Almost Transparent Blue

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May be more than you bargained for...which could be good or bad

A 1970's Japanese junky "family"

Disturbing and beautiful!

"But maybe we'd feel something after all..."

Incredible!!!

Almost Transparent Blue
Ryu Murakami
Manufacturer: Kodansha International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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Coin Locker Babies

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ASIN: 4770029047

Book Description

Almost Transparent Blue is a brutal tale of lost youth in a Japanese port town close to an American military base. Murakami?s image-intensive narrative paints a portrait of a group of friends locked in a destructive cycle of sex, drugs and rock?n?roll. The novel is all but plotless, but the
raw and often violent prose takes us on a rollercoaster ride through reality and hallucination, highs and lows, in which the characters and their experiences come vividly to life. Trapped in passivity, they gain neither passion nor pleasure from their adventures. Yet out of the alienation, boredom
and underlying rage and grief emerges a strangely quiet and almost equally shocking beauty. Ryu Murakami?s first novel, Almost Transparent Blue won the coveted Akutagawa literary prize and became an instant bestseller. Representing a sharp and conscious turning away from the introspective trend of
postwar Japanese literature, it polarized critics and public alike and soon attracted international attention as an alternative view of modern Japan.

Customer Reviews:

May be more than you bargained for...which could be good or bad.......2007-01-08

Porn-like with bloody needles and every forty pages or so a pause for an "epiphany". Not the "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" epiphanies, which intimated the real thing as well as words can be expectd to, but the feeling of drug hazes, a chance to rest from the intensity of the main story and perhaps make it all seem of socially redeeming value. But does transcendence have socially redeeming value any more than drug and sex escapisms do? May depend on what you make of silver negligees. Almost no one here seems to have a job except for the cops and the serviceman but the former might be better occupied with real criminals and the latter are off-duty. It may be that only the nurses, as always, do necessary work. The character Ryu and his friends seem also in need of psychologists but there is no context in the book of how the characters became this way or of how they may find help before self-destructing.

Forceful writing, for sure. Seemed somewhat choppy but that may have helped move it along quickly.

"Almost Transparent Blue" is not at the level of Burroughs either in style or at all for the issues raised. It's probably asking way too much to expect that. Burroughs "Naked Lunch" and his trilogy "The Cities of the Red Night", "The Place of Dead Roads" and "The Western Lands" have plenty of sex and drugs, if that is what you are after, but with broad contexts and much deeper explorations of how it connects to all of us. No one may have understood and expressed the role of addictions in social control the way Burroughs did. But it seems unfair to compare Murakami with Burroughs based on just this first and short novel of Murakami, so you may want to read later and longer works (e.g. "Coin Locker Babies" and "In the Miso Soup")

It's hard to tell when reading "Almost Transparent Blue" whether one should feel sad or manipulated. I wasn't comfortable with Ryu the character or Ryu the author. Maybe comfort isn't the point. Maybe Murakami is effectively raising social concerns and without glossing over the creepiness of what can happen.

For a less shocking, probably more compassionate and more fully developed presentation of youths lost amidst drugs and sex that don't go off the deep end as Murakami (and Burroughs) may seem to do, I suggest Frank Daniels "futureproof", which still lingers with me constructively a year after I read it.

P.S. Murkami directed a 1980 Japanese movie derived from this novel but apparently tamer. It was nominated for a best sound award by the Japanese Academy. I'll leave it to our imaginations what the well-done sounds were.

A 1970's Japanese junky "family" .......2005-04-08

John Steinbeck's "Tortilla Flat." Henry Miller's "Tropic of Cancer" William S. Burroughs's "Junky." The semi-autobiographical novel of disaffected youth and their abusive love-affairs with drink, drugs and sex is certainly not without literary precedence. Over the years, it has become a genre, one which shocks people with its honestly, and lures with its romanticism of the life of a fringe wastrel, who looks no further than the next drink or fix, living life in pursuit of pleasure.

Joining their ranks is "Almost Transparent Blue," the debut novel by Japanese virtuoso Ryu Murakami. This first novel, written while still in collage, won the prestigious Akutagawa award and skyrocketed Murakami to fame and financial independence. Telling the semi-connected tales of young junkies Ryu, Kazuo, Yoshiyama, Moko, Reiko, and Kei, the book is a decent into the underbelly of 1970's Japan, fresh with Jimmy Hendrix music, exotic black men from the local military base, and the numbness of emotion that comes from living in a drug-haze.

Like his predecessors, Murakami has detailed the life of the Bohemian as an attractive and repulsive existence. Attractive, due to the seductiveness of a life lived for base pleasure, animalistic sex and a constant supply of drugs. Repulsive, in the vomit and blood and pain that of necessity accompanies such a lifestyle. You wonder which characters will escape, which ones will die, and how much of this did Murakami experience first hand. He never makes it quite clear, naming the lead character "Ryu" after himself, and leaving the reality of the elusive "Lily" up in the air with the last paragraph.

Very much a product of its time, both the music and the stereotypical "otherness" of the black people are striking time stamps. Unfortunately, the translation is dated too. With Japanese literature, you can always tell how old a translation is by how the translate tofu. Here, it is called "bean curd," since tofu had not entered the standard English language yet. Also, some strange choices were made by the translator, such as changing Kei's Osaka dialect into an American Southern accent.

However, flaws aside, "Almost Transparent Blue" is a powerful milestone in Japanese literature, and a good book as well. A short, quick read, it will linger long after the last page is read.

Disturbing and beautiful!.......2005-02-04

This book won the Akutagawa Award, changed modern japanese literature, and is a favorite of japanese college students. The only american novel I can equate with this one is Requiem for a Dream. Except it's even more hardcore! I remember reading this on a train and having to stop myself and breathe, no exaggeration, it was that intense! The writing here isn't prose, but poetry. Murakami puts graphic (even brutal) scenes of sex and drug use next to scenes of quiet reflection (watching rain, childhood memories) to create a sense of hopelessness and desperation. However, taken in the proper context, this book will leave you uplifted rather than depressed. One of my favorites!

"But maybe we'd feel something after all...".......2004-10-29

It's 1976, and a group of Japanese teenagers living near an American airforce base indulge their appetites for drugs, alcohol and bi-curious group sex. Like most sensual quests for liberation and vision, these only lead to the annihilation of consciousness and a confusing desire to escape back into bourgeois life. Getting high is one thing. Connecting with reality is something else. In 126 pages of orgiastic indulgence, drug-induced catatonia and suicide attempts, there are three moments of transcendence in which Murakami's case is made: the memory of a beautiful piece of music; the experience of almost being killed by an aircraft taking off; and the narrator's climactic desire to communicate a personal vision of the world, himself and their possible unity. Murakami's call for connection and creativity in the face of mortality and post-war nihilism is a familiar one in twentieth-century literature, but the way he goes about it is refreshing. Firmly realist in his approach, Murakami stays on the surface. Sticking with the physical details he refuses to burrow into the minds of most of these youths where he might have interpreted or psychoanalyzed their inner lives for us. Ironically, this works. Their own halting attempts at self-expression are so much more poignant, and so much more credible for being vague and incomplete. If the bulk of this narrative strikes you as tedious, pointless, repetitive and occasionally appalling, then Murakami has succeeded in capturing the reality of a life devoted to escapism. It's only in such a context that the moments of incipient self-awareness and transcendence can have such a powerful resonance for these characters, and for the reader.

Incredible!!!.......2004-09-23

In all honesty, I stumbles uon Ryu Murakami's work by accident. The cover of Coin Locker Babies looked cool, so I read it. Ever since, I've been in love with Murakami's work. This novel is no exception. He has this gift of being able to describe a setting in so few words, yet he invokes so much emotion and provides the reader with a clear visual. I recommend this book to anyone that is a fan of incredible writing.

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Almost Transparent Blue
Ryu Murakami
Manufacturer: Flamingo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MLBRCW

Book Description

More magic from the #1 New York Times bestselling author

While visiting London, a beautiful young woman becomes homesick for the West Indies. Unfortunately, her only available chaperon for the perilous journey is her rakish, hot-tempered cousin.

Customer Reviews:

Can't really call this a "romance"...........2007-07-04

The lush tropical settings and colorful descriptions of the island lifestyle way back when kept me from giving this review a single star.

** SPOILERS **

As others have written, our protagonist Diana starts off witty and independent. She is visiting England at the request of her father, who would like her to become a bit more polished and prepared for husband-hunting. She wants none of it but honors his wishes, and finds herself staying with a distant relative who's nephew is the other lead, Lyonel.

Diana and Lyon take an instant dislike to one another and their insults (by the dozens) and antics get old, fast. At one point our "hero" decides to teach the object of his non-affection a lesson by luring her into a beautiful secluded spot and aggressively spanking her bare bottom. In the middle of this "lesson" Lyon decides he's enthralled by Diana's, er, skin and just can't help moving his hand...his finger...well, take a wild guess.

Diana and Lyon eventually take a lengthy sea voyage together (she wants to return home, he wants to see his island inheritance), during which Lyon decides he's tired of the waiting game and decides to rape Diana. A timely knock on their cabin door is the only thing that stops him, although he gets thisclose to completing his goal.

It is right about here in the story Diana begins her submissive downfall.

Just before they arrive at Diana's home island the ship's captain marries Diana and Lyon, but only for appearances you understand. Fast forward a few weeks and Lyon, angered because he *thinks* another married lady in the household is having an affair, rapes Diana so brutally she bleeds. (You should know that early in the book Lyon witnessed his former fiancee [Charlotte] having an affair with a close friend so of course he considers all women single-minded in their thoughts on fidelity. He has a right to take out his misguided anger about women on Diana, correct?) Thankfully after Lyon confesses the reason he raped her (the second time, that is) she forgives him immediately. Whatta gal.

I didn't really want to finish this book (although I did) because the "romance" between the protagonists was so uneven. Also, parts of the story (what did Lyon ever do about his own island's injustices? How lucky was it that captain Carstairs found Diana and Lyon before too much time went by! etc.) were rather haphazard. The author did make an attempt to create an interesting twist towards the (very) end of the book and again, the island life was beautifully described but I didn't at all care for the lead characters and what became of them.

Book Description.......2005-07-26

The second book in Catherine Coulter's Magic series is a fiery romance that is as superb as Midsummer Magic. Moving from Regency England to the exotic West Indies, Calypso Magic is the story of a hot-tempered earl and his witty, very desirable, island-born cousin--and the undying love and relentless passion that binds them together through jealousy, mystery, murder and intrigue.

Degrading to Women.......2005-05-20

This book degrades women. The hero of the story spanks, then fondles the heroine. Then later nearly rapes the heroine, while she is saying no. They are alone on an idea, and instead of trying to find ways to survive, the hero wants sex. This book gives the wrong message to young female readers.

An insult to intelligent women.......2004-10-06

From beginning to end nothing but a woman reduced by verbal and physical abuse, then finally rape. My apologies but this implausible herione continues to forgive him. I will never pick up another Catherine Coulter book for I am not a masochist.

things didnt add up.......2004-06-30

the characters weren't consistent. The heroine starts out blunt and witty, willing to stand up for herself no matter what and by the end can't speak up to defend herself adequitely. Pretty cover, fun sparring of words, but inconsistent.

The Magic Trilogy: Midsummer Magic, Calypso Magic, Moonspun Magic

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The Magic Trilogy: Midsummer Magic, Calypso Magic, Moonspun Magic
Catherine Coulter
Manufacturer: Topaz
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000JZ9UP2

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Calypso Magic
Catherine Coulter
Manufacturer: Topaz
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000WM1CXK

Customer Reviews:

Okay, but not as good as the first two........1999-07-20

After finding "Decision at Doona" and "Crisis on Doona" to be two of the best books I've read recently, I started in on this one with great anticipation. It's hard not to want to read more about Doona and some of the characters we've come to love.

The book was generally good and enjoyable, and was time well spent, but in my opinion it was weaker than the first two. The plot didn't seem as well constructed, and some threads were not adequately developed or resolved. I kept waiting for the story to kick into high gear, but except for a few tense moments, it seemed to just coast along.

I too hope there are more books in this series. And I hope that McCaffrey (now 73) has given Nye her blessing to continue the series if she dies anytime soon.

I Want More!.......1999-07-07

This is a truly great ending to the Doona trilogy; just one problem: I want more! The ending of the book just begged for at least one more enstallment to this lovely series. Though there was one thing that I did not like and that was the fact that Spacedep was the antagonist in all three books. I should think that after the first two incidents involving Spacedep that they would have tried to keep it out of the Gringg affair. But all in all, a great book and *hopefully* more to come.

7 Anne Mccaffrey PBs, Dragonquest, White Dragon, Dragonsdawn, Treaty at Doona +3 More (Pern)

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7 Anne Mccaffrey PBs, Dragonquest, White Dragon, Dragonsdawn, Treaty at Doona +3 More (Pern)
Anne McCaffrey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000QH0RPU

Product Description

Paperbacks

Average customer rating:

Long & boring book, wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

Crisis on Doona and Treaty Planet
Anne McCaffrey
Manufacturer: Dove Entertainment Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

General | Books on Cassette | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
ASIN: 0787100463

Customer Reviews:

Long & boring book, wouldn't recommend it to anyone........2002-12-28

The plot is trivial. The teaser gets repeated many times, and the conclusion is a great let-down. The problems described are artificial, and the characters are flat.

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Treaty at Doona
Anne; Nye, Jody Lynn McCaffrey
Manufacturer: Ace Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000JEHE24

Average customer rating:

The final outstanding volume . . .

Navarre Bible: Revelation and Hebrews and Catholic Letters
Faculty of the University of Navarre
Manufacturer: Four Courts/Scepter
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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The Navarre Bible: Pentateuch (The Navarre Bible: Old Testament)

The Navarre Bible: Wisdom Books (The Navarre Bible: Old Testament)

ASIN: 159417038X

Product Description

The Navare Bible New Testament series give you the complete English (Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition) and Latin (New Vulgate) texts of each book, plus extensive Catholic explanations of the scriptural texts and their implications for everyday life. Compiled by the faculty of the University of Navarre, the commentaries draw on a huge variety of sources: Church documents, the writings of the Fathers and Doctors of the Church, and the work of prominent modern spiritual writers -- chiefly St. Josemaria Escriva, who initiated this massive project. Each volume is self-contained, with wide-ranging general introductions, introductions to each Biblical book, a table of sources cited, maps, and informative notes. Scholarly and readable, these volumes are a comprehensive intellectual, historical, and spiritual survey of the riches of the New Testament. The third and final volume of the Reader's Edition series of The Navarre Bible New Testament combines the individual Navarre NT books and commentary into one convenient volume. This edition contains: The Revelation to John (Apocalypse), The Letter to the Hebrews, and Catholic Letters (James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1-3 John, and Jude). It provides extensive commentary located on the same page as the scripture text. This facilitates quick reference, Bible study discussion, and easy reading. This volume also includes the Latin Vulgate translation of the Bible for reference at the back of the book.

Customer Reviews:

The final outstanding volume . . . .......2006-12-11

. . . to an already outstanding series.

I am thrilled that Navarre is now publishing the New Testament in hardback. This volume represents the final one in the series. However, I really do wish that the editors would do with the NT what they have done with the OT in including the New Vulgate as well as the RSV and the outstanding commentary.

Nevertheless, the series is great. I required the "Gospels and Acts" volumes for two upper division Scripture classes I taught last spring. I would have no hesitation using this volume as a required text as well.

Very Highly Recommended.

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The Navarre Bible: Revelation
University of Navarre
Manufacturer: Four Courts/Scepter
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1851829113

Product Description

Part of a 12 volume set of the New Testament with extensive explanations of the meaning of the scriptural text and its implications for everyday life. The commentaries draw on a rich variety of sources - Church documents, the writings of the Fathers and Doctors of the Church, and the work of prominent spiritual writers, particularly Saint Josemaria Escriva, who initiated the Navarre Bible project. The commentary appears on the same page as the Bible text, which is the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Each volume is self-contained with extensive introductions and notes to Old Testament prophecies. The Navarre Bible commentary is considered by many to be the best Catholic commentary on the Bible available today.

The Navarre Bible: Revelation (The Navarre Bible: New Testament)

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Traditional and scholarly
Highly recommended

The Navarre Bible: Revelation (The Navarre Bible: New Testament)
University of Navarre
Manufacturer: Four Courts Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1851820892

Book Description

The Navarre Bible New Testament series offers extensive explanations of the meaning of the scriptural text and its implications for everyday life. The commentaries draw on a rich variety of sources - Church documents, the writings of the Fathers and Doctors of the Church, and the work of prominent spiritual writers, particularly Saint Josemaria Escriva, who initiated the Navarre Bible project. The commentary appears on the same page as the Bible text, which is the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Each volume is self-contained with extensive introductions and notes to Old Testament prophecies. The Navarre Bible commentary is considered by many to be the best Catholic commentary on the Bible available today.

Customer Reviews:

Traditional and scholarly.......2002-07-19

This is a a more traditional treatment of the Epistles based on sound scholarship, exegesis, and biblical archeology. It will challeneg more popular scripture scholarship to son degree and will not espouse a liberal interpretation. Howeevr, for those who make scripture scholarship an important part of their life or work, this is a must book to have.

Highly recommended.......2000-04-25

Gives a thoroughly Catholic understanding of the Book of Revelation. We're so used to the modern "premillenialist" view of the book so typical of Evangelicalism, but this commentary brings out the traditional Catholic understanding of the Apocalypse. Has the text of the book in English (RSVCE) and Latin (New Vulgate) plus commentary drawn from the writings of Saints and Church Fathers.

Revelation and Hebrews and Catholic Letters

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Revelation and Hebrews and Catholic Letters
Navarre Bible
Manufacturer: Four Courts Press Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

Downright offensive.......2003-01-02

I agree with the other reviewer. I am from South Texas, and the assesment of our food was cursory, and unresearched opinions.

I really didn't like the interview from the East Texans, which was an essay written by a woman who reminices about the food cooked for them by "the blacks that worked for Daddy."

I know historically African Americans have been in the position of being employed, rather than being the employer. However, I thought that if this book were published in 1989, the subject would have been presented more sensitively.

'Nuf sed.

Did They Do Their Research????????.......2002-05-02

I'll be honest with you. I only read the section which interviewed the lady from South Texas on Mexican American cooking. But I came across enough errors, to indicate that the journalism was pretty sloppy, at least in this section. Errors which should not have been made and which could have been avoided by checking a couple of sources and coincidentally would have made for a more interesting story.

Example 1: "Taco" is defined as a snack. The word taco comes from "wedge" or "wad", the wadding such as was used to stuff a cannon or rifle. Because tortilla tacos were originally soft and round, well, you can see how you'd get to the image of stuffing a wad of food into your mouth.

Example 2: A little research would have turned up that enchilada is a shortened form of tortilla enchilada, "chili'ed tortilla" in other words. They shouldn't have missed this one.

Example 3: The dicho for "como el agua para chocolate" is completely wrong.

Average customer rating:
Eats. A Folk History of Texas Foods
Ernestine Sewell Linck
Manufacturer: Texas Christian University
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NUUEXA

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Glass Animals Including Animal & Figural Related Items: Identification & Values (Glass Animals Including Animal and Figural Related Items)
Dick Spencer , and Pat Spencer
Manufacturer: Collector Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Glass & Glassware | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Reference | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1574323873

Book Description

This book helps educate the collector on the differences between original and reissued items. This second edition has been expanded to include animal and figural related items. Candlesticks, lamps, ashtrays, and general line glassware were designed and molded to portray living figures and these items have become highly collectible and are now in high demand. Realistic current values are included, and the book is arranged according to animal for ease in identification. 2004 values. AUTHORBIO: Dick Spencer, a resident of O'Fallon, Illinois, and his wife, Pat, own hundreds of glass animals and other glass items. Their collection was the basis for two editions of Glass Animals of the Depression Era. Their passion for collecting goes beyond glass, and encompasses pottery and other antiques and collectibles. AUTHORBIO: Pat Spencer, a resident of O'Fallon, Illinois, and her husband, Dick, own hundreds of glass animals and other glass items. Their collection was the basis for two editions of Glass Animals of the Depression Era. Their passion for collecting goes beyond glass, and encompasses pottery and other antiques and collectibles. REVIEW: This book is filled with hundreds of new photos not in the previous edition. The sharp images and detailed information make this book an indispensable guide for collectors.

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Creative Storage Solutions for Your Home: Includes 10 Beautiful Furniture Projects
Rick Williams
Manufacturer: Popular Woodworking Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Furniture & Carpentry | Woodworking | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Woodworking | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Household Hints | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Design and Build Your Ideal Entertainment Center

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Cabinets, Shelves & Home Storage Solutions: 24 Storage Projects Plus Ideas for Organizing Your Home

Build Your Own Entertainment Centers

ASIN: 1558705945

Book Description

This book helps woodworkers, hobbyists and home improvement enthusiasts convert the unused areas in their homes into useful storage spaces--for example, by turning a cluttered closet into a built-in bookcase. There are 10 creative projects in all, each one made with basic woodworking techniques and a minimal number of tools. Step-by-step photos and instructions accompany every project, including a built-in display case, a three-sided curio hutch, a built-in bookcase, a grandfather clock, a three-piece sectional entertainment center and more!

Book Description

Staircases are an unavoidable design choice for any multilevel home. Because a staircase can set the entire tone for you house, it is imperative to find the style that suits you to a tee. Stairscaping, at once an idea book and a how-to-guide, brings you up close and personal with this indispensable piece of architecture, and shows you how to enhance your existing staircase to fit your style.

This primer covers the worldwide evolution of residential staircases, including both classical and contemporary interior and exterior staircases, thorough well-researched, accessible text and detailed, designer photography. A full resource section provides information for staircase restoration, resource tools, and other helpful industry contacts.

Book Description

His classic images from such projects as The Neverending Story will zoom you right out to the far reaches of the galaxy. Visionary illustrations have graced magazines, including Analog and Fantasy & Science Fiction, as well as book jackets, films, and TV. This superb collection includes Challenge of the Stars with Patrick Moore in 1972 and the 1999 work Millennium Planet, depicting a newly discovered extrasolar world. A must-have for all space and SF enthusiasts.

Customer Reviews:

The Future and Beyond.......2002-07-23

One issue that I grapple with frequently is the difference between "art" and "illustration". In the world of fine art illustrators are generally looked on as an inferior breed by the critics. In his introduction to "Hardyware" David A. Hardy expresses his reproof at modern art's derision of anything beautiful or representational.

This got me thinking. If SF art is "mere illustration" as an art critic would say, what about all those historical paintings of heaven and hell, the last judgement and armageddon? Critics seem to love those.

But I digress. SF art does have its place, and it plays an important role. The main body of "Hardyware" gives us a glimpse of the possibilties that await us in the future. If things turn out properly and we don't destroy ourselves, our descendents will become great builders with the potential to conquer the stars. Most of the artwork in this collection is done in gouache and acrylic, although more recently the artist has turned to digital media.

We see visions of the past as well as the future. One of my favourite pieces is a scene from "The War of the Worlds". I remember seeing that image on a cover jacket when I was 12, although I didn't know who the artist was back then. The image of a dinosaur looking up at a descending asteroid is hauntingly grim.

I often think SF artists are underrated. Though they are often proved wrong, their visions provide a valuable contribution to the development of our civilization, giving inspiration to those who have the ability to make fantasy a reality.

Great Book!.......2001-10-05

This super book contains well over a hundred examples of the work of perhaps our best living space artist, along with a fascinating text full of insights into his thinking and his modus operandi.

Customer Reviews:

Callas wouldn't be happy.......2001-08-08

This poorly written, badly documented, sensationalistic approach to a life that was sensational enough without editorial help, turns Callas into a mix of Tallulah Bankhead, Imelda Marcos and Judy Garland with high notes. With fans like these, who needs ennemies ?

Only for the seriously addicted.......2001-03-13

The book is a quick read. I doubt it took that long to write, actually. Having read more scholarly books about Callas, I found this book to be pretty sensationalistic and *probably* an inaccurate representation of this singer.

I have talked to people who knew Callas, and the general consensus is that she disdained profanity and was a rather private person. This book would have us believe otherwise. If you want to read a good Callas bio, try the one by George Jellinek, published by Dover. Also, I expect the one by Anne Edwards which will be published later in 2001 will be a good read.

Callas Worship At Its Worst.......2000-05-27

Riddled with inaccuracies, sensationalistic, precious, this wholly useless book is best ignored. Even the photos are poorly chosen, and the adulatory tone surprises only by becoming more and more treacly and embarassing.

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