Peter Whiffle - His Life and Works

Average customer rating:
Peter Whiffle - His Life and Works
Carl Van Vechten
Manufacturer: Grant Richards Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KUJA06

Average customer rating:
Peter Whiffle His Life & Works
Carl Van Vechten
Manufacturer: MODERN LIBRARY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000Q06CSI

Average customer rating:
Peter Whiffle His Life and Works
Carl Van Vechten
Manufacturer: Alfred A. Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000K6S6G4

Average customer rating:
Peter Whiffle His Life and Works
Carl Van Vechten
Manufacturer: Alfred A. Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000K6OK0K

Average customer rating:

Peter Whiffle is a novel!

Peter Whiffle: His Life and Works
Carl Van Vechten
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0766141314

Book Description

1927. Whiffle was not an author. He had never published or written a book. This work came into existence due to Whiffle leaving a provision in his Will that Carl Van Vechten serve as his literary executor. The author was a friend to Whiffle and it was through the author that Whiffle found the proper outlet for his artistic explosions. This book is written on Whiffle's life from the standpoint and personal experience of Van Vechten. Illustrated.

Customer Reviews:

Peter Whiffle is a novel!.......2006-02-01

Disregard the editorial note above: Peter Whiffle is a fictional character created by Van Vechten, a man who wants to be a writer but never produces the great work it seems like he is fated to. An interesting book, shows the literary scene in Paris and New York in the 1920s, and includes fictional representations of some real figures (Mabel Dodge = Edith Dale).

Average customer rating:

Peter Whiffle: His Life and Works

Manufacturer: Alfred A. Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000EA6TLU

Product Description

Covers reproduce Ralph Barton's illustarted map of Paris.

Peter Whiffle;: His life and works [by] Carl Van Vechten

Average customer rating:

Peter Whiffle;: His life and works [by] Carl Van Vechten
Carl Van Vechten
Manufacturer: A.A. Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B00085M9EW

Book Description

Ten of the top writers of fantasy present their views of the ways and byways of fairyland:
ISAAC ASIMOV -- A most unusual knight meets an even more unusual dragon.
TERRY BROOKS -- A boy and an elf discover courage conquers more than monsters.
C.J. CHERRYH -- Three wishes -- and the strangest love story ever told.
LESTER DEL REY -- The little princess didn't really believe in a fairy godmother.
SUSAN DEXTER -- The hermit boy didn't know that his pet fawn was a unicorn.
WAYLAND DREW -- Each traveler claimed precedence -- until a stranger joined them.
BARBARA HAMBLY -- Three strange children from a dragon's lair were loved, until . . .
KATHERINE KURTZ -- A fairy learns of faith and love from a holy man.
ANNE McCAFFREY -- Humans and the descendants of Pegasus seek to escape their prison.
LAWRENCE WATT-EVANS -- Killing a dragon is easy -- once one knows how.

Customer Reviews:

One of the best books I've ever read!.......2004-02-26

If you love fairy tales, fantasy, stories about princes and princesses, dragons and flying horses, all written with wit, wisdom, and humor for adults, then this is your book!

I treasure this book - it is one of my all-time favorites.

Read it and enjoy.... for many years to come!

Wayland Drew is a highly under rated author........1999-04-07

I'm so glad to finally find this book again after losing it. Drew is simply an amazing author and truly has a grip on how to write a true fairy tale. Mr. Drew taught my grade 12 english class and some of his writing rubbed off on me. Unfortunately he died of Lou Garrigs disease a few months ago. He will be truely missed and so will his writing. If you get the chance learn more about this man and the other titles he has written.

Great Book, Wayland Drew's Story is Worth The Price Alone.......1998-12-04

Simply a masterpiece of a book. Some funny stories, some serious all very original. Wayland Drew's story may even affect the way you think about your life. The Old Soul is one of the best short stories I have ever read.

I cannot believe that I finally found it!.......1998-10-28

For six years I have been searching for this collection. How many libraries and book stores have I searched since leaving this book on my elementary school's shelf six years ago? Once upon a Time's stories may be modern, but have already become classic in my memories of childhood. I memorized every one. Each is more real to me than my own life was; every tale has become engrained in my consciousness. Moreover, its illustrations were exquisite; enthralling; inspiring.They burned their surreal images into my memory and flicker coaxingly where reality meets dream; where conscious meets subconscious. And there also lay the hope of finding this childhood friend, this inspiration, once more. Its stories have become fabled within me: intangible and elusive as the dreams they teased, and yet I am sure that this old book will live up to its legend when I hold it in my hands and gaze into its glimmering illustrations again.

Tales that will stay in your mind for YEARS! Excellent book!.......1998-01-17

Regardless of what the "experts" say, I would recommend this book to everyone!
The stories are very well-thought-out and they will stick in your mind for years (as they have mine!) The artwork in this book is FANTASTIC, as well (I wish someone would sell prints of some of these). Personally, I stumbled upon this book by accident... and it has become one of those that I will save for my children, and re-read, throughout the years.
BUY THIS BOOK!!!!!! Right now, don't even hesitate!

Book Description

This is an omnibus of two early novels in L.E. Modesitts Ecolitan Matter series, The Ecolitan Operation and The Ecologic Secession. The series deals with the conflict between the old and corrupt interstellar Empire, and the Ecolitan Institute of the planet Accord. The Institute ostensibly a training academy in ecology, is in reality a progressive force reminsicent of Isaac Asimovs Foundation. Both novels were initially published as mass market originals and are now out of print. The two books form a complete story arc.

Customer Reviews:

A Hero Gone Rogue.......2004-06-09

Empire & Ecolitan (2001) is an omnibus edition of the first and second novels in The Ecolitan Matter series according to the internal chronology. It includes The Ecolitan Operation and The Ecologic Secession.

The United Confederation of Independent Worlds -- otherwise known as the Empire -- is an hegemony of over 190 worlds plus their colonies and other dependencies. The capital of the Empire is at New Augusta on Terra, although many support functions are based off-planet, particularly on Alphane.

The Emperor is the titular head of the United Confederation, but most power resides in the Senate. The Empire nominally includes about fifty semi-autonomous planets on the fringes. The largest principality in this region is the Conglomerate of Fuard, which is aggressively flaunting its military might.

The Empire has long ago ceased to work for the welfare of its member planets, but instead has strived for maintenance of the status quo and perpetuation of the institutions of the Empire itself. The dependent worlds have been hit the hardest with increased taxes and conscripted troops. Armed rebellions have occurred sporadically throughout the colonies.

In The Ecolitan Operation (1989), Major Jimjoy Earle Wright III is a Special Operative for the Imperial Space Service who manages to successfully complete the most difficult missions, but who displeases his superiors with the intemperate violence of his methods. They would prefer something more subtle, but Jimjoy does whatever must be done to achieve the objective. In his current mission, he causes a fusion plant explosion to kill off the Halstani High Command, but has a collateral kill count of over fifty thousand bystanders. His case officer sends him next to Accord to report on the Ecolitan Institute, but the Empire has a lethal surprise waiting for him on the planet.

In The Ecologic Seccession (1990), Jimjoy is now Ecolitan Professor James Joyson Whaler II, Senior Fellow of the Institute. The Empire believes that he is dead and hopefully they will continue to do so. Jimjoy has created a new department within the Institute -- Applied Ecologic Management -- which is actually the new Special Operations branch. It is clear to Jimjoy and to the Ecolitan Prime that the Empire will soon be imposing more stringent controls on Accord and that the planet must rebel to keep its liberty. As a first step, Jimjoy single-handedly destroys the System Control station at Haversol.

These novels are mostly about the ethics of violence, personal and social. All ethics are contingent upon survival; i.e., survival of yourself or your descendants or your group is a prime concern. However, certain methods of survival are wrong, for they destroy they very things you wish to preserve. These novels explore the ethical limits of defense of a society -- that is, a large group of people -- which is threatened by external forces. What types and degrees of violence are legitimate under those circumstances? Are civilians legitimate targets of violence and, if so, under what conditions? The author raises some interesting questions, but more importantly, he points out the uncertainties surrounding all such issues.

Highly recommended for Modesitt fans and for anyone who enjoys tales of political intrigue and special operations with a touch of romance.

-Arthur W. Jordin

Great book: interesting characters and plot........2001-07-03

This book was originally published as a duology (The Ecologic Operation and The Ecologic Secession...search under these titles for more reviews), but the transition between the two books is seamless so reprinting as a single book works well.

This book keeps you turning the pages with interesting characters, great action scenes, and a nicely tuned plot. If you are an avid book reader you will find similarities in style and plot to a number of other great series such as Isaac Asimov's Foundation Trilogy, Piers Anthony's Bio of a Space Tyrant, and Chris Brunch's Matador.

You might also want to check out The Ecologic Envoy which takes place 400 years after this book.

Average customer rating:

The Making of an Ecolitan

Absorbing read

The Ecologic Secession
L. E. Modesitt Jr.
Manufacturer: Tor Science Fiction
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Ecolitan Operation (Ecolitan Matter)

The Ecologic Envoy (Ecolitan Matter)

The Ecolitan Enigma (Ecolitan Matter)

Ecolitan Prime (Ecolitan Matter)

ASIN: 0812503481

Customer Reviews:

The Making of an Ecolitan.......2004-06-09

The Ecologic Secession is the second novel in The Ecolitan Matter series according to the internal chronology, following The Ecolitan Operation. In the previous volume, Major Jimjoy Earle Wright III was assigned to New Kansaw to neutralize a group of rebels. On the way, he discovered that his courier ship has been sabotaged and provided a little instruction in creative paranoia to the skeptical ship commander.

On Kansaw, Jimjoy avoided another attempted assassination, found the rebel hideout, discovered that the Imperial marines had got there first, and rescued two rebels from torture. He then stole a flitter and infiltrated Missou Base, set the base self-destruct sequence, stole the emergency shuttle, and escaped off-planet. In orbit, he badly damaged the orbital station, stole a courier ship, and escaped out-system. In the Accord system, he evaded detection by the orbital station and convinced an Ecolitan station on the moon to rescue the rebels and himself from the powerless ship. Although exhausted after over eighty hours of sleep deprivation, Jimjoy had once again beat the odds.

In this novel, Jimjoy is now Ecolitan Professor James Joyson Whaler II, Senior Fellow of the Institute, with an extensive body makeover. The Empire believes that he is dead and hopefully they will continue to do so. Jimjoy has created a new department within the Institute -- Applied Ecologic Management -- which is actually the new Special Operations branch. It is clear to Jimjoy and to the Ecolitan Prime that the Empire will be imposing more stringent controls on Accord and that the planet must rebel to keep its liberty. As a first step, Jimjoy single-handedly destroys the System Control station at Haversol.

After this operation, Jimjoy begins implementation of further steps to secure complete autonomy for Accord. His major problem is the attitude of his fellow Ecolitans. The Ecolitan Prime has been assassinated by Imperial agents and his replacement is a weak procrastinator. However, Jimjoy bypasses the Prime and works with Ecolitan Thelina Andruz and her roommate, Ecolitan Meryl Laubron, to recruit and train a force of special operatives.

The Institute already has a security branch in its Field Training department. There students receive training in armed and unarmed combat, field surveillance, and other security related subjects. Now Jimjoy is adding methods of entry, computer penetration, demolition, and other special ops methods. Moreover, his students are helping to build needle boats in the moon station and other Ecolitans are developing ecological weapons elsewhere off-planet.

Despite his distaste for politics, Jimjoy is chosen to announce the Institute's plans to the Accordan politicians. Among these plans are the ejection of the Imperial governor, the wholesale resignation of the current council, and elections for a new council with systemwide jurisdiction. Nevertheless, Jimjoy makes it clear that the Institute will not allow the new council to sellout the populace.

Jimjoy was born on White Mountain in the Hampshire system, a matriarchal society. He enlisted in the Imperial Marines at an early age to escape the strains of his family. He was a borderline sociopath during his days as an Imperial Special Operative.

One of the conditions for acceptance into the Institute is psychotherapy to work out his anger and distrust of women. He has a complex relationship with Thelina, a former Hand of the Matriarchy (the equivalent of an Imperial Special Operative), who has unresolved anger and distrust of men. When the two come together, sparks fly. Although Thelina comes to love him, she knows that his love for her is based only on superficial impressions and she expends a great deal of energy showing him how to know and trust those he loves.

While Jimjoy is a bundle of repressed angers, in other ways he is much like the other male protagonists created by the author. The interpersonal dynamics of love is a common theme in most works by this author, with the female characters usually much more aware of the situation than the males. In one respect, the male-female relationship is less complex in this novel since both protagonists come from matriarchal cultures, but the very egalitarian social background of the Institute tends to muddle the situation.

Highly recommended for Modesitt fans and for anyone who enjoys tales of political intrigue and special operations with a touch of romance.

-Arthur W. Jordin

Absorbing read.......2000-05-12

Jimjoy, a former Imperial Agent, has faked his own death to escape his previous employers, who want him dead. The Ecolitan Institute of Accord have given him sanctuary and a new identity: James Joyson Whaler. But what does this enigmatic teaching/research facility want with a guy who specialises in destroying things? His aid in helping Accord secede from the Empire - an offense that has previously seen whole planets 'killed'. The Ecolitan Institute is not without its own form of muscle - and this time the Empire had better look out. This book was somewhat hard to get hold of, and I bought it after reading The Ecolitan Enigma, where Accord and the Ecolitan Institute act as independent troubleshooters, with a strange code of ethics, and the ecologic technology that ensures nobody messes with them. This book, the third in the Ecolitan Trilogy, shows the conflict that leads to this unusual position of power. Again, Modesitt creates a world that is rich and complex, with its own patterns of behaviour, politics and technology. It's not always easy to follow, given that complexity, but on the whole is still a good read. It has odd twists and touches of humour - the tough commando Jimjoy's hobbies include calligraphy and gourmet cooking, of all things. Plenty of excitement, explosions and intrigue. The part I liked most was watching Jimjoy try to enact a formal courtship with a fellow Professor of the Institute, Thelina, who is not terribly impressed with his past or his heartfelt declarations.

Average customer rating:

The Ecologic Secession
Jr., L.E. Modesitt
Manufacturer: Tor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000TXDP5U

Empire and Ecolitan: Two Complete Novels of the Galactic Empire: The Ecolitan Operation and The Ecologic Secession

Average customer rating:

Empire and Ecolitan: Two Complete Novels of the Galactic Empire: The Ecolitan Operation and The Ecologic Secession
L. E. Modesitt
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OTGV32

Average customer rating:

No Fillers, No Sugar Addictions, No Sublimation...Just Headaches

Reply to Raingirl - Today's Stevia is More Concentrated - Less is Better!

Organic Foods Heal Baby!!

Unappealing recipes

Delicious recipes?

The Stevia Cookbook: Cooking with Nature's Calorie-Free Sweetener
Ray Sahelian , and Donna Gates
Manufacturer: Avery
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Diabetic & Sugar-Free | Special Diet | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Healthy | Special Diet | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Stevia Sweet Recipes: Sugar-Free-Naturally

Stevia: Naturally Sweet Recipes for Desserts, Drinks, and More

The Body Ecology Diet

Sugar-Free Cooking With Stevia: The Naturally Sweet & Calorie-Free Herb (Revised 3rd Edition)

Sensational Stevia Desserts

ASIN: 0895299267
Release Date: 2004-06-17

Book Description

Enjoy sugar-free versions of your favorite dishes without the guilt, the calories, or the health risks.

Derived from a South American plant and widely available in the United States, stevia is an all-natural, calorie-free sweetener that is three hundred times sweeter than sugar, suitable for diabetics, safe for children, and does not cause cavities. The Stevia Cookbook includes documented studies and testimonials, as well as more than one hundred recipes for satisfying entrées, hearty side dishes, and sinfully sweet desserts.

Customer Reviews:

No Fillers, No Sugar Addictions, No Sublimation...Just Headaches.......2006-08-23

I'm only writing this as I've been doing research online regarding Stevia and headaches, and this thread came up in a search. I saw that many people were making claims about the user who might have experienced headaches from Stevia, and wanted to at least provide some feedback as an alternative...in case someone else is in my position and is seeking an answer.

I've never been one to overindulge in sweet items, but began to notice that I just felt better without having any refined sugar, or even a lot of simple sugar containing items, in my diet. I'm oversimplifying to save time, but I'm not someone who's so used to sugar that I need to use a pound to sweeten a cup of tea.

This morning I tried SweetLeaf's Liquid Stevia (the one without the fillers, as I didn't want to trigger an insulin response) in my tea. I used around 3 drops. Headache. Granted, it went away quickly, but it was there.

I'm drinking some coffee with it now. Headache. Granted, it seems to be fading, but it's there.

I'm going to keep experimenting with it, as I don't want to think I wasted $14 (as well as the money I spent on various cookbooks which use Stevia), but I'm not excited about these headaches as I'm doing nothing differently than adding Stevia to drinks that I usually just didn't put any sweeteners in at all.

Regarding this particular cookbook...it's a standard cookbook in my eyes, nothing really special or horrible about it.

Reply to Raingirl - Today's Stevia is More Concentrated - Less is Better!.......2006-03-25

I shuddered when I read you kept adding more stevia to get the right consistency. No wonder it was inedible! Instead of sweetening, too much stevia leaves a strong bitter taste. Three suggestions: 1) What the books don't tell you because it happens after they're published is that THE CONCENTRATION OF STEVIA KEEPS IMPROVING OVER TIME, so the sweetening power of 1 tsp of stevia when the book was published in 1999 is much less than what 1 tsp of stevia will sweeten today. Stevia is my primary sweetener and I always start out with 1/3 - 1/2 of what a recipe calls for. You can always increase it if it's not sweet enough, but if you use too much, it truly is inedible. 2) Use a stevia blend. It's not as concentrated so is not as exacting in measurment and easier to work with. 3)As much as possible, mix the stevia thoroughly with either just the liquid or just the dry ingredients. If you just throw all ingredients in together, the stevia tends to not be mixed in evenly. I don't own this particular book--yet. I do own three others (Low-Carb Cooking with Stevia by James Kirkland; Sugar-Free Cooking with Stevia by James and Tanya Kirkland; and Stevia Sweet Recipes by Jeffrey Goettemoeller--the Kirkland books being my favorites.) What I've found is that every cookbook has some recipes that turn out well and others that are just not for me. As I look at the contents of this book there are unique recipes not in the others I own that look interesting. As to the person who said the chocolate muffins were more like chocolate biscuits. That happens sometimes. Some people won't mind that the consistency is like biscuits. If you do, that one's not for you. Keep trying things. Lack of sugar does greatly affect consistency of baked goods and few recipes will be exactly like their sugar counterparts.

Organic Foods Heal Baby!!.......2005-12-05

After reading the reviews of those who will never try STEVIA again, I urge you to consider that you used too much extract powder, and try it again, unless you don't want to be healthy.

This book has many good recipes, but what cookbook ever met ALL your needs? I use lots of STEVEIA everyday of the week and have had no ill affects after years.
Maybe their headaches were sugar withdrawals? It's well known that sugar is like cocaine in your body. Perhaps I'll write an all inclusive reciepe book that will meet your needs. I want cheese cake, fudge, pumkin pie, and cookies. But NOT with sugar. Don't give up on good health or improved cook books.

Unappealing recipes.......2005-02-06

Being new to stevia and very confused about how to cook with it, the types of stevia available and the sugar/stevia conversion proportions, I was eager to get this book. I was very disappointed. First off, the book seems light on both information about stevia and recipes. But more important, as a few other reviewers have noted, the recipes that are contained in the book are either so unappealing you have no desire to make them, or don't taste very good once you do make them. For example, I wanted a few good pudding recipes. The butterscotch pudding contains 4 cups of yams. The lemon pudding has yellow squash as its base. Now, I'm all for vegetables, but when I'm eating dessert, I want dessert. Not squash puree. I made a spaghetti squash recipe that had proportionally so much stevia it was sickening. I'm a good and experienced cook. These recipes were awful. Not recommended.

Delicious recipes?.......2004-09-26

Perhaps it's because I'm new to stevia, but I haven't had one recipe from this book turn out. I'm wondering if I'm using the "wrong kind" of stevia. Even after the explanations given in the book of the different types of stevia forms, I'm unclear on just which of those forms I'm using compared to what is being used in the book. It might be more useful to actually give brand names so those of us who are beginners have a better chance of success. As it is, I've had to throw away everything I've tried so far because, not only were they not sweet, they tasted just plain nasty. My most recent attempt was the Dark Chocolate Almond Clusters. As soon as I added the orange rind the chocolate turned into a thick clump. Then I kept trying to add more and more and more stevia to it, even though it was now very difficult to stir. It never became even close enough to "sweet" to be edible. Again, I just threw it away. I don't have enough confidence in baking with stevia now to even attempt any more of the recipes.

The Stevia Cookbook: Cooking with Nature's Calorie-Free Sweetener

Average customer rating:

The Stevia Cookbook: Cooking with Nature's Calorie-Free Sweetener
Ray Sahelian
Manufacturer: Avery Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000K1F9F0

Average customer rating:

Very Disappointed

Stylish Knits for Dogs

Stylish Knits for Dogs by Ilene Hochberg

Great Patterns

Very Disappointed!

Stylish Knits for Dogs: 30 Projects to Knit in a Weekend
Ilene Hochberg
Manufacturer: Quarry Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Dogs | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Knitting | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

PuppyKnits: 12 QuickKnit Fashions for Your Best Friend

Knitting for Dogs: Irresistible Patterns for Your Favorite Pup -- and You!

Doggy Knits: Over 20 Coat Designs for Handsome Hounds And Perfect Pooches

Dogs in Knits: 17 Projects for Our Best Friends

Vogue Knitting on the Go: Knits for Pets (Vogue Knitting On The Go)

ASIN: 1592532144

Book Description

Women-and men-of all ages are learning how to knit. Knitters, especially the new ones, enjoy easy-to-make projects that can be completed in a short time. Pets are equally popular in our modern society. Pet owners who often indulge their animals with special treats and accessories will like these easy and quick-to-make designer-quality dog sweaters. These projects can be completed in a weekend, an evening, while watching television, or during an airport layover. They are simple enough to be a first knitting project for a beginning knitter. Design variations and embellishments add the personal touch, and can make each design a more challenging project for an experience knitter.

Additionally, the small size of the projects in this book makes them ideal to tuck into a purse or tote bag, so that they can be worked on at odd moments during the day when the knitter finds a few free moments.

Customer Reviews:

Very Disappointed.......2007-08-18

Some patterns are not accurate, looking at the picture. Page 48, the pattern is completely different than what is shown in the picture. I've been knitting for over 50 years, and this is the worst waste of $25.00 for a pattern book I have ever come across. I emailed the publisher, but have yet to hear back.

Stylish Knits for Dogs.......2007-03-16

This book is great! I have never made a sweater before. And totally understood the patterns and had excellent results for my little grandpuppy. Highly recommend this book. It's great fun.

Stylish Knits for Dogs by Ilene Hochberg.......2007-02-20

Thanks to this book I have the best dressed dogs in town. All four of them look great in thier fashionable sweaters. Easy to follow instruction, full color pictures, some mom and pup creations too. I leave it on my coffee table so others can look at it and admire the fun filled pages of "Stylish Knits for Dogs".

Great Patterns.......2007-01-12

These instructions were clearly written and there is a pattern for every size doggy.

Very Disappointed!.......2007-01-08

I purchased this book based on the cover photo on your site---I especially wanted to make the little blue sweater with the panda bear and the darker blue one with the teddy bear on it. When I received the book it turns out that none of the sweaters in the photo you placed on the site are in the book! I cannot return it because there are no returns on pattern books! VERY DISAPPOINTING!!

Book Description

A step-by-step guide to designing and making musical instruments with a showcase of instruments by artists from around the world. This unique guide provides details on every step of the project. Percussion, wind, and string instruments, all are here - each illustrated with clear, instructional photographs. Alternative techniques use simple tools to offer inexpensive ways to make instruments. Tips on choosing materials, tool selection, cutting and finishing techniques, measuring, joining, and more. Includes special hints for tuning and playing the instruments you have made.

Customer Reviews:

Good range of projects, without a lot of power tools.......2003-05-10

I have several other books on making simple musical instruments, and all of them seem to repeat some of what other authors do. Havighurst made a real effort to avoid that with his book, I think. This, if nothing else, makes the book worth a look. The level of detail in the step-by-step instructions is very good, with only two exceptions. The design for the bow for the spike fiddle was covered inadequately, with only two pictures. Also, the layout sometimes is less than intuitive, though that is an editorial thing, not a problem with the content.

I felt that the method of hollowing a dowel with a hand drill instead of a lathe was worth the cover price of the book. It was a method I had never thought of, though it really is pretty simple. Other good stuff includes a lyre (don't see those very often in other books!), a very nice kalimba design, a tall drum, and a Chinese zither. There are no bleach bottle banjos or rubber band zithers in this book, which I often think are put into other books just to pad out the number of instruments shown, without adding any real substance.

I also like the gallery of other instruments of similar types included with each project. It is fun to see what other makers are doing along these lines. It also serves to draw some similarities between different cultures when you see that they have instruments that function in a similar manner.

The one failing that this book (and every other book of its type) had was a very cursory amount of information on how to play the instruments. When you make an obscure or unusual instrument, how are you supposed to learn to make music if there is no available information on playing the thing?

Other than that, it is a very good book for the home hobby builder. The very simple shop setup makes all of the projects approachable for even the most casual of woodworkers. I am a daddy with very limited time and monetary resources, so that is important to me.

Deliful book packed with easy to make insturments.......1999-12-13

This is a delightful book for anyone who enjoys traditional musical instruments or building small projects. Using basic materials and techniques, this book will lead you to build some truly impressive and entertaining instruments.

There are 9 categories of instruments here including a shaker, thumb piano, drum, lyre, spike fiddle and zither. Most use simple materials such as a didgeridoo made from PVC pipe and a whistle or flute from maple dowels.

There are detailed step-by-step instructions illustrated with color photos for each instrument. There are also complete tool and material lists for each one and even tips on decorating and playing the instruments.

A wonderful feature is the gallery for each instrument, showing variations in style and materials by several artisans. Contact information for them is included along with a detailed resource guide.

Average customer rating:

Great, Informative Book

Good book bad plans

Craftmanship out in the open

dissapointing

Required Reading, Period.

The Making of an Archtop Guitar: Wood Selection, Hand Carving, Construction
Robert Benedetto
Manufacturer: Backbeat Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Guitar | Instruments & Performers | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Guitarmaking: Tradition And Technology (Guitar Reference)

The Luthier's Handbook: A Guide to Building Great Tone in Acoustic Stringed Instruments

The Art of Inlay and Expanded: Design and Technique for Fine Woodworking

Build Your Own Acoustic Guitar: Complete Instructions and Full-Size Plans

The Art of Tap Tuning: How to Build Great Sound into Instruments

ASIN: 0879302933

Book Description

The definitive work on the design and construction of an acoustic archtop guitar by one of the most talented luthiers of the twentieth century. Benedetto walks the reader through all aspects of construction through to marketing your finished work. Includes a list of suppliers to acquire all the tools and materials listed; a list of serial numbers for Benedetto guitars; full-color plates featuring the author's models; photos from the author's personal scrapbook of players who endorse his guitars; and fold-out templates for construction. 8-1/2 inch. x 11 inch..

Customer Reviews:

Great, Informative Book.......2007-08-10

If you have an interest in building an archtop, you will want this book. Though it does not contain complete full-scale plans (you will either have to enlarge the included plans or order a separate full-sized set), there is nonetheless a wealth of information to satisfy both experienced and novice builders alike. The text is accompanied by numerous photos of Benedetto's shop, tools (many which are home-made), various guitar-construction operations in progress, and color photos of many of his own guitars. Yes, I suppose there is a subtle bit of self-promotion, as one Amazon reviewer complains. However, one can hardly begrudge Benedetto for this, considering that he has chosen so generously to share of himself. How many of Benedetto's competitors would be as willing to step up to the same plate? If you are serious about building an archtop, I would recommend purchasing the DVDs with the book. While Benedetto is very clear with his explanations, tap-tuning is probably something that requires the kind of hands-on demonstration gained from student-teacher interaction or, in the absence of that, video demonstration.

Good book bad plans.......2007-05-13

This is a good book to understand the making of Arch top guitars.
BUT, I was very disappointed from the plans, actually there are no plans at all
There is a small scale plan of the top, poor information
And a few sketches of the braces....waste of paper
If you need a good arch top plan - this is not for you. Buy a plan separately
Thanks
Yaron.

Craftmanship out in the open.......2007-01-05

Bob Benedetto has written the manual for all of us who would love to make our own guitar but lacked the information. Most of the details necessary have been kept by those who already build or their apprentices. In this book, he gives us enough specific, detailed info to build a very fine instrument on the first try, provided that we have some basic woodworking skills. The price in soft cover is very reasonable, and it makes fascinating reading even if you don't try your hand at making your own Jazz guitar.

dissapointing.......2006-10-15

I read this book cover to cover and was peaved that I'd blown my dollars on it. Benedetto may make some nice guitars. In fact, the feel of this book was more like marketing material for his guitars than of an honest technical work. There is page after page of cr@p. Benedetto endorsers, Benedetto serial #s and who owns them, pictures of the Benedetto crew at a trade show, pictures of his family. Gimme a break. This has zero to do with building a guitar and inflates the price of the book needlessly. As for the part of the book that actually does deal with building...there are bits in here that are informative about aspects that are unique to making an archtop. They are not presented as well or as thoroughly as they could be. I especially don't like how he dismisses techniques or ideas other than his own methods without any explanation as to why he's right and others are wrong. I'm also a little curious about suggestions he makes for building that he obviously doesn't follow himself. Example: he suggests making/using a non-adjustable bridge out of maple. Check the website for his guitars...how many have maple bridges? how many of his guitars come with adjustable bridges? of the non-adjustable bridges he does employ, none of them look anything like what he presents in the book. Get rid of all the clap-trap and the really good, essential, unique stuff could have been presented in a short booklet. As for the rest, meaning those aspects of building that aren't unique to archtops, there are much better resources out there.

Required Reading, Period........2005-10-14

This book is well written, well illustrated and encourging to those of us who might want to try to build an archtop (or any type of stringed instrument). As a beginner, I find that Mr. Benedetto's explanations on the building processes are refreshing and full of encouragement. While he explains the reasons for selecting top-quality (and expensive) tonewoods, he also demonstrates that a top-quality instrument can be built out of inferior (readily available) woods. The message I got was: "don't wait until all of the conditions are exactly right - work with what you have and overcome your limitations" His writing sparks the reader's imagination as to construction methods, jigs and fixtures. While a moderate amount of woodworking knowledge is assumed, his explanations are clear and concise. The illustrations are inspiring and make the reader want to run, not walk to the shop to begin work on an instrument. So, Run, don't walk to get this book. You will be miserable without it!!!

Book Description

First published in hardcover in 1990, Living with Lace is a beautifully illustrated celebration of one of the world's most romantic fabrics.

For centuries, lace has been desired for its beauty, and Bo Niles captures all of its inherent elegance in this stunning book. Decorating ideas for every room in the house are set against a backdrop of historical information and useful tips on caring for lace. A completely updated resource list locates suppliers of both antique and new lace, and lacemaking suppliers.

Customer Reviews:

THIS BOOK IS A CONSTANT SOURCE OF INSPIRATIONAL DECORATIN.......1999-05-10

THIS BOOK WILL GIVE YOU IDEAS FOR THE HOME - YOUR ART- YOUR STYLE OVER AND OVER AGAIN. I RECEIVED THIS AS A GIFT AND IT NOT ONLY MAKES ME REFLECT HAPPILY UPON THE GIFT BUT IT INSTANTLY IMPROVES YOUR MOOD WHEN PERUSING THE PAGES. I AM QUITE CRITICAL ON MOST DECORATING BOOKS AND THIS IS ONE I WOULD CONSIDER A STAPLE IN A DECORATING LIBRARY.

Average customer rating:

Living With Lace
Bo Niles
Manufacturer: Stewart, Tabori & Chang
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000H59O3C

Product Description

A man of many talents, Jon Hul always had a love for illustration, but an overriding passion for music. In the race to see which discipline would finally pay the bills, art won over the drums, and rock's loss was the pin-up's gain! Hul has fused his eye for color, detail, and composition with an appealing photo-realistic style. The results literally stop you dead in your tracks! Gallery shows bring in the serious collectors, and Jon's reputation for outstanding works of sheer beauty keep the artist hard at his craft! This is the first collection of his paintings, and is a MUST-HAVE book for anyone considering themselves a pin-up fan! A really sweet package of magnificent works by a true original.

Customer Reviews:

One of the best Pinup artists on the scene today........2004-02-12

I've know Jon Hul for several years, and I have been awe-inspired by his work ever since. Jon's talent and artist vision stands head and shoulders above the rest, and I'm so glad that his art has been compiled in such a beautiful volume. Although nothing beats viewing his artwork in person, this book presents a wonderful overview of Jon's incredible talent and skill, and should be considered a "must-have" by anyone who appreciates artistic virtuosity.

Average customer rating:

EXQUISITE DETAIL

The Jon Hul Sketchbook, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: SQP Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Artists, A-Z | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Erotic | Other Media | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0865621365

Book Description

on Hul is one of the most remarkable "photo-realistic" painters of pin-up and erotic artwork working today. His paintings fetch huge gallery prices, but contrary to popular belief, those paintings don't just "happen"! Jon draws constantly, both to keep his eye sharp for detail and expression, and to work out any concepts he has for a final full color illustration. In other words - the boy goes through a lot of pencils! The magic Hul can perform with the lowly combination of graphite and paper is showcased for the first time in "The Jon Hul Sketchbook". An eye-opening presentation of delightful eye-candy, with many of Jon's favorite models in all forms of graytoned delight!

Customer Reviews:

EXQUISITE DETAIL.......2007-01-22

I wasn't overly familiar with Jon Hul's work before seeing this sketchbook but he had me hooked right at the cover. Plain and simple, Hul draws fantastic nudes. I found myself blown away by his exquisite detail and technique and the remarkable photo-realism of his work. This is truly some of the finest black & white pin-up art that I have ever seen.

The book begins with two outstanding renderings of pin-up queen Bettie Page. Page won't be the only face familiar to those who check out this book...there are others but I won't spoil the surprise or the fantasy. I love the soft lines of Hul's work and the attention to shading and lighting, sometimes over looked in many other artist's work.

There's one fantastic piece of a topless woman from the waste up. As beautiful as she is what caught my eye was the reflection in her sunglasses. Again, this speaks to Jon's attention to detail and realism. John includes some of his early drawings from the 70's and you can see how his work has improved and developed over the past few decades. And I do love that back cover with the blonde in top hat and high heels. This is classic drawing at its best. Many thanks to Jon Hul and SQP for this book!

Reviewed by Tim Janson

Average customer rating:

A REAL HERO

Inspiring and Revelatory (sp)

An effective treatment of an amazing woman

A Tribute to a Great American

Barbara Jorden:American Hero

Barbara Jordan: American Hero
Mary Beth Rogers
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

African-American & Black | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Historical | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Political | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
South | Regional U.S. | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

A Private Woman in Public Spaces: Barbara Jordan's Speeches on Ethics, Public Religion, and Law (African American Religious Thought and Life)

Barbara Jordan: Speaking the Truth with Eloquent Thunder (Louann Atkins Temple Women & Culture Series)

Barbara Jordan: Getting Things (Biographies)

Straight from the Heart: My Life in Politics and Other Places

Selected Speeches

ASIN: 0553380664
Release Date: 2000-01-04

Amazon.com

Barbara Jordan spoke in the cadences of a black preacher, backed by the moral force of the United States Constitution, and became Texas's first black senator since the Reconstruction era. She served in Congress for two decades before dying of multiple sclerosis at the age of 59 in 1996. "Barbara Jordan was the first African American elected official to become an American hero," Mary Beth Rogers writes. "She broke through previously impenetrable barriers to become an 'inside' political player who was taken very seriously by the white politicians in power." The height of Jordan's power (and fame) came from her interpretation of the Constitution during the 1974 Watergate hearings, a speech that set the stage for President Richard Nixon's resignation. Two years later, Jordan riveted America with her televised keynote speech at the Democratic Party National Convention.

Tracing Jordan's upbringing in Houston's Fifth Ward as the daughter of a Baptist minister, Rogers takes us through her battles with sexism and racism (including black Americans' internal color-based caste system). She also peels away the mysteries of her personality, which was described as "stubborn," "cold," and "sarcastic," the result of emotional shields forged by too many social and psychic wars. But those traits also accounted for her determination to deal with her multiple sclerosis with courage and dignity. "Barbara Jordan's story reflects both the America dream and a fundamental human hope for a sense of community," Rogers writes. "If we understand her lessons, then we will know that the making of an American hero is a rare--and wondrous--event." --Eugene Holley Jr.

Book Description

Barbara Jordan was the first African American to serve in the Texas Senate since Reconstruction, the first black woman elected to Congress from the South, and the first to deliver the keynote address at a national party convention. Yet Jordan herself remained a mystery, a woman so private that even her close friends did not know the name of the illness that debilitated her for two decades until it struck her down at the age of fifty-nine.

In Barbara Jordan, Mary Beth Rogers deftly explores the forces that shaped the moral character and quiet dignity of this extraordinary woman. She reveals the seeds of Jordan's trademark stoicism while recapturing the essence of a black woman entering politics just as the civil rights movement exploded across the nation. Celebrating Jordan's elegance, passion, and patriotism, this illuminating portrayal gives new depth to our understanding of one of the most influential women of our time-a woman whose powerful convictions and flair for oratorical drama changed the political landscape of America's twentieth century.

Customer Reviews:

A REAL HERO.......2001-12-12

I'm glad that Jordan is not hear to see how the gov't of the people, for the people, by the people has been so completely perverted by special interests and neo patriots, such as George W. Bush and John Ashcroft. I was only a boy, when like many, I was captivated by this incredible person. She gave me hope that govt could actually serve the people. This book does a great job to capture her spirit and remind us that govt was once a tool and not force for opression.

Inspiring and Revelatory (sp).......2001-04-10

This was a very inspirational book. Barbara Jordan's life was really incredible and the reason she accomplished as much as she did had to do with her innate abilities as well as her willingness to deal with the enemy. She kept her overriding goal utmost - the welfare of the people of East Texas.

Lots of what she experienced and spoke out against we see today. We could really use her moral voice of authority. She is missed.

An effective treatment of an amazing woman.......2000-11-30

This is a well written and effective biography of one of America's most amazing personalities. Mary Beth Rodgers tells Jordan's story with the advantage of being an insider; her access to those who knew Jordan well shows in her insightful and complete telling of Jordan's life.

Jordan is widely remembered by her public persona, the booming orator from Texas - the intellectual constitutional scholar who presided over Nixon's impeachment. But element that makes this biography compelling is Rodgers' depiction of the wheeling and dealing that allowed Jordan to cross barriers and operate effectively in the good-old-boy white male backrooms of the Texas Senate. We get to see Jordan the idealist armed with the constitution in our nation's capital, but we also get to see Jordan the pragmatist cutting deals over a scotch in Austin Texas.

An effective biography of an amazing American figure.

A Tribute to a Great American.......2000-04-01

Too often the reviews of biographies and history books end up reviewing the actual person or subject rather than the book. Barbara Jordan was a great, great woman. There's no doubt about that. Of all history's politicans, religious leaders, civil rights advocates, political figures and intellectuals, she is the one person who truly shows us all how we should handle the issue of race in this country.

This book honored her. It was truly a great read. Descriptive, informative and thought provoking. Whenever I ask someone about Barbara Jordan, they always respond with something like, "Wow, have you ever heard her speak?" I was born too late to hear her more popular speeches. But, the author's effective use of excerpts from Jordan's speeches makes me feel like I was right there watching her. This well researched book gave me a deeper understanding of the events of the Nixon impeachment process, the Carter Administration, politics in itself and the plight of both African Americans and women in government. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.

Barbara Jorden:American Hero.......2000-02-03

IT IS THE BEST BOOK EVER!

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books