Contemporary Botanical Artists: The Shirley Sherwood Collection

Book Description

Dr. Shirley Sherwood toured the world over a period of five years. The result is more than 100 stunning pieces that offer a global view of contemporary botanical art. “Descriptions combined with sumptuous, full-page illustrations make this a book that will appeal to botanists, or anyone who just wants to page through delicate and beautiful images.”—Publishers Weekly.

Customer Reviews:

First exhibition catalog.......2006-02-10

This book is the catalog for the first traveling exhibition of the Sherwood Collection. The volume features painters from several countries, although most artists represented are from the United Kingdom, in part because, to quote Sherwood, "there are simply more good illustrators in the United Kingdom than anywhere else in the world."

The arrangement of the book is simple. There is a brief essay for each painter, a full page illustration, and an occasional smaller illustration. Some of the full page illustrations are close ups, which is not an advantage to the picture as this device typically shows all minor faults. The essays are mostly trite, providing information about when or how Sherwood found the artist, a few snippets of biography, and almost no technical information about the making of the painting. The arrangement of the book is alphabetical order by artist's last name. The appendix consists of 23 pages of small reproductions, grouped from five to seven on a page, with brief comments.

The reproductions speak well for themselves. Where a thumbnail size reproduction is presented on the verso with an enlargement of part or all of the picture on the recto, one can glean a lot of information about the colors, style, technique, and materials used by the painter. This is delightful if one is technically interested in the details of the pictures, but not the best for overall effect of the painting. Because some of the images are enlargements there is some degredation of visual impact, but that is nicely offset by the magnifying glass view of detail. Most pictures are presented on a full page, some are, sadly, cropped.

The collection shows a luscious variety of styles, from scientific accuracy of Brigid Edwards, to the calligraphic style of Jinyhon Feng, to the stylized work of Arundhati Vartak and the hard edged superrealism of Paul Jones. The full page illustration by Tai-Li Zhang shows how a master handles color, complexity of subject, and realism resulting in a beautiful and accurate design.

Helen Haywood's overly complex rendering of a wild cabbage almost gets in the way of the clarity she strives for in the deft way she manipulates the plant to show all aspects of its anatomy, including, appropriately for scientific botanical illustration, the root system. Contrast that with Mishima's tillandsia, a study in clarity. He shows how to make simple a most complex arrangement so that it does not overwhelm the eye. Paul Jones' camellia is a super realist, decorative study, and one cannot fault it for its cold elegance. A few painters get in their own way as they seem to aim for virtuoso performance. There are five examples by Margaret Mee, that artist who always shows great respect for her subjects.

Sherwood is a biologist collecting contemporary botanical paintings. She states that there is a resurgance in popularity of botanical painting, as suggested by the foundation of the Society of Botanical Artists in the 1980's, and recently the US based American Society of Botanical Artists. Sherwood started collecting art in 1990.

Production standards of the volume are excellent. The pictures are so well reproduced that one can clearly discern the brush strokes, the puddles, the faltering moment here, a color brilliance. It is almost as good as seeing the original painting. This is a must volume for anyone interested in botanical illustration.

A book for all lovers of art.......2001-04-16

When I saw this book I was blown away by the range and quality of the work in it. As soon as I was back at my computer, I purchased a copy for my sister who does botanical illustration. She too was very impressed with it. You cannot go wrong buying this book if you enjoy a) art; b) botanical illustration, or; c) all things beautiful.

A must-have for botanical artists.......2000-11-26

Have recommended this book to other botanical artists and every one who sees it has purchased it. Full of exquisitely rendered specimens in many different styles of botanical painting. Gives some background on each of the artists, but the real feature is the large reproductions of the art work. An excellent reference book for painters and a beautiful book to display. Don't miss this one!

An absolute stunner of a book!.......1999-10-23

This is a book of dazzling beauty. The first time that I read it I had to keep trying to remember to breath! This is not a how-to book but a WOW! book. The range and quality of the illustrations is astounding, particularly in view of the large number of pictures and the comparatively low price

Beautiful.......1999-04-10

The pinnacle of botanical illustration books. I own this book and have slowly gone through it many times. It contains paintings by today's most talented botanical illustrators and is both awe inspiring and humbling.

Contemporary Botanical Artists: The Shirley Sherwood Collection

Average customer rating:

Contemporary Botanical Artists: The Shirley Sherwood Collection
Shirley (Author) Matthews, Victoria (Editor) Sherwood
Manufacturer: WN
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OS8Q2M

Product Description

Lonely Planets new "Diving & Snorkeling Thailand" is the most up-to-date underwater guide, covering Thailand from the Andaman Sea in the west, to the Gulf of Thailand in the southeast. This book documents and maps more than 75 of the best, and not so well known, dive sites accessed from Thailand. Filled with brilliant photographs, it offers information about the climate, language and culture, as well as how to dive responsibly. There is also a special marine life section which includes commonly seen creatures from the delicate sea whip (Junceella fragilis) to the fried egg nudibranch (Chromodoris annulata).

Customer Reviews:

Lonely Planet Diving Thailand.......2007-01-23

As always Lonely Planet Snorkeling and Diving guides are the best.
Only reason I didn't give it a 5 was the fact it was a little outdated.
I think they will be making a new one soon, since this one is no longer in print.

Lonely Planet Diving & Snorkeling Thailand (Diving & Snorkeling).......2005-10-11

Good book,

clear info as needed.

info corresponds to reality

just the facts.......2005-08-28

I was hoping that this book would be like the travel books that lonely planet puts out with opinions on dive operators, places to stay etc.....but the book is a run down of dive sites more than anything else....It helps with dive site selection but it just isn't what a lonely planet book is for me.

The best dive site book for Thailand.......2004-06-29

This book is the only one we recommend to all our customers. The authors live and work here and the information is accurate. Great photos of the marine life.

Even though we work here, we still use the book as a reference and it's always close at hand in our office.

Useful diving guide.......2001-11-24

Used this diving guide when I was in Koh Samui in July this year, very informative and all the info was up to date

Book Description

Bathed by the waters of two oceans, Thailand's varied diving environments are home to colorful coral reefs and an impressive diversity of marine life. Live-aboard ships explore the offshore islands with their beautiful white-sand beaches and lush vegetation, and go beyond the Thai border to newly pioneered dive sites in Myanmar. A rich culture and well-developed infrastructure make this the most popular diving region in Southeast Asia.

In This Guide:

Detailed dive information to 76 sites
Full-color photos throughout
Easy-to-read maps of dive regions
Guide to marine life
Travel logistics and topside attractions

Book Description

A terracotta army-8,000 life-sized clay soldiers, with chariots and horses--was unearthed in 1974 in one of the most astounding and perplexing archaeological discoveries in modern times. Created 2,200 years ago for Qin Shihuangdi, the first Emperor of China, the clay army is still shrouded in mystery.

El emperador Qin Shihuang y su ejército de soldados de barro. (China)(TT: Emperor Qin Shihuang and his army of clay soldiers): An article from: Contenido

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El emperador Qin Shihuang y su ejército de soldados de barro. (China)(TT: Emperor Qin Shihuang and his army of clay soldiers): An article from: Contenido
Luis Rubén Cuevas
Manufacturer: Editorial Contenido, S.A. de C.V.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Contenido, published by Editorial Contenido, S.A. de C.V. on November 1, 1997. The length of the article is 877 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: El emperador Qin Shihuang y su ejÃ©rcito de soldados de barro. (China)(TT: Emperor Qin Shihuang and his army of clay soldiers)
Author: Luis RubÃ©n Cuevas
Publication: Contenido (Magazine/Journal)
Date: November 1, 1997
Publisher: Editorial Contenido, S.A. de C.V.
Issue: n413 Page: p64(5)

Article Type: Biography

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

Filled with toys and propoganda that bring back memories of times past. Matthews offers a history of toys in WWII, plus chapters on the home front, punch and stock, box tops and dimes, scrapbook collectibles, plus a whole lot more. Dynamic war-era playthings for every toy collector and enthusiast. Includes a value guide.

Customer Reviews:

an uncommon view of World War II.......2005-12-15

I came to this book as a World War II history buff. I am also a serious collector of a limited type of World War II items--not toys. Coming from this perspective, I loved this book because it showed me an area that was virtually unknown to me even though I have been studying the war seriously for more than 20 years. Furthermore, I simply enjoyed it. My one complaint is the horizontal format which makes it difficult to read.

pretty cool history book, but not enough color pics.......2002-02-17

This is one of many books that are currently very popular which deal with items from the mid 20th century. Sure there are lots of toys that many of our parents and grandparrents will remember, especially if they spent formative years during WW2. Yet my feelings about this book are torn. For a comparable price you can purchase similar themed books (albeit not about war toys) that is presented in full color. That minor quibble having been said, it is still a one of a kind book that most collectors should own.

Average customer rating:

A genius of a little handbook, beautiful and smart

American Horticultural Society Plants for Every Season (American Horticultural Society Practical Guides)
DK Publishing
Manufacturer: DK ADULT
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Flowers | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Reference | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Techniques | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

American Horticultural Society Great Plant Guide (American Horticultural Society Practical Guides)

Bulbs (Garden Guides)

American Horticultural Society Plants for Places

The American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers (American Horticultural Society Practical Guides)

American Horticultural Society Gardening Manual

ASIN: 078949437X

Book Description

Enabling gardeners to plan ahead for a colorful and exciting garden throughout the year, Plants for Every Season is the latest of DK's pocket sized plant guides that show you know what will look good in which season and with what other plants.

Customer Reviews:

A genius of a little handbook, beautiful and smart.......2003-05-15

Without hesitation I would recommend this little (see the dimensions, above) book. It is a quick reference for US gardeners who seek guidance about year-round plantings.

The book sorts plants into six seasons: early spring; late spring; early summer; late summer; autumn; winter. Each plant has a small, but in most cases entirely adequate color photograph and an annotation which includes information about soil moisture preferences or tolerances, preferences or tolerances for sun or shade, hardiness zones and -- this is a pretty new one -- heat zone ratings (zones based on the average number of days with temperatures about 90F; there is a zone map inside the back cover) for plants. Fragrance is also noted, along with expected full size (height and width), and some information about culture and care.

This is not an encyclopaedia of plants; it's more of a digest. In many cases you may want to search out additional information. But what a great place to start. Its small size makes it the book to take on expeditions to nurseries and gardnes. Its durable cover and strongly sewn binding make me happily anticipate years of hard use.

A great little gift for any gardener, including yourself.

Book Description

A ten-minute play is a blaze of theatrical energy. In this follow-up to their groundbreaking collection Take Ten, editors Eric Lane and Nina Shengold have put together a veritable bonfire of talent. Take Ten II: More 10-Minute Plays provides a fast-track tour of the current theatrical landscape, from the slapstick ingenuity of David Ives’ Arabian Nights to the searing tension of Diana Son’s 9/11 drama The Moon, Please, to Susan Miller’s luminous fable The Grand Design. This remarkably diverse anthology includes thirty-five short plays by such major American playwrights as Christopher Durang, Warren Leight, Romulus Linney and Donald Margulies, alongside a host of exciting new voices.

Actors, directors, producers and teachers will find Take Ten II an invaluable source of meaty roles for people of every age, ethnicity and gender; lovers of theatre will find it a richly satisfying read. These deceptively short plays throb with life in all its variety: harrowing, hilarious, and breathtakingly vital.

Customer Reviews:

disappointed.......2007-03-13

Unfortunately, I ordered both of the "Ten-Minute Plays" within days. Should have waited to read one first. These plays are not appropriate for all age groups and situations. I was especially interested in finding a few plays for very Senior Citizens in rest homes. Sorry, not one of the plays in either book were appropriate for that audience. Not the books fault just wish better information was available before purchasing. Plays are good for modern audience and younger actors (in my opinion 16+).

A superb gathering of "miniature worlds".......2005-11-23

"Take Ten II: More Ten-Minute Plays," edited by Eric Lane and Nina Shengold, is a follow-up to the co-editors' earlier anthology of very short plays. In addition to the thirty-five plays, the book contains an introduction by the co-editors, some biographical notes on the contributing playwrights, and an index breaking the included plays down into six categories, from one-character play to six or more characters. Interestingly, the most represented category in the book is the two-character play, with fifteen selections.

Lane and Shengold have not just assembled an anthology; they are on a mission to champion the ten-minute play as a distinctive and vital genre with its own rich history. In their introduction, they note that it's been "just over twenty-five years since the Actors Theatre of Louisville announced its first Ten-Minute Play Contest," and in their acknowledgements section they note further, "The number of theatres around the country producing annual ten-minute play festivals continues to grow." A simple Internet search revealed to me how accurate the co-editors are in their assessment of the strength of this genre.

Lane and Shengold promise "a crash course in the depth and diversity of the American theatre" in this anthology, and they more than fulfill this bold claim. Some of the most striking selections are as follows: "Antigone's Red," by Chiori Miyagawa, looks at the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II. "Classyass," by Caleen Sinnette Jennings, is a comedy set at a college radio station. "The Cure," by Romulus Linney, is a one-character monologue told by a mountain midwife.

Also worthy of note: "Daniel on a Thursday," by Garth Wingfield, is a two-character encounter set in a gay bar. I really enjoyed Nina Shengold's "Emotional Baggage," a clever comedy in which actors play pieces of unclaimed baggage at an airport. "It's Not You," by Craig Pospisil," is an unsettling satire about friendship and choices set in a New York City subway car. Dael Orlandersmith's "My Red Hand, My Black Hand" is an exploration of biracial Black/American Indian identity that has dialogue written as poetry. Rich Orloff's "Playwriting 101: The Rooftop Lesson" is a deliciously absurdist piece about the art of writing a play. "The Sniper," by Anthony David and Elaine Romero, is a gripping drama about the relationship between an Israeli military sniper and a Moroccan journalist.

I found this superb anthology hard to put down. Lane and Shengold note that the best examples of the ten-minute play genre function as "miniature worlds." In this collection they have assembled a truly diverse and rewarding group of these little worlds. This book is a perfect companion for the original "Take Ten"; I recommend both anthologies enthusiastically.

TERRIFIC!!.......2004-12-17

What a terrific collection! I loved the editors' book UNDER 30, and this one is also great. It's filled with 10-minute plays which are fun to perform in class or on an evening of short plays. Our small theater company produced 7 of them in an evening of one-acts and it was a total hit. And what's best is they cover such a wide range of styles -- from hilariously funny to deeply moving. It's an actor's dream. I've read many collections of its kind and this one is definitely the best!

Average customer rating:
No drums at dawn;: A biography of the Reverend Canon A. B. H. Riley, pioneer missionary in the Sudan (Great Australian missionaries, no. 3)
Grace Riley
Manufacturer: Church Missionary Historical Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Australian | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Missions & Missionary Work | Evangelism | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0909821046

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