The House of Whacks: A Novel

Amazon.com

If you like brainy dames, feuding hoods, and sharp-tongued hacks all heading for the heist to end all heists against a noir-as-night backdrop in 1950s Chicago, then The House of Whacks is for you. Young British writer Matthew Branton can do graceful epic prose; he just chooses not to. He spreads out his talent for convincing, meaty motivations among smart-girl Susan who's an S&M model in the eponymous House; Ben, her ticket to mollhood; Misty, a tough cookie who's dying of cancer and closing up her pulp-fiction outfit; and Lucky, a screenwriter playing soldier for "field detail" in Korea. But the biggest character is America itself--its slang, pop culture, and the casualties of its dream machine. It is also about writers, those squeezed out by McCarthy or sexism and now by TV, which is forcing career rethinks as fast as IT has done in the '90s. Each character fears becoming part of "America's real invention--a mass of undignified poor, who're never going to learn to tolerate anyone because they despise themselves." Although Branton uses the story-within-a-story device once too often, and his pace is a little jerky, he injects his gritty, idiomatic prose with fresh, perky humor. His climax, too, pops full of surprises. --Cherry Smyth, Amazon.co.uk

Book Description

Chicago, 1950. An S&M supermodel, a visionary mafioso; a dying editress of pulp fiction, a legendary horror novelist; a screenwriter stuck in a war zone, a crippled stunt woman; a McCarthy blacklisted cinematographer-turned-pornographer; two warring godfathers; and a heap of Nazi gold. Three perfect heists--same day, same place. The House of Whacks--it'll knock you sideways.

Customer Reviews:

Great Cover & First Chapter.......2004-12-10

I admit I bought this book because of the terrific cover featuring Bettie Page. Also, it is set in my home town (Chicago), and a quick scan promised something along the lines of James Ellroy's *The Big Nowhere.* After I read the first chapter my hopes were high - but then the book disintegrated into about six different stories that I thought were inelegantly linked. It seemed like Branton had several projects that he thought were good and stirred them together to make a novel. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out which story I was reading.

i thought it would have a crappy ending.......2001-06-07

i really liked this book. i liked the characters and the story, but while reading it i figured it was too good to be true and prepared myself for a bad ending. very, very surprisingly it was a good ending, it made sense and it fit with the rest of the book. it made me feel all smokey and sultry and hollywood nocturne-y.

Disappointing Muddle.......2001-05-07

This is a book whose premise I liked better than the actual execution. The idea of 1950s Chicago, an actress turned S&M model (think Betty Page), mobsters, a dying tough-girl editor, hack pulp writers, a struggling screenwriter, and a heist of Nazi gold, sounds great, but fails to hold together in the end. Branton expends so much effort on recreating the hard-boiled setting and slang that the plot zigs and zags all over the place with annoying time shifts and a disappointing denouement. It might have been more compelling had Branton stuck with one or two main characters and went a little deeper into their lives, and paid a little more attention to plot (for example, the various heist plans are bafflingly stupid). While comparisons with LA Confidential aren't totally off base, Leonard's book is big league material, and this is strictly wanna-be. The 1950s dialogue is occasionally marred by 1990s expressions, and more irritatingly, by Anglicisms that the editor should have easily caught.

British take on the world.......2000-08-07

These reviews! Branton's view of 50's society enthralled me from beginning to end. I won't bother elaborating on the characters and plot here, as you can read that in the editorial. I will say that I found both interesting and imaginative, more so because you can trace their origins in contempory popular culture, as criticised above. Get this, this is somewhat the point of Branton's writing, as you would know if you had read the excellent 'Love Parade' and 'Coast'. It's a guessing game to spot your own coolness. If only we could all be this slick...

Branton Whacks it Home.......1999-12-15

Branton Whacks it Home Reviewer: Shawn M. Vidmar from Pueblo, Colorado Matthew Branton's ingenious novel, *House of Whacks*, brings the pulp detective novel into the 90's. His characters are intriguing and interesting. He introduces them so completely, and yet subtly that the reader finds herself not only caring about their story, but able to tell them apart without the tale-tell dialog tag lines. Each one is developed so carefully throughout the book that I never had to go back and remind myself who was who and why they were there.

In this post McCarthy hearing time frame, he develops heroes and heroines that are brassy, bold and resolute. They have separate and definable motives of survival.

Through vigilant structure and brilliant story telling, Branton is able to craft a book similar in detail and stylishness to the Academy Award Winning *LA Confidential*. The flash bulbs pop and crackle. The pornographic camera whirs and chunks. Wayward women find themselves in the thick of an underground studio, which is in turn involved in some other seedy business threatening everyone's life. And yet, through the dark humor and active bumblings of some characters, all threads of the story culminate in a dazzling resolution that will whack your socks off.

He brings the film noir detective fiction to light, a lost art in my opinion. A great read for any fan of noir.

Book Description

A boy and his imaginery friend have the time of their lives until they meet a strange and mysterious character who poses a tricky riddle. The answer to the riddle leads to something quite unexpected. Gerf is a story written by 9 year old child author Jake Feinbaum for children everywhere!

Customer Reviews:

A very good mystery.......2007-03-18

I go to the same school as Jake, and I've known him since first grade. I won a copy of his book in a contest at school when he had a party celebrating the book. I like mysteries very much, and I really enjoyed the book. He says he's writing another book, and I hope it reveals the truth about the cliffhanger!

A Must Read.......2006-04-04

I want to write you a note to tell you how much, Amy, Sarah, and I enjoyed reading your recently published book "GERF".

It was absolutely, 100% excellent. What a story! What a writer you are!

We cannot wait to read your next book. We truly hope that it will be soon.

There were so many good parts of the book that it's hard to tell you our favorites. We loved the riddle, and the fact that GERF was FREG backwards, and all the mystery that you created around that.

You made the characters seem so real, from your wonderful descriptions. From Richard enjoying his spaghetti and meatballs and milk for lunch, to the way that FREG would talk in that scary voice, you described things so that we really could see them in our minds.

You are a very talented young man! We think you have what it takes to be one of America's greatest writers. Keep up the wonderfully excellent work!

The book left us wanting more...please write a sequel!

With Great Admiration and Respect,

An Excellent Choice of Literature! .......2006-03-31

I absolutely loved reading Gerf and I'm sure I will read it many times in the future. I have taught kindergarten through third grade and I wish I would have had this book to show my students when I was teaching. There are many students who love to write but they often need someone to sit next to them and encourage them. Some of these students dream of becoming writers and I hope they hold true to those dreams. There will always be children who would like to publish a book someday and when they are encouraged to do so their self confidence will escalate. Yes, this book was self-published but that is one thing that I really love and value about Gerf. My hope is that students of all ages will read this book, which was written by a fourth grader, and see that it is fine to dream big. I also hope they will learn to keep their imaginations alive instead of allowing it to die off like we tend to do at an early age in our culture.

There are many characteristics about Gerf that I love. One of my favorite attributes of this book is the character development behind each one of the characters in the book. They each have their own personality and it's reflected clearly throughout the story. I also love the names of the characters; in particular I love Ms. Issippi. Whenever I read her name it literally made me laugh out loud. The author of this book, Jake Feinbaum, also did a fabulous job creating visual images. With every word that I read the book became a movie to me because it was so clear. He is truly a gifted writer.

Being a teacher I'm able to see that the true feelings of a second grader are present throughout each page of the book. Richard struggles with building real friendships partially due to his intellect. He could be seen as an outcast because he's smart, a good writer, and because his imagination is alive but none of this holds him back from being who he is. This book relates to children of all ages and those who are in second through fourth grade will strongly identify with the characters and the author. I'm really hoping that Jake Feinbaum comes out with a sequel to Gerf and that he continues writing. He has inspired me and I'm sure he will inspire every single child who reads this book. This book is well worth the money, especially if you have children or if you're a teacher.

I read the same new article!.......2006-03-21

For cool, NO self published, and MUCH CHEAPER books about imaginary friends check out this link to amazon search!

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/103-8878862-4775855?url=field-browse%3D4&field-keywords=imaginary+friends&Go.x=13&Go.y=12

I rate this book one star mostly because I don't like self published books very much. They are usually less polished and less useful than a book that has been printed by a publisher. Publishing companies are a built in mechanism to sort through all of the written works of the world and to choose the books that are most worth publishing. i.e. the books that are well written and that people will like and that, therefore, will sell over a long period of time.

If this book was really worth 8.99 I would think that the kid author could have gotten a publishing deal. As it stands, this author is a just a kid whose dad can afford to print his book. I would venture to think there are 100's of thousands of kids who could write a book just as good as this one (including my kid and probably the kids of everyone who is reading this!) but they don't have the 1,000 bucks necessary to publish them.

Also, if the author's dad has enough money to print his 10 year old's book then I'm sure his son won't have a problem paying for college. I would be more likely to buy this book if all of the money went to a good cause like some sort of charity program that encourages young children to write.

(...)

Not right for my kids.......2006-03-19

I read the sample page of this book and it doesn't look right for my kids. The story is targeted for younger children 6-10 but the vocabulary of the author is too advanced to be able to fluidly read the book to the age group that the book is written.

In order for them to understand the book I would almost have to give them vocabulary work sheets. I am all for giving my kids a leg up by exposing them to more complicated english words but by the time my kids were old enough to understand all of the words they would grown out of the story.

I also want to add my comment to the previous discussion on the site between a reviewer and the author's father. I found the reviewer to be a little harsh but I did find the review helpful in that it seems to be the only review put forward by someone NOT in the author's family. :)

Customer Reviews:

Sadly Lame and Unnecessary.......2004-11-01

And I like Robinson's Starman.
Mind you, the whole run is sold more on its enjoyable, endearing vibe and not so much on its well-crafted and action packed story telling. Actual stories are often quite dull and formulaic (how many times does Jack get beaten up or knocked out and miraculously saved by a third party?), but it's the characters and their interactions, not to mention the revisiting of some of DC's more fogotten corners, that make Robinson's Starman a rare comic treat.

With that said, this book is lame and unnecessary (see, not just a clever title). We start with Jack, Mikaal and a Mother-Box projection of Ted (if you have to ask, then you shouldn't be reading this in the first place) on their space voyage to find a fallen Starman. After that, it all pretty much goes to pot.
I understand that space flight takes a long, long time even with the alien technological enchantments one can gain in the DCU, but this book plods on without point and only succeeds in pushing the "finding Will Payton" story (the reason most of us bought it) back to yet another Graphic Novel . We visit an interstellar Solomon Grundy, Rann, and, thanks to time travel, a pre-destruction Krpton and the Starman of the 30th Century. None of which have enough time to develop into solid yarns, so the entire book reverts down to nerd shout-outs and anti-climax. The only thing that has any use whatsoever is the Rann connection which will carry on into the next book (Stars My Destination, which is awesome and everything you hoped this book was going to be), but even the Rann thread doesn't justify an entire book of conveniently stumbling on to familiar characters with in a realm of infinity.
Oh, and for bonus fun, Jack is killed, then cloned and has his soul put into the cloned body. Try to let that plot point slide.

All in all, the one, singular let down of an otherwise great comic run.

Average customer rating:

New Orleans Then

A Cookbook Becomes A Piece of Lost History

A Grand Book for A Grand City

Williams-Sonoma New Orleans: Authentic Recipes Celebrating The Foods Of the World (Williams-Sonoma Foods of the World)
Constance Snow
Manufacturer: Oxmoor House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Cajun & Creole | U.S. Regional | Regional & International | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | U.S. Regional | Regional & International | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
South | U.S. Regional | Regional & International | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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Williams-Sonoma New York: Authentic Recipes Celebrating the Foods of the World (Williams-Sonoma Foods of the World)

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ASIN: 0848731034

Book Description

Williams-Sonoma Foods of the World New Orleans offers an insiders view of this magical city, delving into regional specialties and exploring the diverse 300-year culinary history. Each mouthwatering recipe captures a taste of the Big Easy, wherever you live. Features n50 authentic recipes, from Crawfish Beignets and Cheese Grits Souffl to Bananas Foster and Carnival King Cake n225 full-color photographs showcase the New Orleans street scenes, open-air markets, native ingredients, and local restaurants nSuggestions for wine and cocktail pairings nIn-depth features on local festivals and holidays, native seafood, traditional desserts, famous food icons, and more nAn original illustrated map, full-color glossaries, and a source guide for essential ingredients

Customer Reviews:

New Orleans Then.......2006-02-02

My husband and I fell in love with this book. We go to New Orleans each year for a mini-vacation with the kids. We are originally from south Louisiana and we enjoy the people, the culture, and especially the food. This book reminds us of our trips and the photos depict the true New Orleans the way it was before Katrina. We wanted to save our memories and that is why we bought this book. Also, we have frequented several of the restaurants mentioned and we love to cook and try out new recipies.

A Cookbook Becomes A Piece of Lost History.......2005-11-30

Like the other reviewers, I, too, cried into the pages of this beautiful book. Gone are the kind, smiling waitstaff who waited on us in the French Quarter restaurants. Scattered over the face of America. No homes, no place to work. We will never see some of the beloved chefs who, like everyone else, are scattered. New Orleans will never, ever be the same. This incredible book is living testament to the glory of a glorious city. She welcomed me and let me stay a while. Now the pages of this book are stuck together with tears. This book is a national treasure.

A Grand Book for A Grand City.......2005-10-22

I cried when I leafed through this book. I doubted that WS would deliver an authentic New Orleans cookbook (they might try to change stuff), but I purchased it from WS anyway to support the hurricane victims. What I received was an awesome "food pictorial." Beautiful shots of the wonderful and authentic recipes, but also beautiful photos of the restaurants, markets, streets and people I miss.

The opening paragraphs and sidebars that accompany the recipes are thoughtfully written and insightful. This book does an artful job of presenting recipes that draw on all of the cultures that make up New Orleans' cuisine. The recipes range from simple to sublime. As with all WS books, the recipes are well-written. The seafood gumbo recipe is excellent. I've shared it with family and it will be the one I use for my Christmas gumbo.

I lived and worked in the city for a while and this book makes the good memories rush back. I commend WS on the excellent research and other efforts that went into producing such a stellar book.

Average customer rating:

Raw Diets

Easiest book to help you make the switch

Make your dog's day!

This book cost me $2500

Work Wonders a must

Work Wonders: Feed Your Dog Raw Meaty Bones
Tom Lonsdale
Manufacturer: Dogwise Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Care & Health | Dogs | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Dogs | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Raw Meaty Bones Promote Health (P)

Raw Dog Food: Make It Easy for You and Your Dog

Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats

Dr. Pitcairn's New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats

Give Your Dog a Bone: The Practical Commonsense Way to Feed Dogs for a Healthy Life

ASIN: 0975717405

Book Description

What your dog wants to eat. If dogs could talk what would they say is the best food to keep them in tiptop condition? Would they recommend a selection of cans and kibble or would they recommend a fresh rabbit and half a chicken?

In Work Wonders: Feed your dog raw meaty bones Australian veterinarian Dr Tom Lonsdale inspires us to see a dog's dietary needs from a dog's perspective taking into account Nature's teachings, easily understood science and sound common sense.

Work Wonders provides essential information for dogs and their owners, veterinarians, educators and anyone interested in dogs, diets and health. Eight entertaining and informative chapters lead you through the practical essentials of dog feeding including how to find sources of fresh, healthy meat as well as how to safely store and prepare a diet of raw meaty bones. It's easier than you think!

Tom Lonsdale's 2001 landmark book Raw Meaty Bones: Promote Health provides in-depth analysis of how commercial foods contribute to a range of pet illnesses including gum disease, immune disorders and cancer. Work Wonders is the ideal, practical sequel. Learn how easy it is to feed your dog what he really wants — raw meaty bones.

Customer Reviews:

Raw Diets.......2007-06-27

This is a short, and easy to read book about feeding raw to your dog. I have fed this was for many years (I have a kennel of 20-something German Shepherds). This book managed to change over both my Mother (who thinks any info I give her is suspect) and my sister (ditto) to feeding raw. Kudos on the book!!! It's also great to loan puppy people during that "teachable time" between choosing their puppy, and actually taking the puppy home. Much easier to read than Billinghurst.

Easiest book to help you make the switch.......2007-02-12

If you're looking for a basic raw feeding book then this is the one you need. Tom Lonsdale is a veterinarian, and this book is a simple guide. It sure is to the point, and takes away all the confusion about what to fed, especially if you read a lot on the Internet about raw feeding. I really enjoyed reading this book.

Make your dog's day!.......2007-01-05

Very simple book, based on a natural premise. I now give my dogs meaty bones at least several times a week during warmer weather, when they can eat outside. The dogs love it and relish their treat. My big dogs can eat anything, and their teeth are in excellent shape, especially considering their age (over 10 years). This book helped me decide to switch my tiny dogs to a raw diet, and they are thriving. One of the toy dogs gnaws on bones, and his teeth are in better shape than those of the more delicate tiny dog. I'm a believer and have never had a problem with raw meaty bones. It may gross out friends and family, but the dogs benefit, even from occasional RMB. I wish I had read this book years ago! Not for the faint-hearted, and you MUST practice seriously good hygiene. Be sure to tell your vet if you switch or if you simply add RMB to your dog's diet.

This book cost me $2500.......2006-06-23

An email list that I am on recommended this book so I bought it. I read it twice, everything seemed logical and I decided to finally make the leap into raw food. Everyone said it was so easy.

I fed my Irish Setter 1/2 of a whole chicken and thought it was a good idea. Lonsdale says we should feed big pieces and that's what was available to me. Well, let me tell you, it was a BAD idea.

My Setter tore into the chicken with gusto and I was so pleased with myself - until she started running round in circles screaming in pain. Apparently a bone became lodged between 2 of her teeth and was puncturing the roof of her mouth.

So we raced off to the emergency clinic where my dog ultimately ended up spending 3 nights at a total cost of $2500. I cannot believe what I did to my dog based on what was in this book.

I do believe in raw food but never again will I feed whole carcasses or any bone that's not ground. It's not worth it to me or my dog.

Needless to say, there is only one word to sum up the advice in this book: BAD.

Work Wonders a must.......2006-06-11

I must have read a different book, judging by three of the reviews below. Comments such as "all he tells you is to feed big pieces of bone" - nowhere does Tom Lonsdale say that. What he does say is to feed large pieces of meat and bone, and whole carcasses (i.e. whole dead animals) wherever possible.

Comments that there is "nothing new" in the book - well, feeding as near to nature as possible isn't new, it's several thousand years old, so no, it's not new. Tom Lonsdale is the only honest author to set it out in simple terms, because that is what it is - simple! Regarding the quality of meat recommended - isn't it clear then, when he states "source food from human food suppliers"?

Far from being "a waste of money", Work Wonders is a tremendous aid to new raw feeders, as well as for those of us who have been feeding this way for several years. The book gently leads the reader through getting started, quality, quantity and frequency, through to risk management, a brilliant dentistry section and finally to the larger implications of feeding naturally - the effects on human health, the environment and the economy.

This book, along with Dr Lonsdale's seminal work Raw Meaty Bones, should be read by every dog owner. I just wish it had been around when I started feeding raw as it would have saved me making many mistakes and being misled by other "experts". It would also have SAVED me a fair bit of money!

Book Description

The evolution of corkscrew design is clearly presented in extensive text and displayed in over 500 photographs - over 450 in beautiful color - and 1000 U.S. patent drawings dating from 1851 to 1994. Brother Timothy Diener, the former winemaker at the Christian Brothers celler in Napa, California has written the Foreword. The book is arranged chronologically to show the development of designs. Here is a progression of corkscrews from common to unique, in materials from metals to plastics, and in value from inexpensive to priceless. The diversity is amazing. This book is a unique blend of primary research, visual excitement, and friendly dialogue which enriches our appreciation of corkscrews.

Boxes Full of Corkscrews (Schiffer Book for Collectors)

Average customer rating:

Boxes of Corkscrews a real hit

Boxes Full of Corkscrews (Schiffer Book for Collectors)
Donald A. Bull
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Kitchenware | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0764312383

Book Description

In 836 color photographs and engaging text, this book provides the reader with a superb survey of hundreds of corkscrews, all accompanied by their original boxes, wrappers, and packaging. Old and new corkscrews (both 19th and 20th centuries) of every variety are on display, including bar mounts, direct pulls, figurals, lazy tongs, levers, prong pullers, and the Waiters Friend. Also included are useful details about the manufacturers, their trademarks, and copyrights--much of this information coming straight from the original packaging. Current values are included in the captions.

Customer Reviews:

Boxes of Corkscrews a real hit.......2001-12-27

The book is great. It arrived as expected and was all it was described to be. Great color pictures and handy information about hundreds of corkscrews. The price was very good for this book.

Average customer rating:

Collectible Corkscrews (Collectibles)
Frederique Crestin-Billet
Manufacturer: Flammarion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Kitchenware | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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

Metal Work | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 2080105515
Release Date: 2001-03-15

Book Description

Whether old or modern, classic or frivolous, from the most straightforward pulling device to the incredible ingenuity of nineteenth-century inventions, corkscrews have long been the basis of many a cherished collection.

Collectible Corkscrews features over 500 color photographs of corkscrews, from rare and valuable early models to recent designer creations. Each photograph is accompanied by a short text explaining the significance of every item. Whether you are a novice or a long-term corkscrew devotee, this book is sure to surprise and inform you. But be warned: once you have been bitten by the corkscrew bug, you are a collector for life...

Miller's: Corkscrews & Wine Antique: A Collector's Guide (Miller's Collector's Guides)

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Miller's: Corkscrews & Wine Antique: A Collector's Guide (Miller's Collector's Guides)
Phil Ellis
Manufacturer: Mitchell Beazley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Sculpture | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Kitchenware | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Reference | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1840004398

Book Description

Miller's Collector's Guides is a series of books aimed at providing an essential introduction to varied and popular subjects for the budding collector. Reflecting the growing trend in the antiques market towards "collectibles" (small, often affordable items) these practical guides are filled with ideas on how to form a collection, what to specialize in, and how to identify objects. Often showing specially photographed items, these are guides no collector can afford to be without.

Anri Woodcarving: Bottle Stoppers, Corkscrews, Nutcrackers, Toothpick Holders, Smoking Accessories, and More

Average customer rating:

Carving Inspiration

Anri Woodcarving: Bottle Stoppers, Corkscrews, Nutcrackers, Toothpick Holders, Smoking Accessories, and More
Philly Rains , and Donald Bull
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Sculpture | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0764314211

Book Description

This book presents vintage, often whimsical, and one-of-a-kind wooden figurine carvings by ANRI, the world-renowned company founded in 1912 in the Dolomite Mountains of northern Italy. Among the more than 2,500 carvings featured are bottle stoppers, bottle openers and corkscrews, bar sets, calendars, letter openers, bookends, humidors, ashtrays, lighters, cigarette boxes, pipe rests, salt and pepper sets, pepper mills, napkin rings, timers, toothpick holders, brushes, salt and serving spoons, spoon and key racks, door knockers, and figurines, including monks and characters from novels by Charles Dickens. Collectors with a wide range of interests will be delighted with the amazing number of woodcarvings shown. This book will amuse and inspire todays woodcarvers and collectors, novices and experienced devotees alike.

Customer Reviews:

Carving Inspiration.......2004-04-27

This book is written for collectors but as a woodcarver, I appreciate the history of woodcarving that is a part of this book. The book is filled with great color photos of carvings done over many years. On the downside, it cost me more money because after reading it, I ended up going to ebay and bidding on several anri carvings. I did note than a number of the carvings for sale were being sold by the books author.

Corkscrews of the 18th Century: Artistry in Iron and Steel

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Book review of Corkscrews of the 19th Century

Corkscrews of the 18th Century: Artistry in Iron and Steel
Bertrand B. Giulian
Manufacturer: Bertrand Giulian - Whitespace
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Sculpture | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0963920111

Book Description

A history of the early use of corks, gun tool worms and hooked-cork pullers in the 15th and 16th centuries to the larger, mechanical corkscrews used at the beginning of the 19th century.

Customer Reviews:

Book review of Corkscrews of the 19th Century.......2000-02-18

This is the definitive work about 19th century corkscrews. It is a must for any serious corkscrew collector or wine enthusiast. The book is well researched and well written by a man who is known to be an expert in the field.

Average customer rating:

Corkscrews (Itinerari D'immagini)
Maurizio Fantoni , and Paolo De Sanctis
Manufacturer: Seven Hills Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 887143059X

Corkscrews and Bottle Openers (Shire Albums)

Average customer rating:

Great info on corkscrews, not much on openers.

Corkscrews and Bottle Openers (Shire Albums)
Evan Perry
Manufacturer: Shire Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0747802815

Customer Reviews:

Great info on corkscrews, not much on openers........1999-01-23

If you are looking for a short and concise book on corkscrews, this deserves a look. If, like me, you are looking for a book on bottle openers this is NOT the one.

Antiques & Collecting Magazine January 2007 - Corkscrews, Cooke Cutters, Humpty Dumpty, Glass Novelties (Volume 111 Number 11)

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Antiques & Collecting Magazine January 2007 - Corkscrews, Cooke Cutters, Humpty Dumpty, Glass Novelties (Volume 111 Number 11)

Manufacturer: Lightner Publishing Corp.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000M62DW0

Average customer rating:

Corkscrews for Collectors
Bernard Watney , and Homer Babbidge
Manufacturer: Philip Wilson Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Collectible Corkscrews (Collectibles)

ASIN: 0856674311

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Pilates Workout on the Wunda Chair

Pilates Chair Encyclopedia
Pilates PhysicalMind Institute
Manufacturer: Physicalmind Institute
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

Pilates | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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Accessories:

Tanita BC554 Ironman Glass InnerScan Body Composition Monitor Elite Series

ASIN: 0970530641

Customer Reviews:

Pilates Workout on the Wunda Chair .......2007-01-04

Good manual for Pilates instructors and serious pilates students

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Encyclopedia of Chairs
Simon Yates
Manufacturer: Shooting Star Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 1573354597

Mechanix Illustrated: How-to-do-it Encyclopedia (Volume 5)

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Mechanix Illustrated: How-to-do-it Encyclopedia (Volume 5)

Manufacturer: Fawcett Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000BS5IUI

Product Description

Pages 770-960

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An Encyclopedia of Chairs
Simon Yates
Manufacturer: Wellfleet Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KV8DL2

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An Encyclopedia of Chairs
Simon Yates
Manufacturer: Shooting Star Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000J4UDA4

Book Description

This final entry in Arnie and Cathy Fenner’s Frazetta trilogy features 150 full-color paintings by the renowned artist and illustrator, ranging in subject matter from barbarian battles to erotica to religious art. Frank Frazetta’s 50-year career is celebrated not only in these museum-quality reproductions of his art but also in photos from his personal archives, including shots of George Lucas visiting the Frazetta estate and Bo Derek posing for one of his alluring femme fatales. Comments and anecdotes by the artist and the editors, along with testimonials from graphic-art luminaries Dave Stevens, Bruce Timm, and Bernie Wrightson, flesh out this portrait of the artist.

Customer Reviews:

awesome.......2006-05-05

frank frazetta is an outstanding artist. i own this book and the entire death dealer series by james silke, whose cover is frazetta's death dealer. he is one of two of my favorite artist (the other is none other than todd lockwood). his life story is also amazing. this is a must have book for any beginners in art or just to pick up and thumb through. definitely buy this book

under- appreciated master.......2004-02-09

Frank Frazetta is not only the master of Fantasy art but one of the true fathers of todays artist (Vallejo, Mcfarlane, Hildebrant) his body of work has ranged from the early comic strips of the 50's , to the great interpretation of Fantasy heroes greatest, Tarzan, Conan, Kane and many others, but he has also created some of the most memorable images of the 20th century Sci-Fi and Fantsy art(Deathdealer and so on). This bookk ends a wonderful trilogy that started with Icon, and was followed by Legacy, those previous volumes introduced many to the great worlds depicted in Frazetta's paintings, this book is a treasure chest of less known but just as great works. True longtime fans of this great master will relish this additions to the already establish body of work. I urge all fans of the master to also visit his museum in Stroudsburg PA to view the original paintins in all their greatness.

20th century genius.......2003-08-20

Only Norman Rockwell is in the same league with Frank Frazetta. He is the most talented fantasy illustrator of his generation, no one else comes close. His work easily qualitfies as Fine Art. His draftsmanship is so good it seems beyond human, like Michaelangelo. His sense of drama is so assured, each image is like something out of a classic movie or great legend. But everyone falls all over themselves praising Frazetta. This is the third book of his work, and is more for hardcore fans and collectors. Icon and Legacy contain his most famous works, but I love this one for the insights it gives into his techniques, and for the many sensitive and exquisite watercolor nudes he gave his wife on birthdays and anniversaries. I've seen the guy in person twice in my life, but I never said a word to him. Still, Frazetta has made me a better artist.

20th century genius.......2003-08-20

Odds & Ends Collection, "Icon" & "Legacy" Better to Start.......2002-01-14

This is a beautiful book, but the more famous Frazetta works are to be found in the two previous books of this trilogy. So this book is great for serious Frazetta fans, but "Icon" and "Legacy" are better books for showing the most famous of his works.

This book, "Testament," is good for showing more of his unpublished stuff. It has many Playboy-type girlie paintings and drawings, some western themes, and his paintings for TV Guide, for the "Battlestar Galactica" show, (which look nothing like the actual TV program, but stand as terrific space fantasy works). The personal photos are also a very nice insight into his life.

All three books in this trilogy cover work from his whole life, and explain his career moves, with slight variations and different guest commentary. The printing is nicely done, so you can enjoy studying the paintings on glossy, quality paper. These three books are very nice additions to your personal bookshelf library.

If you're new to Frazetta's work, I would just suggest that you start in order, with "Icon," and then "Legacy," where the more popular works are printed, to be able to appreciate and understand Frazetta's work and influence in proper perspective. "Testament" is more for the confirmed Frazetta fans.

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Testament : The Life and Art of Frank Frazetta
Frank (Fenner, Cathy and Arnie: Editors) Frazetta
Manufacturer: Grass Valley, CA Underwood Books 2001.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000J5KQHS

Book Description

A simultaneous Spanish-language edition, originally translated for Vintage by
Nina Torres-Vidal

In her new memior, the acclaimed author of When I Was Puerto Rican continues the riveting chronicle of her life.

"Negi," as Santiago's family affectionately calls her, leaves rural Macun in 1961 to live in a three-bedroom tenement apartment with seven siblings, and inquisitive grandmother, and a strict mother who won't allow her to date. At thirteen, Negi yearns for her own bed, for privacy, and her father, who remains in Puerto Rico. Translating for Mami at the welfare office in the morning, starring as Cleopatra at New York's Performing Arts High School in the afternoon, and dancing salsa all night, she also seeks to find balance between being an American and Puerto Rican. When Negi defies her mother by going on a series of dates, she finds that independence brings challenges.

At once a universally poignant coming-of-age tale and a heartfelt immigrant's story, Almost a Woman is Santiago's triumphant journey into womanhood.

Customer Reviews:

entretenido.......2004-05-20

este libro me parecio interesante,es una lectura entretenida

otra ves.......2003-12-24

lya he leido el primer libro de esmeralda,"cuando era puertorriquena" me parecio muy interesante, la segunda parte, "casi una mujer" tiene muchas repeticiones del primero , pero la lectura es llamativa y entretenedora, lo recomiendo

Esmeralda es la mejor.......2000-10-05

estuve esperando MUCHO por este libro. Cuando era PRiqueña fue tan bello y me trajo tantos recuerdos. Luego salio El Sueño de America- una de las mejores novelas que he leido- y yo seguia esperando por este libro!

Esmeralda es la mejor, me transporta a PR en cualquier momento y por eso la adoro. Habla de su familia como si fuera la mia y creo que somos primas!

Creo que es la mejor escritora latinoamericana hoy en dia, solo que no tiene mucha popularidad porque escribe mas bien sobre PR. Estoy esperando como loca el proximo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

El mejor regalo para cualquier latina que este orgullosa de sus raices!

Casi Una Mujer Otro Libro Excellente!.......2000-06-20

Esmeralda did it again! This book is excellent, it takes up where When I was Puerto Rican left off. No pude dejar de leer el libro hasta el fin! This book is not only a sequel, but it stands on its own as a really good book. For me, reading it in Spanish added a little more flavor to the plot. In English or Spanish this book doesn't loose anything in the translation. I highly recommend it.

Casi Una Mujer (Almost a Woman) [UNABRIDGED] (Audiobook)

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Casi Una Mujer (Almost a Woman) [UNABRIDGED] (Audiobook)
Esmeralda Santiago
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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Product Description

From a three-room apartment in Brooklyn occupied by ten family members, Esmeralda Santiago begins a journey that is both a triumphant struggle for identity and independence, and a mothers worst nightmare. Challenged by language barriers, cultural stereotypes, and the fiercely protective Mami, Santiago continues the rollicking ascent she began in When I Was Puerto Rican. By day she perfects the role of Cleopatra at Performing Arts High School and interprets for the family at city welfare offices. At night she accompanies her mother and sisters to Latin dance halls, but on such a strict leash that she has her first date at the age of twenty. Undaunted, she makes up for lost time in a romantic apprenticeship at once hilarious and heartbreaking.

Guia Medica de Remedios Caseros Para la Mujer: Doctoras Revelan Casi 2,000 Consejos Acerca de los Problemas de Salud Que Mas Preocupan a la Mujer de H

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Guia Medica de Remedios Caseros Para la Mujer: Doctoras Revelan Casi 2,000 Consejos Acerca de los Problemas de Salud Que Mas Preocupan a la Mujer de H

Manufacturer: Rodale Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Curas Alternativas: Los mas eficaces remedios caseros naturales para 130 problemas de la salud

ASIN: 1579540856

Casi invisibles.: An article from: Proceso

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Casi invisibles.: An article from: Proceso
Beatriz Pereyra
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000NY0YUO
Release Date: 2007-03-02

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Proceso, published by Thomson Gale on October 29, 2006. The length of the article is 2754 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Casi invisibles.
Author: Beatriz Pereyra
Publication: Proceso (Magazine/Journal)
Date: October 29, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Issue: 1565 Page: 88(3)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Spanish-language audiobooks.(Audiobook review): An article from: Kliatt

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Spanish-language audiobooks.(Audiobook review): An article from: Kliatt
Betsy Woodman
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000VN7IQA
Release Date: 2007-09-01

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Kliatt, published by Thomson Gale on May 1, 2007. The length of the article is 1974 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Spanish-language audiobooks.(Audiobook review)
Author: Betsy Woodman
Publication: Kliatt (Magazine/Journal)
Date: May 1, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 41 Issue: 3 Page: 3(3)

Article Type: Audiobook review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

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Casi una mujer: paso de comedia
Jose Sanchez-Arcilla
Manufacturer: see notes for publisher info
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NP6TIY

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