Average customer rating:
- Full of insight and a wonderful read
- what it is
- A Frolic In French History
- Couldn't put it down!
- Novel Masquerading as Bad History
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My Beloved Talleyrand: The Life of a Scoundrel by His Last Mistress
Steve Pieczenik , and
Roberta Rovner-Pieczenik
Manufacturer: iUniverse, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Contemporary
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ASIN: 0595342086 |
Book Description
“I am first to admit that a woman, especially a young woman, does not attach herself to a brilliant, older, accomplished man without seeing some reward at the end. I may have been a master in the art of submission but I am not without self-respect. If Talleyrand were here with me now, he would agree that what began as a manipulation on both our parts, turned into a wonderful partnership.”
Talleyrand's mistresses, intrigues, betrayals, and deceits were legendary, but only one woman could capture his love: his niece and mistress Dorothea, who records his life in the enthralling masterpiece My Beloved Talleyrand.
A debauched French aristocrat bishop, Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord renounced the Church and his nobility in order to save France from self-destruction. He supported and then overthrew King Louis XVI, the leaders of the French Revolution, and finally Napoleon Bonaparte.
After the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo, Talleyrand dominated the Congress of Vienna, determining the course of history for both Europe and America for the next one hundred years.
Customer Reviews:
Full of insight and a wonderful read .......2006-12-17
The authors have created a unique avenue into a tumultous period of history. Talleyrand's extraordinary era is brought alive by the intelligent treatment of the key characters, and by the psychological authenticity of their stories. Highly recommended.
what it is.......2006-06-06
The past is just like the present only there is less of it. This book approaches Talleyrand from an interesting perspective: his final mistress. The plot must be a story rather than a laundry list of facts however accurate. The very fact that things are not always understood then as they are now by a professor of history ( to offer a far-fetched example) does not detract from the book. Indeed, it adds, frankly, a soupcon of authenticity. Who knows what then as now is less important than who does the knowing. Who knew of Dorothea before this book? As a result, this book is not a conventional history as much as it is an unconventional story well told. Is it all true? Quite beside the point: it's all almost possible enough... to turn the next page.
A Frolic In French History.......2006-06-04
My Beloved Talleyrand is a guided tour, with the mistress with whom Talleyrand spent his mature years as the tour guide. She lived with him from the Congress of Vienna through the years in London, and his final years in France. And she knows his history -- aide to Louis XVI, conspiritor in the Revolution, foreign minister to Napolean, advisor and ambassador to the restored monarchy. Talleyrand had unique roles in a pivotal time of western history, and his mistress tells the story with an eye for the intrigue, swagger, and power politics of the time.
Couldn't put it down!.......2006-06-04
This is such a fascinating, well written book. Great for the beach this summer, book club, or before bed!
Jeffrey Slavin Somerset, Maryland
Novel Masquerading as Bad History.......2006-06-02
Readers need to remember that this is a historical novel, not straight history - whatever the author's pretensions. Besides over-idealizing Talleyrand (perhaps to serve the author's own obvious political biases made clear in the Foreword), the book has many gross historical errors of fact that I wouldn't tolerate in a sophomore term paper - and that could have been avoided simply by careful fact-checking. P. just doesn't seem to take history seriously. (The list of reference sources at the end has many more items on antiques, fashion, and architecture than on political or diplomatic history.) As for the writing, some of it is on the level of a teen-age romantic novel, and elsewhere it changes to an ordinary historical narrative - so it's not always clear just what authorial voice one is hearing. This is very sloppy history indeed - the author should stick with Tom Clancy. (I'm a professor of history in Portland, Oregon.)
Average customer rating:
- Book Four of the Pendragon Series
- Reads like left-overs but eventually warms up
- Great book in Series
- Lawhead returns to the era of Arthur's Early Reign
- quality stuff
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Pendragon: Book Four of the Pendragon Cycle
Stephen R. Lawhead
Manufacturer: Eos
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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Avalon:: The Return of King Arthur
ASIN: 0380717573 |
Book Description
At the dawn of his reign, a young king must prove his greatness . . . or lose a realm.
Arthur is king—but darkest evil has descended upon Britain's shores in many guises. Fragile alliances fray and tear, threatening all the noble liege has won with his wisdom and his blood.
In this black time of plague and pestilence, Arthur's most trusted counselor Myrddin—the warrior, bard, and kingmaker whom legend will name Merlin—is himself to be tested on a mystical journey through his own extraordinary past. So Arthur must stand alone against a great and terrible adversary. For only thus can he truly win immortality—and the name he will treasure above all others: Pendragon.
Customer Reviews:
Book Four of the Pendragon Series.......2007-09-06
Stephen R. Lawhead is an internationally acclaimed author of mythic history and imaginative fiction. His works include Byzantium and the series The Pendragon Cycle, The Celtic Crusades, and The Song of Albion. Lawhead makes his home in Austria with his wife. Stephen Lawhead is one of my all time favourite authors and I am only sorry that he does not write more often.
All of the books so far in the Pendragon series have been good reading, particular for those interested in the Arthurian legends, but also for those who just like a good historical novel. Set against the background of Roman Britain with a little Celtic legend thrown in the books tell a wonderful and sometimes moving story of Taliesin Merlin and Arthur.
In this particular book Merlin tells the story which Arthur's own book left untold. The story of the winning of the title Pendragon and all that it entails, both for Arthur and the people who surround him, both friend and foe.
Reads like left-overs but eventually warms up.......2005-07-26
I have long admired Stephen Lawhead's writing. He has the uncanny ability to create worlds and characters that spring to life through his poetic images. He has definitely breathed new life into the Arthurian legends with his Pendragon Cycle. But "Pendragon", the fourth book in the series, is perhaps the weakest link.
"Pendragon" is not a continuation of the story that was started through "Taliesin", "Merlin", and "Arthur". Rather what Lawhead does in this fourth installment is revisit some stories about Arthur's life that either weren't in the previous books or that weren't expounded upon. This makes the beginning of the story read like left-overs that Lawhead cut from the original work. There are even times when the story is word-for-word the same as the previous novel. That being said, "Pendragon" does begin to build about halfway through the book and the story of Arthur's struggle to save Britain from a barbarian invasion comes to life.
While perhaps not the strongest link in the cycle, "Pendragon" is a continuation of Lawhead's magnificent rendering of Arthur's life. He has crafted Arthur as a king who is both strong and intelligent, fearless and faithful, seemingly invincible but also somehow mortal (even though he is the forever king). If readers can stick out the ramshackle beginning, they will not be disappointed in the end. Especially when the legend of the grail comes into question. But, as Merlin says, "that is a different story" and one this reader is looking forward to.
Great book in Series.......2005-06-29
Pendragon is one of the better books of the series. It has a flowing plot, which at times is thick and hard to read, but lawhead makes up for it in the poetry of his language. It is a unique addition to all the Arthurian books out there, and to me, the best researched and thought up.
I have read too many accounts of Arthurian fiction, and I very much liked the Pendragon cycle. Lawhead writes like a poet. His writing can get pretentious at times, and a bit thick and hard to read, but it is well worth it. It definitly enriched my mind and made me want to write epic poetry. It's not the kind of book that you can't put down, the narrative doesn't flow like a best-selling novel, but if you like the subject matter, it is not hard to get though.
Many people critisize this series of books because it deviates from legend. This bothers me. The reason it is "legend" and not fact is because it is largely unknown. I love how lawhead makes everything seem authentically celtic, ("Bedwyr" instead of "Bedivere" and so on)and he puts his own version of the legend, which every author has the right to do. If you're anything like me, your sick of hearing about Lancelot and Guenivere and you want a new and refreshing version of the saga. Lawhead has done his research and knows what he is writing.
Strongly recommended. Read in order.
Lawhead returns to the era of Arthur's Early Reign.......2004-09-04
Pendragon is the fourth of Stephen Lawhead's Pendragon Cycle, an excellent reimagining of the King Arthur legend. Set right after Arthur's coronation, with Merlin as the narrator, Pendragon tells the story of Arthur as a new king facing adversity both in England and abroad in Ireland. A huge armada arrives in Ireland while Arthur is visiting his ally Fergus, an armada looking for a new home, a home taken by force and led by the ruthless Boar. After a viscious fight in Ireland, the Boar leaves only to land in the very heart of Arthur's new kingdom which has just been struck by a terrible plague that may wipe out the kingdom. Arthur must go beyond himself and find a way to defeat both a cunning and deadly enemy as well as a way to stop a unseen plague.
quality stuff.......2004-05-05
A wonderful book, which Lawhead says should be read between the second and third books of Arthur . . . It is very powerful to me that Lawhead's characters see their own weaknesses so clearly.
Book Description
CONTINUING THE ALL-NEW ADVENTURE SPANNING ALL OF STAR TREK® HISTORY!
Two of the Malkus Artifacts -- used as deadly weapons millennia ago -- have been uncovered since their discovery in the 22nd century. Now in the 24th century, two more artifacts lie in wait, ready to wreak havoc on an unsuspecting galaxy...
While on their shakedown cruise, Captain Kathryn Janeway and the Starship Voyager™ discover the third artifact in the Demilitarized Zone -- in the hands of the Maquis! With the aid of Captain Robert DeSoto of the U.S.S. Hood, Voyager security chief Lieutenant Tuvok infiltrates the Maquis, and must gain the trust of cell leaders Chakotay and Cal Hudson before the terrorists use the artifact to throw the DMZ into chaos!
When the final artifact is unearthed on Narendra III, it leads to several mysterious disappearances throughout Federation and Klingon™ space -- including Federation Ambassadors Spock and Worf. Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Starship Enterprise™ joins forces with Captain Klag of the I.K.S. Gorkon -- but even the greatest vessels of two nations may not be enough when the deadly secret of the final artifact is revealed!
Customer Reviews:
An Intriguing Concept Marred By Poor Plotting.......2004-03-19
"The Brave and the Bold: Book 2" is Keith DeCandido's epic Star Trek saga encompassing the crews from all of the Star Trek television series. It is a hokey premise about the discovery of mysterious alien artifacts, "Malkus Artifacts", which are the last vestiges of a power-hungry ruler and a civilization dating from 90,000 years before the 24th Century. The first half is a somewhat engaging look at the discovery of the third of these artifacts, featuring Captain Robert DeSoto of the USS Hood and Lieutenant Tuvok from USS Yoyager a few weeks prior to Voyager's ill-fated mission in the Badlands. It also includes some riveting scenes with members of the Maquis. The second half is a disappointing reunion of Colonel Kira Nerys, Ambassador Worf, Ambassador Spock and Admiral McCoy as they fall under the spell of the fourth artifact, found on the Klingon colony world Narendra III. This was a quick diversion on a long New York City subway ride.
Not the Best.......2003-08-24
For Voyager fans seeing the pic of Capt Janeway on the cover taking up a full quarter of the front would lead them to believe that 25% or so of the story was decided to her. Not so. For Star Trek fans who have to read EVERY single book, it's a must, but for most, just a mishmash and rehash of old story lines.
What a downer ending for a great 2-book series.......2003-04-06
The first book in the Brave and the Bold 2-part series introduced a very intriguing concept, but the second book doesn't carry it through. The book has two stories, the first of which is pretty good and almost holds up the quality of the first book. However, the second falls to pieces, bringing the entire series down with it.
The first book in this series was so well written and exciting, that I was really looking forward to a riveting conclusion. One of the minor gripes with the entire series, like all of the Star Trek book series that incorporate all of the television crews, is that it became a little bit too much of a coincidence that the same things would happen to all of our familiar crew members. Candido alleviated that a little bit by having other crews involved as well: in the first book, it was Decker and his ship and then the crew of the Odyssey. Further along those lines, Candido provides even more distance by making Tuvok and Chakotay the only two familiar characters in the Voyager story. I found that this helped considerably.
The first story is really well-told, as DeCandido does a good job of fleshing out some characters that we saw only briefly in the TV series (Cal Hudson) as well as creating some very interesting characters for the Hood. The Hood doesn't have as much to do as the ships did in the previous book, but the characters that DeCandido creates for it, especially Captain DeSoto, are vivid. DeSoto is a champion at the game of Go, and he has created a monster by teaching his first officer the game (and now she constantly beats him). It becomes a running gag throughout the story. It seems a bit superfluous, but it adds greatly to the character, as we feel we know him. DeCandido doesn't do as good of a job with the villain of the piece, though. The Andorian is very two-dimensional, going crazy because of the death of his family. He becomes very boring after awhile, and it's good that the story is short. The Maquis characters that DeCandido creates fulfill their roles well, but are rather basic otherwise. The distrust of Tuvok is understandable, but that's pretty much all there is.
While the Voyager story is pretty good, the Next Generation story that ends the book just completely falls apart. One of the problems with it is that it seems to be a showcase for DeCandido's new series of books about the IKS Gorkon and less a Next Generation story. That's fine in and of itself, but that's not really the way the book was sold. They do seem like an interesting crew, and DeCandido makes them intriguing to read about, but Picard and the rest of the Enterprise crew are bit players in their own story.
The second problem, and the one that made me almost want to put this book down in frustration many times in its short 140 page duration, was the constant explanation of continuity references. In many Star Trek books, there are so many references to past episodes that it can strangle a story. Others handle this very deftly, by either not including many references or by the author being very capable of explaining just enough of the references to not leave the new reader confused without bogging down the story. Throughout the first three stories in this series, DeCandido did a really good job of this. They were not intrusive, but they also weren't mystifying. Even better, a lot of these "references" were actually references to things that we haven't seen before, because they dealt with the new characters that DeCandido had created. That made them interesting. Unfortunately, in this final story, the continuity references come at the reader fast and furious, and DeCandido uses paragraph after paragraph to explain them. Most of them only need one paragraph, but when there are multiple references on each page, it starts to add up and get very messy. Not only are there references to television episodes, but there are multiple references to other books, as well (especially concerning the Gorkon, which has appeared on one of DeCandido's previous books).
The story also feels very staged and ends up being anti-climactic. DeCandido moves all of the pieces around, has them do their assigned jobs, and then has the book end within one page in a very boring way. Finally, there is fifteen pages of story after the ending, which makes the rest of the story seem very inconsequential. I understand that this is the conclusion to the two-book series, and thus needs to be there, but when the story itself is only 140 pages, it doesn't add much to the final story. I wouldn't mind so much if the story itself were actually good, but this really needed a bit more to it.
On a positive note, though, the crew of the Gorkon is very interesting, and I'm looking forward to their series. DeCandido is a good writer (this story not-withstanding) and I think he'll do a good job with it. It highlights the differences between Klingon ships and the Federation ships that we're all familiar with, as well as containing good characters to boot. I have to admit I was surprised by one of the deaths, because I thought that this character was one of the more interesting ones and I was looking forward to seeing the character in the new series. I was touched by the character, and really sorry to see the death. In such a short story that contains so much, that's a rare feat.
Overall, the series is very good, but it the final story is a big let down. Speaking specifically about this book, it contains a 4-star story and a 2-star story. Thus, I'll split the difference and make it 3-stars. What a waste.
David Roy
The Brave and the Bold -- Book Two.......2003-01-01
This book was awesome! If you had always wanted to know what happened in the weeks prior to Star Trek: Voyager's pilot episode "Caretaker," this is the book for you. You will find out how Tuvok became involved with the Maquis. There are some great plot twists and the characters are further developed in this book. Even Seska appears in there. All are essential in finding and defeating the person with the Malkus artifact. Want to know more? Buy the book. It is HIGHLY recommended!
See the beginning of the Maquis with Tuvok, Chakotay.......2002-12-26
In this one we get to see how Tuvok and Chakotay got involved with the Maquis. Keith R.A. DeCandido has become what Peter David has been to Star Trek books. If you want to read a fast paced good read pick up this series of books.
Product Description
"Lightspeed"
Product Description
Two volumes The Brave and the Bold Books 1 & 2
Book Description
Now in one volume: the ten volumes of the outstanding Religious Traditions of the World series. Written by leading experts, these individual studies explore the richness and variety of important religions from around the world.
Customer Reviews:
Fabulous overview of world religion.......1998-11-05
This book is broken into 10 chapters, each representing a major religious tradition. The chapters are well written, and by major researchers in that particular field. They give plenty of information, but in a way easy to comprehend. Each section has a glossary of terms, as well as many illustrations. This is a wonderful book for people who want one book as a reference for all major world religious traditions.
Book Description
This flavorful book honors our mothers' influence by documenting more than 200 favorite family recipes.
Remember stirring moments in your own kitchen as you read Mother Memories, pearls of wisdom passed from mother to daughter, and browse through a splendid collection of African-American Heritage Recipes.
Highlighting the list of recipes are: Creole Gumbo, Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey, Black Eyed Pea Fritters, and Maply Sweet Potato-Banana Pudding.
A portion of the proceeds benefits The National Council of Negro Women, Inc.
Customer Reviews:
Best Black Cookbook on the shelves.......2007-07-05
I liked this cookbook so well that I have purchased it three times, after I lost my original copy and then again for my cooking challenged cousin. It offered me some tasty recipies similar to my Mom's and Grandmother's with consistent measurements. I have, based on their tasting, adjusted the recipies I use and now have my mother asking what I did to keep getting it right. I am not one of those throw a little of this and that together cooks (I had trouble not burning water). This book has helped me get started and I continue to pursue better cooking recipies and techniques from all over. As I don't cook often, I find that the book is simple enough for a novice cook and offers a lot of variety and wisdom as well.
Remembering Mothers' Kitchen.......2005-09-30
If you remember 1 smell, 1 taste or 1 conversation with your mother in the kitchen, then you need to get this book!!
Not only are the recipes all great and the memories of advice and antidotes are priceless.
These are Great Women, Great Moms and Great Recipes.
The book would be a wonderful read, even if there were no recipes!
This book should not just be read by African American ladies, but by all ladies. It will bring back memories and provide smiles for everyone.
Great Memories At the Bottom of Each Recipe Page.......2003-12-01
From memories of their mothers's good advice at the bottom of the 'Gumbo recipe' on Pg 15 "Never let your emotions run away with your better judgement" to a pg 138 'recipe "World War I Cake" '."If you are so smart,tell me what is better than goodness"...to the 'Billy's Ribs recipe' on Pg 82 "Be your own person;do the very best you can all the time and let God do the rest"..the book published by 'the National Council of Negro Women,Inc.' has an abundance of 'food' for thought as well as for "goode eating".
Needs a little something more.......2002-12-05
Most of these recipes are not the versions that your grandmother made. Some of them are things that your mama never would've thought about cooking. A lot of them are the quickie or new versions. You may want to consider the Ebony Cookbook or Slyvia's or the grand dame of black heritage cookbooks, Spoonbread and Strawberry Wine.
Succulent Dishes.......2001-11-16
I love this book. I use it almost every week to prepare Sunday dinner. All the recipes are easy to follow and the dishes tastes just like mama's and grandma's soul food cooking.
You won't be disappointed with this book. It's a Godsend.
Book Description
Every artistic discipline tackled by Tiffany is illustrated here, making this the perfect book for the collector and the enthusiast.
Customer Reviews:
A real "fix" for the "Tiffanyhalic" - The Garden Museum Collection.......2006-01-07
So .......... you've seen all the books written about Louis C. Tiffany, and you've seen the pictures - over and over and over? NOT THIS TIME, my friend! This extraordinary work is destined to become as highly collected as any of Tiffany's works!
This is a huge book - 671 pages, filled with sumptuously photographed treasures, many shown for the first time. Printed on high quality stock, and presented in it's own slip case, this book feels absolutely "Imperial"!
Alastair Duncan guides us through the "mind boggling" collection assembled by Mr. Horiuchi, one of the greatest Tiffany collectors of the twentieth century. Louis C. Tiffany: Garden Museum Collection - presents virtually all of the known disciplines designed and manufactured by Louis Tiffany and his Tiffany Studios. Items include Tiffany's own paintings & photographs, plus a wealth of designs and watercolors from the design studios, windows, lamps, glass, pottery, metalwork, furniture, enamels, woodwork, silver, Liturgical items, and perhaps the most comprehensive selection of Tiffany's jewelry ever gathered in one place!
Additional chapters cover the effects of Tiffany on the Art Nouveau movement in Europe and America, and vice versa. Numerous European makers are discussed, with prime examples of their works - including complete rooms - represented.
If you own twenty books on Tiffany, or were to buy only one book to study and enjoy the extraordinary works of this great genius, this book is a must. Exhaustive in it's scope, timeless in it's beauty, this will be the benchmark for future writers.
Book Description
A learn-by-doing guide to the most-prized hand embroidery techniques explains the four basic stitches, with projects to match. The Silk Shading stitch features a Landscape, Iris, Dog Portrait, and Tree Bark. Crewel Work offers you a Jacobean Leaf Sampler, Fish Sampler, and Abstract Window. Blackwork provides four dark-bordered nature and geometric designs, and Goldwork projects include an art nouveau pattern and an elegant purse. Along with the photos of each step of the technique, you’ll find photographs of museum exhibits featuring the world’s great embroidery, ancient and contemporary, including a coat of arms, floral patterns, angels, and a queen’s crown.
Book Description
Emmy award-winning author Christopher Lowell is back with his second groundbreaking book, ready to inspire his millions of fans with hundreds of ideas that can transform their homes—and their lives. With his first book,
Christopher Lowell’s Seven Layers of Design, Lowell introduced design basics layer by layer, demystifying and reassuring the first-time home decorator. Now he takes the process one step further, encouraging readers to discover their own hearts’ desires so they can turn their dreams into unique realities.
Taking us by the hand, Lowell starts with his own experiences of self-discovery as a guide for the dreaming process. Next he provides a questionnaire that helps you identify your own sources of pleasure and fulfillment. Finally, he illustrates the process with exciting design projects built on particular themes. The longing to entertain friends in a cozy cocktail room transforms an awkward space into a “Martini Lounge”; dreams of living
by the seashore become “Coastal Living”; the desire for travel and theatrical surroundings informs “Moroccan Mystique”; and a nostalgia for the mid-twentieth century finds its creative expression in “Retro Chic.” Each of these imaginative rooms not only expresses the creative spirit, but also feeds the soul.
As Lowell explains it, no matter what your budget, no matter what your talents, if you begin to understand the relationship between the interior of your mind and the interior of your home, you can create beauty in both. The sense of satisfaction promised by a home that you yourself decorated is not beyond your reach or your budget, if you follow the simple steps of America’s favorite design guru.
Customer Reviews:
Not really my dream rooms.......2007-04-27
I've seen his show a few times and really like how he envisions things and carries them out. This book is about the same thing, only with more description and instructions - plus you get to see how he did his bedroom. I liked the fact that he has you take a "personality-type quiz" and take those elements into your decorating. But if you're not a creative person, it may be harder to make the transition.
Though I admire his ability to transform rooms, none of them were really my "style." Lots of great ideas, but this book just wasn't for me. My house is just your normal 70's style split level so any of these ideas would take a lot of imagination and a bit of money. This book would be better for someone who has a larger home with character. Also, this book is filled with posed pics of Christopher - can be annoying if you're not a huge fan.
If not familiar with his shows, his books are virtually useless...........2005-08-23
Don't get me wrong, I love his shows, although I think his rooms are somewhat overfilled with stuff. His built-ins and projects are great!
However, unless you've taped his shows, the instructions for the few projects he did include (l really would have liked the instructions for the desk in the kid's race car room but it wasn't there--looked very "Jetsons") leave a LOT to be desired. And instead of nice pictures of the entire room and full furniture layouts, you got a lot of his drawings over the color pictures.
So, bottom line, you cannot just pick up this book and hope to do this stuff without watching the particular episodes he's referring to.
I hope future books are written to correct this problem (present in all the books except his entertaining book), and also that he puts out a book with ALL of the projects he builds in it, with good instructions and lots of pictures.
Tap Into Your Inner Decorator.......2005-05-07
This was my first encounter with Christopher Lowell and his energetic decorating. I'd recommend starting with his Seven Layers of Decorating book first. If You Can Dream It builds on that earlier book.
This is not just a collection of pretty room photos. It really makes you think about how decorating relates to your inner feelings and dreams. He gives the reader a great tool in the Dream Questionnaire, then explains how your answers can be applied to home decorating.
His own questionnaire reveals his love for things tropical/water/organic/bamboo, etc. That explains the dramatic rooms pictured in the book which may be overly theatrical for some people. The martini lounge and the retro room put me off, but I fell in love with his down-by-the-sea bedroom and some of the others.
Sandwiched in are projects (usually 2 pages each). These include making a circular pouf, a saucer fountain, a bookshelf room divider, an ottoman, modular bookshelves, a nautical bedside table, deco sconces, a bed/storage combo, refacing kitchen cabinets, and finally a car bed for a kid's room.
Well, worth a look.
Loved It!.......2004-12-31
I love this book! Christopher's rooms are always excellent (even those featuring my not-so-favorite color schemes). But, no matter which color he chooses, I always find several things I like about each room - which is more than I can say for most books of this type! This particular book is a must have for anyone who likes zen, moroccan, or coastal/nautical designs. There is more, of course, but those are my favorites.
Too much like his first book.......2004-09-10
As much as I hate to say it and as much as I like Christopher, this book had me falling asleep. Literally. It was so much like his first book, and alot of things sounded the same. Alot of the pictures looked familiar also. But regardless...I STILL LOVE CHRISTOPHER, and everything that he represents! He is awesome!
Customer Reviews:
Self Designed Style.......2003-04-08
Have you ever felt that you didn't have the know how to create your home in magazine style fashion? This is THE book. What captivated me as I read it was the simple understanding that its an art of the heart to make your house or apartment your home. It is well written and simple to read. Each chapter is broken down into topics that you can relate to. It contains some bright ideas that I've passed along in the form of a personal copy to those who are moving into their first or new home. I am so glad to have found this book.
Average customer rating:
|
Breaking the Mould: From the Weltkunst Foundation
Richard Cork
Manufacturer: Lund Humphries Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0853317445 |
Book Description
In this fascinating two-book set, today's most acclaimed film directors reveal intimate behind-the-scenes details of their most influential work and unique approaches to their art. From masterful insights into the craft of directing to untold anecdotes of on-the-set pranks, The Directors offers in-depth interviews and fascinating insights from 26 of the best directors in the film industry today. Here are never-before-revealed details from such renowned filmmakers as Norman Jewison, James Cameron, Rob Reiner, Spike Lee, and Garry Marshall regarding their experiences making a variety of classic films from The Exorcist to The Princess Bride, Fiddler on the Roof to Saturday Night Fever, Superman to Forrest Gump. You'll discover their earliest reactions to scripts for films that became classics; how legendary scenes were staged and shot; behind-the-scenes stories of the unknown actors who landed major roles and went on to become superstars; the underdog films that confounded expectations; and much, much more. This magnificent series also includes each director's filmography, complete listings of major awards, and cast credits for every film discussed. A fabulous source of insights, anecdotes, and industry secrets for film buffs everywhere!
Customer Reviews:
Another "Baker's Dozen".......2002-04-16
This is one of three books assembled by Emery based on material generated during the production of the television series "The Directors" on the Encore Movie Channel. The others are The Directors: Take One and Directors Take Two: In Their Own Words. Emery's role was to pose the questions to which the directors responded and then edit transcripts of the given programs televised. Literally, the directors speak for themselves. That is to say, Emery (wisely, I think) eschews the standard Q & A format. Some readers will be especially interested in specific directors; others will be more interested in specific films; still others (I among them) will be interested in both the directors and the films they directed. Predictably the quality of the material varies, sometimes significantly. For example, in this volume, I found the general observations by Gary Marshall and Rob Reiner much more informative than those by John G. Avildsen and John McTierman. (Other readers may have an entirely different opinion. Fair enough.) The overall value of the book, however, is derived from having direct access to the thoughts and feelings of these directors and I regret that such access is not readily available -- in a single volume -- to so many other great directors (e.g. D.W. Griffith, Charlie Chaplin, Ernst Lubitsch, Cecil B. DeMille, John Ford, Federico Fellini, and Ingmar Bergman) except, perhaps in full-scale biographies, critical studies, and/or in correpondence.
Fortunately, however, Peter Bogdanovich has published an excellent collection of his interviews of 16 directors (e.g. Raoul Walsh, Fritz Lang, Howard Hawks, George Cukor, and Alfred Hitchcock). Also, Richard Schickel has published another collection of his interviews of great directors such as Frank Capra, Vincente Minnelli, and King Vidor as well as of Cukor, Hawks, and Walsh.
One of Emery's most effective devices in both "Directors" volumes is "The Conversation," a section which introduces each director. It follows Emery's own brief but insightful introduction to "The Films of...." I am also grateful to Emery for not intruding (as editor) on the flow of information provided in each chapter. Sure, several portions of the book's narrative could have been "tightened up" but, in that event, the book would have lost much of its unique flavor and, worse yet, its vitality and spontaneity. I think both "Directors" volumes are first-rate and highly recommend them as well as the previously mentioned collections by Bogdanovich and Schickel.
A Baker's Dozen of Great Film Directors.......2002-04-11
This is one of three books assembled by Emery based on material generated during the production of the television series "The Directors" on the Encore Movie Channel. The others are The Directors: Take Two and Directors Take Two: In Their Own Words. Emery's role was to posed the questions to which the directors responded and then edit transcripts of the given programs televised. Literally, the directors speak for themselves. That is to say, Emery (wisely, I think) eschews the standard Q & A format. Some readers will be especially interested in specific directors; others will be more interested in specific films; still others (I among them) will be interested in both the directors and their films. Predictably the quality of the various directors' responses varies, sometimes significantly. For example, in this volume, for whatever reasons, Spike Lee's and Lawrence Kasdan's comments on their individual films are far more insightful than are those of Robert Wise and Sydney Pollack. However, because Emery also poses several specific subjects to which directors are asked to respond (e.g. "Why [Wise] Decided to Produce His Own Films" and "How Does [Pollack] Choose His Projects?"), Wise and Pollack are able to share with the reader perspectives and opinions that are probably otherwise unavailable. I was especially pleased to learn that Richard Donner considers Inside Moves (1908) "one of my greatest, dearest films." Featuring John Savage, David Morse, Diana Scarwid, and Amy Wright among an ensemble cast, this film is one I include on my own list of the very best which few people have seen or even know of. One of Emery's most effective devices is "The Conversation," a section which introduces each director in his own words. I am grateful to Emery for not intruding (as editor) on the flow of information provided in each chapter. Sure, several portions of the book's narrative could have been "tightened up" but, in that event, I think the book would have lost much of its flavor and, worse yet, its vitality and spontaneity.
Fascinating "behind the scenes" reading........2000-02-04
The early roots and rise of almost thirty of today's modern film directors is charted in this history, Part 1 of a projected two-part set. This gathers the words of the directors themselves, examining how they got their start in the business and how they made some of the best films of modern times. Any involved in film history will find The Directors Take One absorbing.
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Take Two
Philip Dunne
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0070183066 |
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Take Two: A Life in Movies and Politics
Philip Dunne
Manufacturer: Limelight Editions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0879101571 |
Average customer rating:
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Take Two: A Sonya Iverson Novel (Sonya Iverson Novels)
Elsa Klensch
Manufacturer: Forge Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0765314452
Release Date: 2007-10-30 |
Book Description
Working on a story about the anniversary of a celebrity thrift shop, TV producer Sonya Iverson finds herself caught up in the Woodruff family’s disintegration. Hilda Woodruff, who manages the family’s magazine empire, is locked in a bitter feud with her sisters, Ellin and Julia, over which of their sons should succeed her as head of the family.
When the family friend who runs the thrift shop is murdered, her body is found by volunteer Kathryn Petite—who is Hilda Woodruff’s secret daughter, placed for adoption when Hilda was a teenager. Hilda refuses to meet this specter from her past, so Kathryn is volunteering at the thrift shop in an attempt to get close to her birth family. Sonya investigates the murder, annoying the charming NYPD detective assigned to the case. But although Sonya’s connection to the family lets her understand clues others miss, she is unable to prevent another murder.
In the end, Sonya’s nose for news ferrets out the Woodruff family’s darkest secrets…and the identity if the killer in their midst.
Books:
- My Mother's House and Sido
- My Venice
- Novalis: The Novices Of Sais
- Obi; or, The History of Three-Fingered Jack (Broadview Edition)
- On the Nature of Human Romantic Interaction
- Opgang (Texts and Translations)
- Orange Laughter
- Park City: New and Selected Stories
- Passing into Light
- Plum Bun: A Novel Without a Moral
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