had read the Yates stories one at a time with plenty of space between them, as I suspect they were meant to be read, I might have a higher appreciation for them.

Watch Yates Work.......2007-06-08

As nearly everyone who's read him will tell you, Yates' best work is Revolutionary Road. Easter Parade is good, but not nearly as fine as Road. This book of short stories contains a few greats, but quite a few more flops. However, the flops show Yates developing stories and characters. There are countless war stories, TB ward adventures, and lonely husbands and wives. While his ability to convey emotion in every story is nothing short of wonderful, the settings and themes do grow old. You continue reading, even after you're tired of these settings and themes, just to fall upon that occasional perfect phrase or sentence that sums up a character, an emotion, and maybe even you.

A Haunting Work of Art.......2006-07-13

I read "Saying Goodbye to Sally", one of the short stories in this collection, for a writing class. As the weeks passed I could not forget the authentic characters or Richard Yates intriguing and haunting writing style. Bios on him say he is a forgotten American author. I don't know why. He is worthy of being remembered! His work is ironic, thoughtful, and powerful. Although he reminds me a little of F. Scott Fitzgerald, whom he clearly admired, his style is very much his own. I really enjoyed "Evening on the Cote d'Azur" and "The Best of Everything". He writes about people who try to do the right things in life, but too often fall short. There is a detached observer that warns the reader to live more aware lives or wind up like these characters.

The dark side of normal........2005-07-05

Readers unfamiliar with Richard Yates can do much worse than to begin with this wonderful collection of stories. I believe that the Collected Stories will stand next to Revolutionary Road as the two best examples of his work.

Yates is absolutely unflinching in his examination of the average life. There is self-deception everywhere he turns his gaze, even in the smallest most unassuming dreams. The moments of grace and humor are there as well, but they are small, often accidental, and generally not able to be seen or accepted by the characters to whom they are offered. In "Builders", the narrator bursts out in frustration at the seeming lack of hope:

"And where are the windows? Where does the light come in?

Bernie, old friend, forgive me, but I haven't got the answer to that one. I'm not even sure if there are any windows in this particular house. Maybe the light is just going to have to come in as best it can, through whatever chinks and cracks have been left in the builder's faulty craftsmanship, and if that's the case you can be sure that nobody feels worse about it than I do. God knows, Bernie; God knows there certainly ought to be a window around here somewhere, for all of us."

Read this remarkable book. It would make a great gift for anyone who appreciates writers such as Flannery O'Connor, Richard Russo, JM Coetzee or Richard Ford.

Average customer rating:

THE COLLECTED STORIES OF RICHARD YATES
Richard Yates
Manufacturer: Publisher Unknown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000WQTN64

Average customer rating:

THE COLLECTED STORIES OF RICHARD YATES

Manufacturer: Henry Holt and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Product Description

A collection of stories that were written by the author and published in many different magazines.

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Yates, Richard
The Collected Stories of Richard Yates
Manufacturer: Methuen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GRCLJU

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Collected Stories of Richard Yates
Richard Yates
Manufacturer: METHUEN PUBLISHING
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000K7YFPE

Average customer rating:

The Collected Stories of Richard Yates
Richard Yates
Manufacturer: Picador
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OTLYGQ

Customer Reviews:

Five stars are simply not enough.......2006-05-22

I just love this book and highly recommend it. The way the author develops the relationship and draws the characters page after page is just amazing. It is one of those books which you have to read in one session (set a weekend aside for this) and where you hope to see a sequel, because you don't want the story to end. It is not just another easy to read romance or a good Uber book, but a brilliant and interesting read, which gives insight about a special and interesting culture.

I would love to to be able to give it more than just five stars.

History in the Making... A Touching Love Story........2006-01-30

D. Jordan Redhawk is a talented writer who doesn't seem to get the credit she deserves. Although she has published few novels, they always seem to be hard to find and in high demand. 'Tiopa Ki Lakota' is one such book and I'm ever thankful this newest edition has been published.

The story follows the lives of two young women in the Old West. First is Kathleen McGlashan, a Scottish woman who is married off to a middle-aged neighbor a the tender age of 16. Their marriage, although friendly, is far from passionate and fails to produce children. One day, their homestead is attacked by a tribe of Lakota Indians -- the husband is killed, Kate is raped and taken back to the tribe as a slave.

The second woman is Anpo, a girl born to another Lakota tribe. The medicine man has a vision that Anpo is a two-sexed person who should be raised as a warrior. After coming of age, Anpo has a vision that she kills the white buffalo and meets a blonde woman.

Anpo's vision comes true and the two women learn to love each other and make their life together. That is, until Kate wishes to take Anpo and their son to visit Kate's parents. That is the catalyst that changes everything.

This is a true love story between two women who couldn't be more different than Kate and Anpo. It left this reader wanting more (i.e., a sequel), but emotionally drained. The story made this reader laugh, cry, get angry, feel saddened, and everything in between.

Highly recommended with a glass of red wine and a box of kleenex on a cold winter's night in front of the fire...

Tremendously Beautiful Story !.......2005-11-24

9 five star ratings - I knew it would be terrific and it was

This is terrific story that is a complete page turner. The plot was very believable. I love historical romance and there is lot out there but very few that are as detailed and well written. I time period came alive for me and I was lost in the story until the last page. I loved both main characters.There is also wonderful humor laced throughout the story and makes this a book you will read again.

I couldn't put the book down until the end. The pace of the story was excellent and kept me completely engaged. If you are in the mood to read a wonderful romance about two really great people with quite a bit of heartbreak this is the book for you.

This is a truly beautiful story with strong writing and strong main characters.

Don't miss it.

from the publisher's website - Wi Ile Anpo is a girl born to Lakota warrior, Wanbli Zi. But the tribal shaman has a vision that Anpo is wicakte - a two-souled person embodying both male and female spirits. She will become a great warrior and a great asset to her people. During a vision quest, Anpo finds that her life will be intertwined with the lives of a sacred white buffalo and a pale skinned woman with yellow hair, yet both will be wounded by her actions.

Kathleen McGlashan Stevens has been captured by renegade Indians, and thrust into a terrifying and foreign culture where she must learn to survive. The sacred white buffalo brings Anpo and Kathleen together. As their relationship develops, Anpo wonders: Can she change her destiny, or is she fated to wound the woman she loves?

Tremendously Beautiful Story !.......2005-11-24

It makes you want to go live with the Lakota.......2003-06-19

It is a look into the lives of the Lakota Indian tribe. They are a beautiful and innocent people. One child's destiny leads her to be trained as a warrior. The warrior's destiny is linked to a white buffalo and a strange woman with pale skin and golden hair. It is a story of true love, honor and integrity. It is also a story of sadness and hurt. It will make you cry, but you will enjoy every minute of it! (Not to mention that some of the first part had me laughing out loud)

It is a love story between two wonderful people who just happen to both be women. And if that makes it a "lesbian romance" then I guess that's what you would call it. But it is NOTHING like any "lesbian romance" you ever read, I guarantee it! It is mostly a story about a people (the Lakota).

If you're looking for a story with steamy sex, this is not the book for you. But if you are looking for a wonderful love story, look no further.

Paradox: Book I of the Nulapeiron Sequence
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Paradox: Book I of the Nulapeiron Sequence
John Meaney
Manufacturer: Pyr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1591024978

Book Description

Centuries of self-imposed isolation have transformed Nulapeiron into a world unlike any other - a world of vast subterranean cities maintained by extraordinary organic technologies. For the majority of its peoples, however such wonders have little meaning. Denied their democratic rights and restricted to the impoverished lower levels, they are subjected to the brutal law of the Logic Lords and the Oracles, supra-human beings whose ability to truecast the future maintains the status quo. But all this is about to change.

In a crowded marketplace a mysterious, beautiful woman is brutally cut down by a militia squad's graser fire. Amongst the horrified onlookers is young Tom Corcorigan. He recognizes her. Only the previous day she had presented him with a small, seemingly insignificant info-crystal. And only now, as the fire in the dying stranger's obsidian eyes fades, does he comprehend who - or what - she really was: a figure from legend, one of the fabled Pilots.

What Tom has still to discover is that his crystal holds the key to understanding mu-space, and so to freedom itself. He doesn't know it yet, but he has been given a destiny to fulfill - nothing less than the rewriting of his future, and that of his world.

Spectacularly staged, thrillingly written and set in a visionary future, Paradox places John Meaney at the forefront of science fiction in this new century.

Tibetan Buddhism From the Ground Up: A Practical Approach for Modern Life
Average customer rating:

Good elementary introduction to Buddhism--3.5 stars

Finally, a direct and cogent introduction of the essence of Tibetan Buddhism

Very good, but some shortcomings

Basic and informative

10 stars if possible....

Tibetan Buddhism From the Ground Up: A Practical Approach for Modern Life
B. Alan Wallace , and Steven Wilhelm
Manufacturer: Wisdom Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Tibetan | Buddhism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Zen | Buddhism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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Choosing Reality, : A Buddhist View of Physics and the Mind

ASIN: 0861710754

Book Description

Here at last is an organized overview of Tibetan Buddhism's teachings, beginning with the basic themes of the sutras — the general discourses of the Buddha — and continuing through the esoteric concepts and advanced practices of Tantra. Unlike other introductions to Tibetan Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism from the Ground Up doesn't stop with theory and history, but relates timeless spiritual principles to the pressing issues of modern life, both in terms of daily experience and a uniquely Western world view. This fascinating, highly readable book asks neither unquestioning faith nor blind obedience to abstract concepts or religious beliefs. Rather, it challenges the reader to question and investigate life's issues on a personal level, in the light of an ancient and effective approach to the sufferings and joys of the human condition.

Customer Reviews:

Good elementary introduction to Buddhism--3.5 stars.......2006-12-23

This is an edited version of a lecture series in Seattle in 1988, ordered from basic to "more subtle & advanced" based on the author-monk's 18 years study in all 4 schools + Pali texts. It is intended as a "guide to practice" esp. for those w/o Buddhist background. I found it simple, straight-forward, & easy to understand. As a short book it cannot bring much breadth to its vast subject, is simplistic at times (e.g. inadequately addressing self), & explanatory/descriptive vs. analytical/critical. Thus, the scientific, skeptical, western perspective is minimal, greatly reducing the potential value of a western Buddhist insider's viewpoint. Further, the author seems naïve--e.g. p. 134: "We are born with a natural, unlearned sense of intrinsic self." Psychologists have shown that self-consciousness is developmental not inbred--only the potential is inbred (similar to Buddha nature). Similarly, he says p. 134: "The workers, acting together, manage themselves." I suggest they'd need management ability, skills & training (e.g. most startup businesses fail)--see Elliott Jaques' "Executive Leadership" & "Human Capability." But he also makes some fine observations: p. 176: "If one were a bee, for instance, one's perception of this page would be very different than it is for a human. Similarly, it would look uniquely different to a bat, an owl, or a snake, p. 180: As the renowned physicist Werner Heisenberg said, `What we observe is not nature itself but nature exposed to our method of questioning,' & p. 181: We reify an object by removing it from its context, by ignoring the subjective influences of perception & conception." He also provides a good exercise--visualizing bubbles rising & bursting (p. 114) which was new for me. All in all it's a pretty good elementary introduction to Buddhism IMHO, but I much prefer Thubten Chodron ("Open Heart, Clear Mind" & "Buddhism for Beginners"), Pema Chodron, & Surya Das. These authors provide more depth, breadth, & practical value than this book IMO.

Finally, a direct and cogent introduction of the essence of Tibetan Buddhism.......2006-11-01

One has to appreciate the fact that many books taking on this task that was given in this short, under 200 pages are as introductions anywhere from 450 to 650 pages. If one wants more detail check out John Powers', Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism which runs, as an introduction, some 470 pages. For one who is looking for the essence of this practice without too much dedication of time, this is the book. You will come away with a very good idea of what this type of buddhism is and why it is important.

Very good, but some shortcomings.......2006-06-22

B. Allan Wallace has extremely impressive credentials. He was ordained by the Dali Lama, earned an undergraduate degree in Physics and a Ph.D. from Stanford University. Therefore, he is well qualified from an exposure to the concepts point of view.

My experience reading this book, however, was mixed. While the author has impressive credentials, his material is easily accessible and he make it relevant to Western people, he often left me wanting more of an explanation or more detail.

In an attempt to make the concept of Tibetan Buddhism accessible, I found that Mr. Wallace often over simplified his explanations. He appeals to common sense, but I found this book lacked the depth I was looking for given an author with such an impressive background.

Basic and informative.......2006-03-07

My teacher suggested this book for anyone new to Tibetan Buddhism. It's well-written and has basic information for some of the most popular questions a new person might have. It's a good "starting point" as well as a good text for anyone wanting to expand their knowledge of various paths of life.

10 stars if possible...........2006-02-07

This is by far the best explanatory book on Tibetan Buddhism I've read. It should be a Must Read for everyone interested in this fascinating philosophy and life style. Although targeted for beginners mostly, it is a thorough book for us in the western cultures. Easy to read and thought provoking. This books deserves a ten star rating and a special mantra. Buy it! Another recommended book is Open Heart, Clear Mind by Thubten Chodron.

The Accidental Vegetarian: Delicious and Eclectic Food Without Meat
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Original Recipes for Vego's and non-Vego's alike

The Accidental Vegetarian: Delicious and Eclectic Food Without Meat
Simon Rimmer
Manufacturer: Cassell Illustrated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Vegetables & Vegetarian | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen

ASIN: 1844032760

Book Description

Here is a vegetarian cookbook that will please even the most devoted carnivores--because the author himself eats and loves meat. These 140 recipes completely redefine the idea of vegetarianism, moving it away from the "lentil and sandal" image and instead offering quick, delicious dishes that range from good old macaroni and cheese to exotic fusion creations such as spicy beetroot and coconut soup. From dips to desserts, every page presents mouthwatering creations that the entire family will enjoy: Norimaki Sushi Rolls; Greek Dolamades with Tzatziki sauce; Asparagus, Potato, and Fennel Salad; Pumpkin Enchiladas with Mole Sauce; Proper Pizza; Gnocchi with Wild Mushroom and Rosemary Ragu; and the enticingly named More Chocolate than Is Good for You to end dinner in style.

Customer Reviews:

Original Recipes for Vego's and non-Vego's alike.......2005-12-29

As a long-time vegetarian with a big shelf full of books I am hard to excite with another new vegetarian cookbook. Receiving this book as a gift I expected another beautifully presented volume created for maximum impact on the coffee table but out of place in a practical - I've got a day job, omnivorous family to feed and no time for mucking about - kitchen. As this book is from a non-vegetarian, non-chef, I was not expecting much.

What I discovered was a great set of quirky vegetarian recipes that are well explained and do not require exotic ingredients or days of preparation.

Christmas dinner is the ultimate test for me. My wife's family are not vegetarians and serving something that's not Meat, Meat and Two Veg is breaking all the rules for them.

I relied totally on this book and served Basil Roulade with goat's cheese and sun-blushed tomatoes (time-consuming, but delicious), Pan Haggerty (small serving size but very popular) and Fine Beans with Garlic and Tomato sauce (no vampires in our house since). It went down a treat. The in-laws gave it the thumbs up, so I give this book the double thumbs up.

The only drawback is that if you think in Decimals then dig out your conversion charts because unfortunately all the recipes use Imperial measures (what the heck is a "Stick Of Butter"???). This is the only drawback of this cookbook.

Heirloom Doll Clothes for Gotz
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Heirloom Doll Clothes for Gotz
Martha C. Pullen , and Jack Cooper
Manufacturer: Martha Pullen Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Decorative Arts | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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A Shortcut To Drunkard's Path: Easy Applique Curves (That Patchwork Place)
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There's always another way.

Easy and Fun

A Must Have Quilt Book For Your Bookshelf

Incorrect Information in Review below

Drunkard's Path Made Easy

A Shortcut To Drunkard's Path: Easy Applique Curves (That Patchwork Place)
Ann Frischkorn , and Amy Sandrin
Manufacturer: That Patchwork Place
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1564775984

Book Description

The curvy lines of Drunkard's Path are now easier than ever to stitch! Make a whopping four units at a time with this new approach to the time-treasured design.

· Choose from 13 designs including a two-color quilt, a floral-fabric quilt, and an animal-print quilt

· Use interfacing and simple machine stitches to make each project

· Discover 80 different examples of how to arrange Drunkard's Path blocks

Customer Reviews:

There's always another way........2006-08-27

Friends know how much I love quilt books. I am amazed at how many they bring to my attention that I don't have. I have done the Drunkard's Path a couple of times using the templet starch method and was sure this was the best way to do that pattern. Well, I am going to try what I learned from this book because I'll be the first one to say "there is always another way to do anything." Glad to add this to my collection.

Easy and Fun.......2006-08-06

The squares were very easy to put together. I am amazed at how many different looks can be created from one simple square. You can use the same technique over and over and have a different quilt each time. I can't wait to do more.

A Must Have Quilt Book For Your Bookshelf.......2006-08-06

You'll find yourself reaching in your bookshelf and pulling out this book over and over. This book not only has an outstanding cover that simply will intrique you to make the Drunkard's Path, but twins, Ann and Amy take all that frustration and guesswork out of making this hard looking pattern.

Their directions are easy and precise and that is something I appreciate when trying out a technique. The pictures are clear and colorful, another appreciation when I buy a book.

My favorite Quilt Pattern? Martini and Rosey on Page 70. I raise my glass and toast these girls to another wonderful quilt book in my bookshelf. I can't wait to add their newest book "Scraps of Time"...

Linda M. Poole
Milford, PA

Incorrect Information in Review below.......2006-02-21

The reviewer below states that the applique technique used was spray basted and fusible interfacing used. When in actuality, the technique taught in this book does NOT use spray baste AT ALL. Also, Fusible interfacing is NOT used in this technique....it wouldn't work.

Drunkard's Path Made Easy.......2006-02-20

A very well written book by twin quilters! The tecnique is easy to learn and the results are pleasing. I would have liked to have seen more block variation using fabric. And for the applique techniques given, though not mentioned, some type of spray baste is needed or the use of fusible interfacing can be used. I preferred the fusible interfacing, it holds fabric is place during the applique process---much easier than pins and then forego the cutaway process, the block seems more supple! I would have also liked to have seen a note indicating a purchase recommendation for acryllic templates, much easier to use than paper for repetitive shapes.

Book Description

Interior Color by Design 2 is an upscale primer on colorÂ—possibly the most important design element used in decorating interiors. Effective color selection can be a powerful element in any design. This book takes the mystery out of the color application process.

Included are more than 250 color samples to mix and match and experiment with to achieve different looks that suit any style of decor. Beautiful color photographs bring key concepts to life and make them easy to understand and easy to apply to any room in a home or office.

The book is packed with information on planning color relationships, preparing color schemes for interiors, making color charts, selecting materials, putting together color samples, and working with additive and subtractive color. The author also discusses the psychological impact of color and how color can enhance functional spaces and solve a wide range of practical problems.

Customer Reviews:

Interior Design Student.......2007-01-12

For anyone who wants a basic, practical, concise, no nonsense understanding of color theory, this is the book for you. I found the examples in Chapter 3 most helpful when I designed rooms with specific color schemes. It defined each scheme type, breaking down the cool and warm tones in each and showed full pages of examples for each category. Color being such an integral component of our everyday lives, this book is definitely a necessary addition to a reference library for any color applications such as interior/exterior structure, gardening, and wardrobe design.

Interior Color by Design: A Design Tool for Architects, Interior Designers, and Homeowners

Average customer rating:

Would Like More Photos
practical (and inspiring) guide
Excellent explanation of color theory

Interior Color by Design: A Design Tool for Architects, Interior Designers, and Homeowners
Jonathan Poore
Manufacturer: Rockport Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1564960374

Book Description

Effective color selection can be a powerful element in any design. "Interior Color By Design" takes the mystery out of the color application process by: Providing over 250 color samples to experiment with different combinations Featuring over 100 full-color images that illustrate key concepts like adjacent colors and overall design Exploring the interactive effects of color combinations on interior design and archticture

Customer Reviews:

Would Like More Photos.......2004-07-05

This really explained the mysteries of color wheels, chroma and values, monotone color schemes and all the color terms that always mystified me in decorating books.
In some cases it was a little difficult to see the range of colors in the photos or the sample rooms were a bit bizarre. That distracted from understanding how a real person could use tetrad or discordant colors. I certainly wouldn't want a room looking like some they showed.
Overall it was helpful, I just wanted more room photos showing how some of the color schemes look when applied.

practical (and inspiring) guide.......2002-05-27

I went to the public library and looked through dozens of books before choosing three to buy. This was one of the three. The author first introduces color theory -- basic (attributes, temperature, mixing) and advanced (color interaction, hierarchy, proportion, harmony) -- and then moves on to schemes (monotonic, monochromatic, analogous, complementary, discordant). The second (and lengthier) part of the book contains 36 color photographs illustrating the various schemes, each accompanied by more than a few alternative color chip palettes.

I learned a lot and enjoyed doing so. Great photos!

(The other two books I chose at the library were C. Barnes's Color for Your Home and J. Miller's Color: Period and Regional Style From Around the World.)

Excellent explanation of color theory.......1999-12-16

At last a book where color theory is well and fully explained! They cover what tints, shades, pastels and other terms used to describe and build colors. Excellent!

Interior Color by Design: A Tool for Homeowners, Designers, and Architects

Average customer rating:

Interior Color by Design: A Tool for Homeowners, Designers, and Architects
Jonathan Poore
Manufacturer: Rockport Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Decorating | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Decoration & Ornament | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1592532969

Book Description

Provides more than 250 color samples with which to experiment to achieve different combinations.

Interior Color by Design is an upscale primer on color possibly the most important design element used in decorating interiors. Effective color selection can be a powerful element in any design. This book takes the mystery out of the color application process.

Product Description

Is there anything more fun than naughty young ladies dressed for extreme excess? One of the MOST popular subjects of the Gallery Girls line is back with all new kinky delights! Leather & Lace Volume 4 contains that sweet yet spicy mix of good girls being so very bad, with such artists as Arantza, Pelaez, Giorello, Cuevas, Colucci, and so many more just aching to get in line and show off their best works!

Customer Reviews:

Nice but short........2006-09-03

Leather & Lace 4 is a small collection of drawings dealing with women, or sometimes just a single woman, in interesting fantasy, erotic or pinup poses. While some, like the artwork of Arantza are truly lovely and the works of Pedro Cuevas and Mitch Byrd showed imagination, most are just straight forward nudes and even seem a tad lifeless and bland. Also I noticed that one drawing by Pelaez was even repeated later in the book. Maybe the earlier books used up all the good ideas? I may have to buy them and find out. But I suggest you get this one used.

SIZZLING HOT BONDAGE ART!.......2005-12-09

Leather & Lace Volume 4 is a fantastic entry in the ever popular Gallery Girls collections from SQP. This rather over fetish book's theme is, as the title says, all about sexy leather and lace, but bondage is an equal member of the trio as nearly every piece in the book is a woman on woman bondage illustration and some of the sexiest work ever to come from SQP. The front cover is courtesy of Pelaez who gets things off to a rolling start. Girl on girl fetishes, cat fights, breast fights...it's all within the pages of one of the hottest Gallery Girl editions ever.

Pelaez, always one of my favorites provides a piece showing a blonde bound by her hands to a headboard as a leather clad dominatrix stands nearby armed with a cat-o-nine tails. Colucci's bound prisoner is also blonde and being spanked on the rear end with a riding crop by her mistress. The men in the bar of a drawing by Pedro Cuevas are looking very delighted and amused as two topless women battle it out, breasts first in this great piece.

Marcelo Sosa provides one of the standout pieces in the book as a woman in garter and nylons digs her spiked heels into the back of her subservient slave who is on her knees. Arantza gives us the best of both worlds with a blonde in lace and a brunette in leather, having suggestive fun with a water hose. Isaac Del Rivero offers another stunningly hot dominatrix in thigh high leather boots and whip leading two nude women about by a leash. Later, Del Rivero provides the most graphic fetish piece as his subject is bound and suspended in mid-air as her mistress playfully licks her helpless toes. Pelaez has an entire series of drawings with another on-going cat fight, or more accurately, a breast duel between two buxom babes.

Dani Saurez ends the book on a high note with a beautifully painted back cover. An absolute must have for bondage or fetish fans and a sizzling hot edition of Gallery Girls.

Reviewed by Tim Janson

Book Description

Based on precedented research and interviews, this authoritative biography of Colonel Tom Parker includes revelations and insights into rock music's most renowned and notorious manager.

Customer Reviews:

I've read it all before.......2004-07-04

This book is a compolation of every story we've ever heard. The fans have a tendency to blame everyone for Elvis' downfalls and the Colonel is villified for letting Elvis be a drug addict as if he or anyone had any say. The nature of their relationship was established right off. Elvis had the million dollars worth of talent and the Colonel had the ability to cash it in. Elvis went from making $18 a night on the Louisiana Hayride to making $100,000.00 for TV appearances in less than a year. He got Elvis a big money movie contract with an unheard of backend royalty. Elvis had the talent to pull it off; Parker couldn't have done it with Hank Snow. But Elvis was just as talented when he met Parker and was scraping along in the lower strata of middle class. In this book once again the chatracters are stick figures; they're one dimensional in their interaction and the story is worn.

A fascinating insight into The Colonel & into Elvis' career.......2002-09-05

I like to learn about Elvis from the inside out. This is unquestionably one of the best and most interesting books I have ever read about Elvis' career. It is a fascinating and enlightening insight into Colonel Parker and thus into Elvis and his career also. Dickerson's approach takes you down a road I don't believe has been explored before. He has done remarkable research into (i) what influenced and shaped The Colonel and enabled him to emerge as a revolutionary and unique manager and (ii) into the underlying cultural and political forces of the time that greatly influenced the course of this particular piece of history. If you are serious about learning about Elvis and The Colonel, Dickerson's writing makes you think; it opens doors and suddenly so much becomes clear. The first half of the book is, perhaps, kinder to The Colonel than the second half; but, above all, if you want new and interesting information and great insight into these two gentlemen (Elvis and The Colonel), this book is brilliant. This book is well worth your time and money.

A waste of time........2002-04-30

I don't care to write too much about this book, because it just wastes more time.

Too much effort was put into this book and it was all futile.
Not enough "real hard evidence" supports anything reported in this "tabloid" type of book.
I felt like I was reading the National Enquirer (hardback version) than a book about Elvis and his manager.

This man obviously used a lot of other people's material, from other books, and added his opinion: which doesn't amount to much.

I like Scotty Moore and what he did for Elvis, but he was always kept in the dark about Elvis' business. So his comment about how much this book was an eye-opener is expected.

This was a waste of my money, but even moreso my time.
I would rather read something more substantial.

What the experts have to say!.......2002-03-12

FROM THE BOOKJACKET:

"James Dickerson's research has confirmed more than I ever suspected"--Scotty Moore, Elvis's guitarist and first manager

"An indendiary, powerful investigative account . . . an explanation, finally, of the twisted, corrupt relationship between Elvis and Colonel Parker"--Joe Eszterhas, best-selling author, screenwriter and former writer for Rolling Stone magazine

"This jaw-dropping biography of Tom Parker confirms what I felt for years--that the Colonel was a far more fascinating rascal than Elvis ever became. This is a model of research assembled with crafty objectivity and humor"--Hal Kanter, director of the Elvis film "Loving You"

"Here is the whole sad and amazing story of 'the most accomplished con man since Barnum.' In swift, deft strokes Dickerson has sketched the greed, compulsion, and lies that drove every decision in the making of undoing of rock and roll's greatest talent. This is the book our study of popular culture's most glittering icon has lacked"--Lewis Nordan, author of "The Sharpshooter Blues"

"This riveting biography shines a hard light on the inscrutable Colonel . . . Dickerson has made it easy to understand that if rock and roll will never die, it owes its life to how Parker wrote the rules of the game"--Mark Ribowsky, author of "He's a Rebel"

An Unfair Portrait of Elvis Presley's Manager.......2002-03-06

Colonel Tom Parker was Elvis Presley's manager for virtually Elvis' entire career. Parker began his career working for carnivals and when he became a successful music manager, first for country singer Eddy Arnold and later for Elvis, Parker maintained his image as a carnival man. In negotiations he played the role of the unpolished but sharp dealing operator who took his adversary by surprise and got a great deal for his client and himself. Parker seemed to enjoy and possibly profit from his mysterious and unsavory reputation.

That mysterious and unsavory reputation draws suspicion to Colonel Parker when Elvis Presley's career is considered. Alot of bad and weird things happened to Elvis as his career went on. He made terrible movies, indifferent records and suffered weight and drug problems. Why did this happen? Colonel Parker is a convenient scape goat, but how much was Colonel Parker really to blame for Elvis' misery?

The answer may never be known. There are many rumors about Colonel Parker. He was an illegal alien so Elvis never toured Europe. (That makes no sense to me. Colonel Parker wouldn't have to leave the country for Elvis to tour Europe. After all, Elvis was stationed in Germany while Parker managed him.) Another rumor is that Elvis was a great and exciting singer until Colonel Parker corrupted him into a cheesy money making parody of himself. The 1968 "Comeback TV Special" was rumored to be one of the few times that Elvis defied the Colonel and showed the public the "real" Elvis. But if Elvis was unhappy with the Colonel, why didn't he fire him? If Elvis didn't like the direction is career was taking why didn't he try to change it? There are many unanswered questions.

Unfortunately this book doesn't provide many answers. Instead it just adds more unsubstantiated rumors. For example, it has been rumored that Parker was born in Breda, Holland and was originally named Andreas van Kujik. The author believes that Parker was born to jewish parents in Russia and only lived with the van Kujik family when he was in his teens. It's frustrating that the author offers no facts in support of this theory.

Another rumor is that Parker was involved with organized crime. Probate court records after Elvis' death show that Parker was losing one million dollars a year gambling in Las Vegas by the early 1960's. Certainly a man with heavy gambling debts would be vulnerable to collection pressures. It's plausible that Colonel Parker was unduly influenced in his managment decisions by his need to raise cash, but that doesn't mean that Parker is neccessarily guilty. The author suggests that Parker was involved with organized crime, but does not offer any proof to convict him. The author even speculates that Parker was close to surrendering his managent contract on Elvis to satisfy gambling debts. No facts are offered to support these rumors. All that is known for sure is that Colonel Parker was a heavy gambler.

This is just a poorly crafted book. Dickerson's writiing is competent enough, but his research work is shoddy. People write books about Elvis Presley all the time. His old girl friends, his family members, his friends, his band members, have all written books about Elvis. With so many books about Elvis out there, why waste time reading this one?

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