Book Description
The West African writer, painter, playwright, and director Werewere Liking is considered one of the best literary interpreters of the posHColonial condition in Africa. Her first work to be translated into English, these two novels spare nothing in their satirical portraits of the patriarchal view of African society as they experiment radically with the novel form.
At once dramatic, lyrical, satirical, and epistolary, "It Shall Be of Jasper and Coral (Journal of a Misovire)," subtitled "A Song-Novel," introduces the "misovire"--literally defined as a man-hater but seen by Liking as the figure of a time when gender differentiation will be irrelevant to discovering the fullness of what it means to be human. The misovire recounts the story of the inhabitants of Luna, a squalid fictional village in Africa. The novel's action occurs on two levels, as the misovire contemplates writing a journal, and through that heralds the creation of a new race.
Instead of holding the daily entries of a conventional diary, this journal is to be composed of nine "pages," each dedicated to a specific theme, from creativity and art criticism to friendship and the importance of raising children to be balanced human beings. The misovire's musings, interspersed with the dialogue of two comical characters named Babou and Grozi, bring together a powerful polyphony of modern Africa. While bitterly critical, it ends on a hopeful note, as the misovire prophesies the birth from the sea of a new African who "shall be made of jasper and coral."
In "Love-across-a-Hundred-Lives," the narrator tells the story of Lem, her brother, who is preparing to hang himself when his grandmother Madjo appears. He secretly expects her to dissuade him from suicide, but instead she encourages him, urging him to make his final action a success that will make up for all his earlier failures. As he continues to knot the rope that will be his noose, Madjo tells Lem stories of their ancestors, of legendary and historical African figures; interwoven are the voices of Lem himself, of the narrator, and of her sister Go. When Lem is finally ready to conclude his act, he no longer wants to die. Madjo has accomplished her mission to make Lem a man in the most complete and most noble sense of the word, whole and strong enough not only to survive but to give of himself to others.
In addition to illustrating the formal innovations for which Liking is increasingly known and celebrated in Africa and the francophone world, these two novels establish a discourse with icons of African literature such as Lopold Sdar Senghor and Cheikh H. Kane, debunking many myths about the continent that produced them. With Liking's refreshingly iconoclastic writing driving their message, "It Shall Be of Jasper and Coral" and "Love-across-a-Hundred-Lives" introduces a fascinating African literary voice to the English-speaking world.
Book Description
The First Volume in ibooks' Reissues of the Fantasies by Science Fiction Writers of America Grand Master Fritz Leiber!
Swords and Deviltry introduces us to a strange world where fantastic but thoroughly flawed anti-heroes Fafhrd and Gray Mouser find the familiar in themselves and discover the icy power of female magic. Three master-magician femme-fatales and a sprightly lad illuminate the bonds between father and son, the relationship between the bravado of the imagination, and the courage of fools. A hedge wizard explains the cold war between the sexes. Mouse and Fafhrd meet again and traverse the smoke and mirrors of Lankhmar learning more and more of the foggy world in which they live, experiencing the pleasures and pains of the City of Sevenscore Thousand Smokers that will lead them to countless more adventures and misadventures.
Customer Reviews:
A touch slim.......2007-09-05
I got this book because I have the first volume of the White Wolf Lankhmar series from a while back, but the rest of those volumes were hard to find. Not knowing where this edition split the stories, I started from the beginning. I fliped through the pages and confirmed that this book (and the second volume in this edition) add up to the whole of the first book in the White Wolf edition. This was a fair disappointment to me. It makes this series twice as expensive. Regardless, it is still the least expensive way to get good condition copies of these stories at a reasonable price, since any copy of these stories will be read over and over. I love the stories, I just think this particular edition could be plumped up a bit.
How have I missed this for so long?.......2007-08-22
I read quite a bit. In fact, it is fair to say that I am always reading and most of the time am really, really enjoying what I am reading. But that doesn't mean that I am always in that state of being that we readers get in wherein we are devouring a work, intent solely on finishing the story at hand, oblivious to all else around us. Those moments are special, and I think reflect more on the mood one is in than on the quality of the book one is reading. That is what happened with this first book in Fritz Leiber's Lankhmar series.
I am fairly new to the sword and sorcery genre. It is only in the past few years that I picked up the work of Robert E. Howard, the father of said genre, and discovered how extremely talented he was. Since then I have desired to get back to more in this genre but had not taken the time to do so. I am so glad that I picked up that graphic novel which led me to the very fun work of Fritz Leiber.
Swords and Deviltry is essentially 3 short stories in one book: the story of Fafhrd and his escape from his native lands with the help of the woman he had come to love; the story of the Gray Mouser and his victory over his lover's evil father; and the story of how the two came together in the great city of Lankhmar.
Though this series of tales appears to focus primarily on the adventures these two characters have together, reading their 'origin' stories really helped develop the individual character of each hero, making their meeting much more rewarding.
This was a quick read, at 191 pages, that I simply devoured over the course of an evening and an afternoon. Was it as good as Robert E. Howard's best Conan stories? Not quite, but it was a darn good tale nonetheless. Fafhrd is a brave and savage hero, the Gray Mouser a more civilized, suave hero. Together they make a very entertaining duo. I particularly enjoyed the first tale, that of Fafhrd's homeland, in which the women were all powerful witches who worked their magic to keep their men in line. Leiber's writing style had me quickly enveloped in the world of Nehwon, and a very believable world it is.
I am very impressed with Fritz Leiber's work thus far and understand completely why it is proclaimed that he defined this genre with his work. I look forward to reading more of the detailed adventures of Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser.
Super Reader.......2007-08-04
Sword and Deviltry is a retro-introduction collection, about the famous pair of Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser. It does include the excellent story, 'Ill-Met in Lankhar'. So, rather than a novel, this is a collection of novellas, or novelettes, or whatever the preferred term is. Good stuff though, as you get to see where they came from, and how they met.
Swords and Deviltry : 01 Induction - Fritz Leiber
Swords and Deviltry : 02 The Snow Women - Fritz Leiber
Swords and Deviltry : 03 The Unholy Grail - Fritz Leiber
Swords and Deviltry : 04 Ill Met in Lankhmar - Fritz Leiber
The meet of the Mouser and Fafhrd, at least according to Sheelba.
3.5 out of 5
Frigid females scorn sexy skimpily sheathed strumpet stage show, shellack sons and seniors with serious snowballs. Fafhrd felicitiously flees with foxy faker.
3.5 out of 5
Murdered Mouse's mentor means Duke's death desired, daughter, however, not so dastardly.
4 out of 5
Twosome's Thieves Guild tormenting leads to tragedy and travel.
4.5 out of 5
Seminal sword & sorcery.......2007-07-06
Fritz Leiber's tales of Fafhrd, the barbarian from the frozen North, and the Grey Mouser, the former wizard's apprentice with a fascination for black magic, were some of the seminal works in the genre of sword and sorcery. This book consists of three loosely joined stories. The first two tell of our heroes before they met each other, and that meeting is the subject of the Hugo- and Nebula-winning story "Ill Met in Lankhmar." Leiber's style is light, humorous, and fast-paced, although I'm surprised that the above-mentioned novella was such an award winner. While entertaining, the narrative lacks sufficient complications. Perhaps my more jaded response is a result of the seventy-plus years of fantasy tales that have followed. No doubt many aspects of the stories that seem clichéd now were fresh at that time. However, even if you're familiar with the genre, these classic tales are very enjoyable.
Vengeance, magic and a heavily structured plot........2007-06-02
The three stories inside this book, of Fafhrd and Gray Mouser, remind me a little of the Thieves World series. But, unlike those stories, these stories feel forced, their characters unrealistic and too powerful, their plots too simple and the settings too confused with overwhelming details that are not needed. While some details, details that I would enjoy about the history or background of the people or lands, are totally missing.
For example, I wanted to know more about the city of Lankhmar, yet the third story barely touches on it. True, there are only three stories, so how much information can I get about the city? But I still felt cheated - it WAS the title of the book. With just under 200 pages I felt as if I paid too much. And that's rare for me, no matter how bad the book is.
Customer Reviews:
Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03
The protagonist is a perpetual student, basically trying to take as many courses, and learn as many things as he can, without being forced to graduate, or get kicked out of uni. This includes basket weaving, and advanced basket weaving.
An alien artifact discovery later, and he is on the run, having adventures, not kicking back in the library or cafeteria.
A lot of fun.......2007-08-21
Fred Cassidy is a university student in his 13th year. His trust fund will expire as soon as he graduates, so Cassidy periodically changes his major, so as to be enrolled full-time, but never gaining all the needed courses to graduate. His routine is interupted when several people including two aliens disguised as kangaroos come looking for a copy of an alien artifact. At least Fred thought it was a copy. Unfortunately he can't find it and the situation could escalate into an interplanetary incident.
With 'Doorways in the Sand', Roger Zelazny has written a fun and enjoyable story, full of humour and absurd situations. 3.5 stars (rounded up for Amazon)
Third Gargoyle From The End.......2006-08-28
If you haven't read any Roger Zelazny it's about time you got started. He was one of the best science fiction writers of the late 20th Century, and arguably one of the great ones of any time. His scope and output are immense, and he is one of the most consistent of writers, always trying out new ideas and making them work. Doorways in the Sand was written in the same era as Lord of Light and the early Amber books and while it is not well known, it is brilliant in its own right.
Fred Cassidy has a gimmick - the terms of his scholarship guarantee that it will continue until he completes a degree. And so, for the past thirteen years Fred has managed to stay a full time student and carefully evade the conditions for graduation. Suddenly, though, his carefree lifestyle has become more complicated at a recent party a copy of the Star Stone - an interplanetary relic that has been gifted to earth as part of a diplomatic exchange -- disappears. Only it turns out that the copy isn't a copy, but the real thing. Now no one knows where it is, but it's gone, and everyone from organleggers to policemen dressed in wombat suits are chasing after Fred.
Worse, Fred keeps getting subliminal messages that may or may not be well intentioned. With the galactic future of the Earth at stake, Fred's only resource is his ability to climb anything with more than one story. Fortunately this stands him in good stead, since he must spend a good deal of his time escaping. Just ask yourself how you would feel in the grasp of a giant, telepathic slime mold.
It was a real treat to reread Doorways in the Sand after all this time. This was an era where an author could stop long enough for his characters to have a philosophical discussion and a glass of iso-whiskey. Zelazny's books are usually intelligent, and Fred's circumstances are such that only his mind and his skill at leaping tall buildings will get him out of the mess. Having delayed my graduation as long as I could as well, I find Fred highly sympathetic. And if you have ever wished that life could be one long string of research projects and beer parties you will find him a kindred soul as well.
Exercise in Style.......2005-05-02
This book has a fun story, but above all, it's an exercise in style. Every chapter begins "en media res", and ends on a cliffhanger! I had to read it two or three times before I caught that. It amazing how a technique so blatant can seem so subtle when handled by a master.
The slings and death-rays of outrageous fortune.......2004-03-02
Roger Zelazny specializes in devil-may-care, chain-smoking, hard-drinking, appealing young men and his "Doorways in the Sand" features Fred Cassidy, the eternal undergraduate with a very strong case of acrophilia--he loves to climb things. We meet him as he drops into the third-floor office of his latest advisor---through the window of course. Fred has gone through many advisors in his twelve-year stint as an undergraduate--his late uncle's estate will only support him up to the moment when he is awarded a degree--but this particular advisor seems to have a grudge against him. He thinks he has Fred trapped in a schedule that will force him to graduate.
Fred manages to escape the dread specter of graduation one more time by signing up for field work in Australia, a literature course on troubadours, and two hours credit for advanced basket weaving.
He has other problems, though. There are the strange messages that sometimes appear as sky-writing: "DO YOU SMELL ME DED?" His old roommate gets married, and when Fred attempts to lure a newer, more beautiful model into his apartment, she bolts upon encountering a state of total dishevelment. It's not Fred's fault. Someone has done a thorough job of ransacking his digs. Furthermore, that someone is now waiting for him in his bedroom closet.
Where is the starstone, Fred?
Many shootings, beatings, narrow escapes, eccentric professors, and aliens-on-a-mission later, we (and Fred) finally discover the missing starstone.
Fred's nasty, pipe-smoking advisor finally figures out a way to make him graduate.
Then Fred's adventures really begin.
"Doorways in the Sand" is vintage Zelazny, which is to say it is like taking a course in philosophy while crawling about between the gargoyles on the cathedral of Life, dodging the slings and death-rays of outrageous villains, some of them bug-eyed monsters. This author makes you smile, engage in a bit of late-night philosophizing over a few cold ones, and root wildly for his cocky-but-likeable heroes.
Average customer rating:
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DOORWAYS IN THE SAND
Roger Zelazny
Manufacturer: WH Allen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Science Fiction & Fantasy
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| Authors, A-Z
| Books on CD
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| Fantasy
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ASIN: 0491020228 |
Book Description
Carole Walter’s fans know her as an award-winning author, teacher, and mentor, and her new book will keep them cheering, as she turns her attention to the most popular theme in home baking: cookies.
Packed with more than 200 delectable recipes and more than 150 tantalizing photographs,
Great Cookies skillfully and joyfully answers the call for a colorful, all-inclusive cookie book. From traditional favorites like Snickerdoodles, Oatmeal Raisin, and Favorite Lemon Squares to future stars of the cookie jar like the trail mix–inspired Teton Trailers and chewy, chocolaty Midnight Macaroons, Great Cookies provides something to satisfy every taste and every occasion.
There’s even a section devoted to the quintessential American cookie—chocolate chip. With nuts or without? White chocolate or milk? Chocolate dough? Oatmeal in the dough? Carole provides a dozen chocolate chip recipes in all, plus definitive research on a crucial issue: “Not All Chocolate Chips Are Created Equal.”
Drop cookies. Bar cookies. Piped, pressed, and rolled. Great Cookies covers every conceivable method for baking these tasty confections. In the more than thirty years that she has studied and taught baking, Carole has cataloged a wealth of helpful tips and troubleshooting hints that for the first time are gathered in one collection.
With guidelines for measuring and substituting ingredients, storing and freezing, recapturing that fresh-from-the-oven flavor, decorating, even gift-wrapping and shipping,
Great Cookies addresses all the basics and then some. And this ultimate guide is rounded out with authoritative information on ingredients, equipment, and the foolproof techniques for which Carole is known, including the essential “Secrets To” hints for every type of cookie.
With master baker Carole Walter by your side, you may never look at a glass of ice cold milk the same way again.
Customer Reviews:
A wonderful book!.......2006-12-08
I'm old enough to have been baking for quite a few years, and young enough to be surrounded by people who generally don't worry about their weight--people who have never made a cookie in their lives, but are wonderful for testing out large batches of baked goods. While I would not recommend this book to one of them (when I told one of them that my brownie recipe was "easy," she happily exclaimed, "Oh, good, which mix is it?") I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a fantastic cookie and is willing to take the necessary time and effort to make it. Some of the initial recipes are a bit repetitive--I don't necessarily believe that one needs a whole new recipe just to make white-chocolate macadamia cookies when a substitution instruction from the choco chip-walnut cookies will do--but every one that I've tried has been mind-meltingly delicious. The quotes are nice, and the varieties of tips for cookie making are concise and, as far as I can tell, spot on the mark. My favourite recipe thus far has been the chocolate sugarsnaps, but then, I'm only halfway through the book...
Delicious Treasure Chest of Cookie Recipes.......2006-11-30
In looking for the "creme de la creme" of cookie books, this one is certainly at the top of my list. This book has wonderful pictures of most of the cookies, easy to follow directions, very handy information, and best of all wonderful tasty cookies!!
The author, Carole Walter will tell you not only what you need to achieve great results, but why and how. There is invaluable information in the back of this book on various types of ingredients and what they will or will not do, plus how to properly store ingredients. She explains the equipment needed and why. She gives handy techniques to help the recipe come out perfectly. While not necessarily a book for the beginner, every recipe is explained step-by-step for all levels of cooks. And Ms. Walter even reveals how to store the finshed product, plus she adds the shelf life of each recipe, as well as which cookies travel well.
I have been baking for a number of years but needed a little help in perfecting my technique. Ms. Walter taught me a few things that made baking cookies more fun, easier than ever, and most of all -- delicious. The real proof of the title of this book, "Great Cookies: Secrets to Sensational Sweets" (winner of the James Beard award) is giving these cookies as gifts during the holidays and getting rave reviews myself!!
Superb.......2006-10-17
As I already own 53 books devoted to baking - with seven dedicated just to cookies, could I justify yet another purchase? The answer is a resounding "Yes!". I already own Carole Walter's "Great Cakes" and have used it for years. Walter is a pro - in the same league as Maida Heatter, Rose Levy Beranbaum, Dorie Greenspan, Susan Purdy, Flo Braker, Nick Malgieri, and Gale Gand.
Aside from the recipes, which are nearly flawless, the 44-page "Teacher's Secrets for Sensational Cookies" is marvelous. This section includes such features as a two-page spread on the characteristics of various brands of chocolate chips; decorating and garnishing; guidelines for storing, wrapping and mailing cookies; an encyclopedic explanation of "Nuts and Seeds"; and a page entitled "Troubleshooting" to help decipher what can go wrong and how to avoid those pitfalls. A list of sources for equipment and ingredients is included, along with a substantial bibliography.
The section on Chocolate Chip Cookies has a bulleted list of helpful hints on producing the best of the best. The "Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies" on page 32 are a personal favorite. There are also lists of secrets for making giant cookies, Biscotti, and Rugalah, among others. This is really a professional textbook on how to make superlative cookies - and it's the tips and techniques that set this volume apart. There are many ethnic favorites, too, such as Hamantaschen, Baklava, Springerle, and JanHagels (which are delicious!). Whether you're searching for holiday cookies, after-school treats, comfy bar cookies, or a cookie worthy of a dinner party (the Black and Whites are very chic!), you'll find them among the more than 200 recipes provided.
The dozen recipes for fillings and glazes are a plus and the "Caramel Mascarpone Cream" is heavenly.
The book's layout is approachable and navigable, the fonts easy on the eyes, and the photographs both beautiful and helpful. The book is a bit heavy for it's size but not unwieldy. The Index would have been better with a larger typeface and darker ink, but that is my only complaint. This book is a bargain at any price. Buy this volume along with the "King Arthur Cookie Companion" (another great value) and, cookiewise, you'll be all set.
Success everytime!.......2006-01-31
I have had nothing but sucess with every recipe I have made from this book. Instructions are clear and detailed, baking times accurate.I especially like the chocolate cookies rolled in sugar, and ebony and ivory tile bars. I especially like the difficulty ratings on all the cookies.
I think this book would be good to use with teen agers or timid bakers because of the pictures of each cookie.
The only reason I gave it 4 stars rather than 5, was that I wished that there were more recipes!
Truely GREAT cookies.......2006-01-15
Was trying to locate a book titled The Good Cookie by Tish Boyle. Found it at Amazon and they offered Great Cookies as an add-on. Took the chance and was so totally impressed, I probably baked a dozen or so recipes during the holidays. If you are looking for a book that offers a great range of variety from everyday to super sensational, this book is for you.
Book Description
This is the definitive guide to breeding, whelping and raising puppies, now completely updated. Expert topics include: canine reproductive anatomy, understanding hormones, breeding behavior and management, caring for the pregnant bitch, whelping, pediatric care of newborns, resolving reproductive problems
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Resource For Breeders.......2007-09-19
Every time I whelp a litter, I re-read this book and learn more. It contains a lot more accurate and technical information than the average "How To" book.
Excellent Resource for Breeders.......2007-07-30
Provides education regarding te entire reporductive cycles for dogs and bitches. Illustrations are relevant and explained well. We have bought several copies of this book for friends and owners of our puppies as a reference book.
Canine Reproduction: The Breeder's Guide.......2007-07-18
A must have for anyone breeding dogs. I am a breeder of English Mastiffs. I have read several books on dog breeding, but this one is the most detailed medically amd scientifically. Outstanding.
Canine Reproduction.......2007-03-25
It was a wonderful purchase. Quick and easy. This seller did a wonderful job on ana item I needed very much. Thank you and hope to purchase more from this seller.
Very helpful and informative book.......2007-02-01
This is an excellent book for the serious informed breeder. It is very detailed and technical. It covers everything you need to know about the dogs anatomy, heat cycle, physiology, breeding, pregnancy, paturation and care of the pups. It has the detail I couldn't find in other books, but is still easy to read and understand.
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful book.......2007-07-12
This is an awesome book for anyone that is interested in breeding dogs, or just for the over all general care of your pets.
I can't say enough good things about the book.
A must for breeders!.......2007-05-12
Before breeding my first litter, I read anything I could get my hands on, ordered appropriate books, intensely searched online, got my emergency supplies together, my puppy exercises prepared, and my vet on standby. But in all the searching I did, these two books (this one and Puppy Intensive Care, same author) were really what I was looking for at the time. Wrapped in a neat package, they cover everything that you could experience as an emergency. Many of the questions I still had unanswered in my mind after the litters I've raised were answered in these two books. I would just add How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With as a good overall puppy development and socialization book.
BUY THIS!!!!!.......2007-04-01
I will try my hardest to express in mere words how insanely wonderful this book is. Here goes.
I read several breeding books before I found this one and I found this one to have the best advice of them all. The lady is an RN midwife that works in a hospital delivering human babies. She did this for years before learning to be a dog breeder and becoming friends with a vet that is an absolute expert in canine midwifery that taught her a thing or two that's for sure. Her medical experience plus what she's learned from whelping puppies combines for one extremely objective, helpful book that is still down to earth and understandable for anybody.
great reference book for breeders.......2007-01-19
Lots of info looking forward to going to author's seminar next week.
Customer Reviews:
A Dog Breeders Helping Hand.......2005-05-08
This book is the best you will find for any breeder. Whenever I have a problem or question any situation related to breeding and whelping I'll rely on this book to help me
The Dog Breeders Bible.......2000-04-03
This is a WONDERFUL book! It covers more than any other book on reproduction, and I won't have a litter without it by my side. I have read all the others, and they sit in my library. I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS OUT OF PRINT! It is such a GREAT book! Get it if you can, wherever you can, if you ever plan to breed. What COMPLETE information, for ALL breeds.
Best book on dog reproduction--from conception to delivery.......1997-02-16
Over the last ten years, my husband and I have had several Boston Terrier litters, each time we not only consulted this book, but have read it from cover to cover multiple times. Each time we seemed to learn a new technique or lesson. This book takes you from a natural conception to an artifical conception to whelping naturally to c-sections. We saved many babies because of the author's ability to write exactly what needed to be done to tube feed, bottle feed or keep the baby warm. This book is a MUST for any breeder
Book Description
Cigarette lighter collectors, here it is! The Big Book of Cigarette Lighters is the reference that you have been waiting for. This all-new hardcover, full-color book contains hundreds of new photos not included in the Collector's Guide to Cigarette Lighters, Volumes I and II, all with full descriptions and values. There are numerous chapters detailing many timeless classics from a variety of styles, including Advertising, Art Deco, Novelty, Occupied Japan, and many more. This is a 'must have' book with something for everyone.
Customer Reviews:
Vintage Lighter Collection.......2007-05-15
This is a great book for vintage lighter collectors. I have two from the 50's that I could not find a value for anywhere until I bought this book.
Save your money, find another book.......2005-06-29
Waste of time and money, there was almost no information, not a Zippo in sight, all odd ball lighters, no details just quickie price information including sections on matches, holders and other non-lighter items. We needed a price guide to lighters, and this was not it. The only thing big about it, well there was nothing big about it, as a matter of fact there was not a big value, or even a big book, much smaller than most price guides.
easy-to-use guide with color photos and succinct captions.......2005-01-26
Colorful photos capturing details of hundreds of all kinds of lighters make this a prime guide for collectors. The captions right beside each photo note material, manufacturer, date, size, and price range--e. g., "Chromium lighter/case, made for king-size cigarettes, by Evans. Circa early 1950s. 4-3/4"h, 2-1/2w. $30.00-50.00." Animals, Art Deco, Beyond the Ordinary, Decorative, Miniatures, and Sets are among the many different categories. The category Miscellaneous Tobacco Accessories for pipe holders, match boxes, cigarette tins, etc., comes at the end. Numerous sharp photos, simple informative captions, and clear organization make this a ready reference for collectors and dealers at all levels. With its many photos arranged orderly, it is particularly useful to beginners to scan through to find out what types of lighters and related items to keep their eyes open for at flea markets and other resources.
Customer Reviews:
A beautiful exhibition catalog and far more!.......2006-03-13
This is a real sleeper of a coffee table book for basket makers, collectors and enthusiasts of this craft in particular or the arts in general.
It accompanied an exhibition, but offers much more than great color photos of an amazing variety of approaches to the craft by really top people.
There's a history of modern basket making, lots of 2-page "Artists' Voices" (picture/philosophy combos), and specialized chapters on 8 different techniques.
If, for inspiration or reference, you want a knockout survey of the most wild and gorgeous art pieces being made today, this is your book!
Average customer rating:
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Outdoor Rooms II: More Designs for Porches, Terraces, Decks, and Gazebos (Quarry Book)
Anne Dickhoff
Manufacturer: Quarry Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Garden Design
| Gardening & Horticulture
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Gardening & Horticulture
| Home & Garden
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Outdoor & Recreational Areas
| Gardening & Horticulture
| Home & Garden
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General
| Home Design
| Home & Garden
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Similar Items:
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Outdoor Rooms: Designs for Porches, Terraces, Decks, Gazebos
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Cool Pools and Hot Tubs
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Fire Outdoors: Fireplaces, Fire Pits, Wood Fired Ovens & Cook Centers
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Infinity Pools
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The Outdoor Living Room: Stylish Ideas for Porches, Patios, and Pools
ASIN: 1592532993 |
Book Description
Outdoor Rooms II is an inspirational look at what one can do to create beauty and comfort in any outdoor space. Increasingly, homeowners are spending more money on their yards, not only to extend the physical space of the home for entertaining, but also because they have been shown to greatly increase resale value. For aspiring outdoor room creators, Anne Dickhoff takes readers on a guided tour of the worlds finest terraces, porches, patios, gazebos, sunrooms, and garden rooms created by today's top designers and architects. With few books covering as many facets of outdoor living as Outdoor Rooms II, this book provides ideas for all types of outdoor living situations presented in page after page of idea-inspiring design.
Customer Reviews:
Over the Top.......2006-10-31
Beautiful color photos that focus both on a large expansive view of various rooms and also zoom in on smaller more detailed areas. Lots of great ideas on how to place furniture and objects and collections. If you need ideas on arranging things this is a great book. However in terms of the style I personally found it to be over the top and very unrealistic of the average home. The furnishings are mostly VERY ornate and rooms are very very large which is not often the real life situation. There are very helpful descriptions on placing items as I said earlier. It is overwhelming at times though looking at the photos because the rooms have SO MUCH furniture and so much going on.
Average customer rating:
- A Masterpiece For Sure
- Great for collectors!
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Batman Masterpieces: Portraits of the Dark Knight and His World
Ruth Morrison ,
Doug Moench , and
Carl Critchlow
Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Illustration
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Pop Culture
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General
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Batman
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Batman: Under the Hood, Vol. 2
ASIN: 0823004619 |
Book Description
A new installment of the ongoing Batman/Joker saga as well as hundreds of dazzling illustrations from leading artists make up Batman Masterpieces, the comic book illustration classic now available in affordable paperback! This fabulous book features spectactular paintings from some of today's best comic book and fantasy artists, who present the Dark Knight and his supporting cast as you've never seen them before. Originally produced for the wildly popular DC Comics Batman Master Series trading cards, these lavish illustrations are reprinted here, larger and more astounding than ever. They are creatively combined in a new way to tell an original story by veteran Batman author Doug Moench-a brand-new installment of the ongoing Batman/Joker enmity. Fans and aspiring artists will also be delighted to find dozens of development sketches and notes, which were provided by the famous artists included in this book and which explain the creative approach behind their artwork. For Batman fans, comics lovers, and aspiring artists everywhere, Batman Masterpieces is a fantastic source of never-ending inspiration and excitement!
Customer Reviews:
A Masterpiece For Sure.......1999-09-21
The artwork in the book is astounding and the story is riveting - even better than some Batman comic books I've read. It's a reflection the Dark Knight's universe as a whole with an intricate storyline that you'd think wasn't possible for a set of trading cards. I recommend this for anyone interested in Batman, great art, an interesting story, or any combination of the above.
Great for collectors!.......1998-11-19
The book has a great collection of art work and good reading
Book Description
"Toyin Falola has given us what is truly rare in modern African writing: a seriously funny, racy, irreverent package of memories, and full of the most wonderful pieces of poetry and ordinary information. It is a matter of some interest, that the only other volume A Mouth Sweeter Than Salt reminds one of is Ake, by Wole Soyinka. What is it about these Yorubas?"
-Ama Ata Aidoo
"A splendid coming-of-age story so full of vivid color and emotion, the words seem to dance off the page. But this is not only Falola's memoir; it is an account of a new nation coming into being and the tensions and negotiations that invariably occur between city and country, tradition and modernity, men and women, rich and poor. A truly beautiful book."
-Robin D. G. Kelley
"More than a personal memoir, this book is a rich minihistory of contemporary Nigeria recorded in delicious detail by a perceptive eyewitness who grew up at the crossroads of many cultures."
-Bernth Lindfors
"The reader is irresistibly drawn into Falola's world. The prose is lucid. There is humor. This work is sweet. Period."
-Ngugi wa Thiongo'o
A Mouth Sweeter Than Salt gathers the stories and reflections of the early years of Toyin Falola, the grand historian of Africa and one of the greatest sons of Ibadan, the notable Yoruba city-state in Nigeria.
Redefining the autobiographical genre altogether, Falola miraculously weaves together personal, historical, and communal stories, along with political and cultural developments in the period immediately preceding and following Nigeria's independence, to give us a unique and enduring picture of the Yoruba in the mid-twentieth century. This is truly a literary memoir, told in language rich with proverbs, poetry, song, and humor.
Falola's memoir is far more than the story of one man's childhood experiences; rather, he presents us with the riches of an entire culture and community-its history, traditions, pleasures, mysteries, household arrangements, forms of power, struggles, and transformations.
Customer Reviews:
Listening to the elders.......2006-10-19
Growing up in Nigeria in the years around independence provides good material for a personal memoir. These must have been extraordinary times, full of hope and expectation for the emerging new country. For a growing teenager though, the issues were closer to home. Falola, well known scholar of African history, has used his personal experiences to create a rich innovative kind of memoir that combines his growing up during that time with events in his community and the country as a whole. The resulting book gives the reader vivid insight into a complex society with its intricate traditions, in particular those of the Yoruba culture. Falola writes an easy accessible style, often addressing the reader directly. He demonstrates his narrative skill and an ability to impart local events with gracefulness and humour. He demonstrates how the use of proverbs, idioms and traditional imagery has remained part of everyday discourse by interweaving sayings into his narrative. "A proverb is regarded as the 'horse' that carries words to a different level, investing them with meanings...".
Falola's account suggests that he was already at the age of 10 a curious youngster and an astute observer of people, relationships and events. His early fascination with trains led him to experiences beyond his age level that were to influence his standing in his family and community. After an unplanned train ride and its aftermath, that created upheaval in the family, he was transplanted to another branch of his family in a more rural sector of Ibadan, the city-state in Nigeria's south-western region. Not having taken notice of the hierarchical structure of his polygamous family, he realized only then which of his "mothers" is his birth mother. There he also learned to connect with the rich traditions of the local people who have maintained much closer links to their past than those in the urban centre. For example, children are given an additional name by the family, a praise name (oriki). This name should establish a link to a real or imaginary hero of the past. Such names should enhance the young person's deep character and his ambition to emulate the past bearer. Like a young detective he tracks an old woman, different from any he had seen in the neighbourhood. When he is finally confronted by her, the outcomes are an important lesson for his life and future. These early influences shape his thinking into his adult life.
While the chapters stand as independent stories or essays, they flow together easily as a portrait of a person in his time and place. He merges the memories of his childhood with his comprehension of circumstances as an adult. Understanding of his roots and the culture instilled in him led him to study the cultural traditions of the Yoruba people and the history of the land. His reflections on how the two religions, Islam and Christianity managed to co-exist with the rich African traditions are as pertinent today as they were during the sixties. So is his criticism of the trend among the younger generation to denigrate their own culture in the face of western influences. [Friederike Knabe]
Santeria's New Testament.......2004-11-09
Finally the book to popularize Yoruba culture has arrived! A MUST for any serious santero or babalawo, this is the New Testament of Santeria to Migene Gonzalez-Wippler's Old. Told by a master storyteller, this book explains traditional Yoruba society better than any dry text could. One learns through the eyes of the author as a child what polygamy is really like, about obscure herbs/ebbos, and how the language is really spoken. Buy it now.
What A Great Piece!.......2004-09-09
Falola's memoir, A Mouth Sweeter Than Salt, is a "must read" for anyone seeking to gain deeper and serious insights into the mind of the true African child. The author gives the reader a breath taking, bird eye view of the cultural panorama of the Yoruba society, and the implications of growing up in its most complicated and sophisticated city of Ibadan. The uniqueness of this book lies in its ability to transcend academic and cultural boundaries. It is as good a history book as it is a novel; social scientists will find it valuable and educators will find it to be of great relavance. It is a story of life and of living. It is indeed a celebration of youth and its rites of passage. Humor, wit, and readability add color and lucidity to all pages of this book. Wild, weird, wide, and even scary at times, this is a memoir that will stand the test of time.
Historian's Fascinating Account of African Childhood .......2004-08-21
Toyin Falola's "A Mouth Sweeter than Salt" is a memoir of the first 13 years of his life in Nigeria. Readers will find a fascinating account of his upbringing in an extended family which was Christian, but polygamous, influenced by English colonialism, but more by Yoruba tribal traditions. Fascinated by trains, he recklessly boarded one as an adventurous youth and found himself stranded in a far-away Muslim city, where he supported himself as a "stick-man" guiding a beggar who faked blindness. Returned to his family by benevolent postal workers, he subsequently aided his grandfather in trying - unsuccessfully - to combat the abuse of a poor farmer by corrupt and exploitive tribal leaders. All in all, this book affords insights into African childhood which will absorb the interest of anyone previously familiar only with American or European experience.
An African Memoir.......2004-08-10
I just finished reading the masterpiece, A Mouth Sweeter Than Salt:An African Memoir, Toyin Falola, University of Michigan Press, 2004. This book is truly brilliant. It made me laugh, scream, and cringe. It is a superb combination of critical African oral discourse, brilliant analysis of modern African history, and lucid exploration of the making of the Nigerian state. I hope you will obtain your own copy and recommend it to others.
Olufemi Vaughan
Professor of African Studies & of History
Associate Dean, Graduate School
SUNY, Stony Brook
Stony Brook, NY 11794-4433
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- Last Burn in Hell: Director's Cut
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- Listen & Read Emily Dickinson's Selected Poems (Dover Audio Thrift Classics Series)
- Loot : And Other Stories
- Making Waves #2: Tease
- Merging with Monsters
- Mike And Psmith
- Miko Kings: An Indian Baseball Story
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