Amazon.com

Forget what you may read about the glittering social scene of the Hamptons; in The Hamptons, photographed and described by Susan Meisel and Ellen Harris, we're shown a lush, summery world meant for utter peace and relaxation. From the manicured lawns enclosed by privet hedges to the wide, sandy beaches and gentle surf, the Long Island landscapes shown here are both elegant and wild, extremely modern and utterly traditional.

Focusing on three towns (Sagaponack, Bridgehampton, and Easthampton), the photographs have been divided into chapters based on their content, rather than the area in which they were taken. The variety of architecture is showcased in the "There's No Place Like Home" chapter--it's not every town that encompasses the early Federal and saltbox styles of this country right along with sleek modern styles that have open decks and windows as their focus. A surprisingly practical side of the Hamptons is disclosed in "Field of Dreams," where photos of corn, potatoes, and wheat threshing reveal the down-home roots of this farming community. "For the Love of Blue" provides the perfect pictures to help beachcombers survive gray winter days; the close-up shots of crashing waves and the panoramic views of rocky beaches may well transport you via memory to your own favorite beach.

Each chapter has a page of written introduction, but throughout the book the text is minimal, serving only to provide brief descriptions of the glorious photos. This is exactly as it should be; the photos provide such a feast for the eyes, any additional information would merely detract from their loveliness. --Jill Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Can't Wait For Summer!
I love this book! Reading it over this past winter brought back all the great feelings of being in the Hamptons. I love the fact that the beautiful photographs don't focus on just the ocean, but show hamptons life behind the scenes. The photographs of the gardens and artist's studios are especially nice. This is a great collectable book and I highly recommend it as a gift.

Just like being there... even better
We live in the city - downtown. We have three children and wish/dream about getting out of town on a weekend and letting the children run and play on the grass in the country or sand on a beach. This book puts you there and without any of the sense of overwhelming and intimidating wealth that would take away from the beauty and feeling the Hamptons can offer. The photos are beautiful and the subjects are different and interesting. I truly do love this book and have given many as gifts to friends from out of town who have heard so much about the east end of the Island but have yet to visit.

Fantasy Book or not ??
This book is very nice, but fo not buy it when you are looking for a book which takes a look inside these beautiful houses. It only shows the outside and ,i think, too many pictures of the gardens. It is really a nice book but i thought there would be many pictures of the houses and not so many detailed pictures of gardens...

A good addition to our second home stack
My husband and I are beginning to collect books related to second homes as we dream about and plan our own great escape. Our favorites are Better Homes and Gardens SECOND HOME, FAMILY HOUSES BY THE SEA, CABIN FEVER, and Better Homes and Gardens COTTAGE STYLE. This book on the Hamptons is our newest purchase, and it has great photos. The best book in terms of combining the dreamy photos with helpful insights to guide our own second home planning, though, is SECOND HOME.

EVERY COFFEE TABLE SHOULD HAVE ONE - FOR ALL TO SEE !!!
From tag sales to spectacular homes. The photography is true to life. The scenery of flora, ocean landscapes, sunsets and to the history of a town that is small yet so BIG. A delight to see behind the hedges of wonderful homes, decor and art. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Photographer August Sander's great gift to the world is his collection of portraits documenting German society in the early decades of the 20th century. His sitters are anonymous, described simply by their occupation, with the stories of their lives, hard or soft, written on their faces. Drawn from all ranks of society, they look at us with a directness and honesty that reflect those of the man behind the camera. There is little artifice in their settings; Sander captures the essence of his subject's character through a neutral but sympathetic simplicity of vision. Calling his portfolio People of the Twentieth Century, Sander builds a picture of the Germany of his day that is at the same time both an artistic and sociological study. The calmness and humanity of his photographs contrast starkly with the violence of his times; though his work is pointedly apolitical, portrait titles such as Victim of Persecution, Cologne, 1938 suggest the hysteria that was overtaking contemporary Europe. Printed in Italy, this study presents a trilingual essay and 168 high-quality reproductions of Sander's work. Complementing the portraits are powerful landscape compositions of idyllic countryside and bombed-out ruins. The book is a fine introduction to the work of a pioneer who refined portraiture to its essence, changing the way photography was regarded in Germany and the world. --John Stevenson ... Read more

Book Description

The White House: An Illustrated Tour takes the reader on an exclusive tour of the halls of the White House and details the history of its architects, planners, and engineers. State rooms, relics and replicas are examined, together with the various rooms of this vast monument to democracy, including the West Wing immortalized in film and on television. These places, and the fascinating personalities that shaped them, are examined in detail in 96 beautiful pages of full-color photography and illustration. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Tour-age and the White House
Like Alice walking into Wonderland, many residents visit the public areas of the White House through its many tours. A few documentaries have been made over the years, but few which track the "life" of the White House itself. Since it plays its own panoramic role in the life of every President who lives there, it deserves its own category in American History as more than simply the home of Presidents. More within the realm of "if these walls could talk" scenes, there is the architectural significance of the changes made there, but there is also the social history of the "home" that becomes a part of each Presidential term. Every President should be publishing his own "view" of the White House, his impressions, his concerns, the significance of living there, changes that might be made, etc., all in an effort to identify the "true" nature of the White House because they are in the best position to evalutate its strengths, weaknesses, and significance, which likely changes relative to the personality of each President who inhabits it, or tries to accommodate his family there. This is something that should be separate from any autobiography he or a First Lady might write because it is its own unique topic, and deserves the attention that any ultra-historical building might require as a result of its potential influence upon those persons. Each President who lives and works there is likely to enter, some with anticipation, but most without a sense of the spectacular wonderland atmosphere that accompanies that journey through time, identified by their own performance, and is possible to be viewed best, from their personal experience of living there. From such personal perspective of America's house, it is possible for ordinary Americans to appreciate what that might be like, what value the home is to the nation, and possibly, how its support (and condition) is essential to American history. It also makes great flavor-fare in respect of historical preservation, while giving a running history of the place from such unique perspectives. It is the most common denominator of each President and from these views, a pattern over time may develop to identify unique perspectives of historical significance, and perhaps something about the Presidential experience as well as the personal attributes and contemplative possibilities of each President. There have been observations previously by several Presidents about the White House, and accumulated and taken together, they offer great insight into the unique experience of being a President, always a valuable exercise from the perspective of the public who must choose one each four years to live there. Because the experience of a President is as much about each person as it is about what each President does during his term, this is a very family-friendly method of reaching those interesting perspectives through which America may relate to its Presidents and their families, and the experience they go through in being President. It is Presidential family entertainment at its best and helps to give character and dimension to each President and the terms in which they serve, and perhaps something of their disappointments, and dreams from such an awe-inspiring place. It's also a wonderful way for Presidents to share their experience with the public, apart from the complications of the nature of the office that are the focus of most historical documentaries.

Disappointng imagery and captions
The front matter dealing with historical evolution of the early White House is accurate and highly interesting. Bill Harris receives points for the accessibility of this book, and I know it is not meant to be the definitive White House tour book. Unfortunately this is the extent of anything positive I can find to say about this book.

Harris' book suffers in two surprising ways. First the reproduction quality of photographs, even current Bush administration photographs, is disappointing. Photographs appear either milky with little contrast or too dark with low light areas appearing as dark brown to black. Most disappointing, and highly surprising are the blatant disconnects between his captions and the photographs they are supposed to describe. It made me wonder if he had benefit of an editor or fact checker at Courage Books. As example, caption descriptions of the Red Room, and State Dining Room each describe the rooms as they presently exist, yet the photographs are 50 and 45 years out of date respectively. Example: the Red Room is described as having been restored in 2000 retaining the American Empire period established in the Kennedy administration, and yet the photograph we are shown is that of the pre-Kennedy, Truman administration renovation produced by B. Altman showing the room furnished in bad reproductions. A similar disconnect between caption and photograph exists for the State Dining Room where, once again the Truman era renovation photograph is shown. The Blue Room is presented in its Kennedy era decoration as though that was how the room currently appears even though it has been redecorated during both the Nixon and Clinton administrations. The book's last page, a list of phot credits titled "Acknowledgments" reveals the reason we find such dated imagery. Much of the credit goes to the stock image libraries of Corbis and Bettman. Harris and ultimately his readers would have been better served by his simply contacting White House Curator Betty Monkman for public domain and current images of the White House.

looking in from the outside
Living in the UK and never visiting the USA I find the White House very interesting indeed, and this book is very helpful to me as its right up to date, explains the various changes to the building, from Thomas Jeffersons north & south porticos to George W Bush's new Oval office carpet. its vert well illustrated ,very well written and very educational ( to a White House novice like me at least) the only hiccup i think is that its not long enough, i read it in no time and it left me hungry for more information on this wonderful building, but for [this price]who can argue?

Great book at a very good price
I don't often find a coffee-table worthy book [at this price]. This book has more content (including great historical coverage) than I expected, and I am happily suprised. Great product! ... Read more

Book Description

Since the mid-1930s, Helen Levitt has photographed life on the streets of New York, capturing the pulse of the city at moments when sidewalk life becomes an urban portrait. Crosstown is the most comprehensive monograph devoted to this master photographer. In pioneering pictures of 1930s and 1940s Harlem, an innovative color series completed in 1960, and black-and-white images from the 1980s and 1990s, the book reveals the changes in New York street culture as well as the evolution of Levitt’s photographic eye. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Manhattan Images Must Have
This is my latest favorite photography book. I have a large collection that includes many with Manhattan as subject. The images captured by Levitt are stunning and the binding of the book itself is wonderful.

Taking Time To Look Around
Helen Levitt is not one of those New Yorkers who look neither to the left or right as they travel the streets of the city. This is a book about life. The neighborhoods she shoots are generally poor ones, yet we see people that are involved; people who are actively engaged in life even when they seem to be doing nothing. Her subjects -often children- play, they love, they communicate, they are lost in thought, and occasionally are sleeping.

A fine sense of humor permeates many of the scenes. Some subjects are caught in contorted, puzzling positions. We see the incongruous position of objects: an old 33rpm record in the street; a pair of shoes sitting by themselves on a sidewalk; three chickens wandering around a decrepit room -where did they come from? A mother's head is buried in the bottom of a baby buggy while the tyke yelps with joy. A dog is caught in the act of mistaking his owner's leg for a fire hydrant while she talks to a friend.

In general HL catches the warm side of humanity. Only a couple of pictures look like they were taken from a file of Jacob Riis (a 19th century photographer of New York tenement life). There was one particularly sad shot of a woman and her three children sitting on their front steps. They are obviously impoverished. The two youngest children seem quite content, but the mother seems weighed down with her life, and in the teen-age daughter we see the beginning of lost hopes.

This book is a must for anyone interested in street photography. It will take you a long time to get through this book as each photograph will hold your attention for some time.

A classic book of street photography
Helen Levitt's name is less well known than some of her images of New York street life. Perhaps that is the way she would wish it since she seems to have never sought fame. The book is as reticient as she and there is little commentary, but in truth little is necessary though I would love to know more about her and her work. This is a beautifully printed, organized and designed book and it was a pleasure to spend hours looking at the photographs. Often it was difficult to turn the page because each image is so compelling and resonates on many different levels. In a way, they are the perfect street images; they have the look of a snapshot but are so much more than that. Though they are all of New York they have a universal quality and speak about the truth of people's lives in a profound way. I admired the formal qualities of the photographs but what resonates most is the deep humanity of what she does, what she sees and records. It sometimes seems to me that photographers, in their quest for a good images,treats subjects with a level of distain and distance that is uncomfortable and ultimately manipulative. Crosstown is nothing like that and even when the photos are funny, and several are, they are funny in a very human way. There is nothing saccharine or trite in her work either and she has a great gift of photographing children without slipping into cuteness. I am a photographer and I treasure this book. I would certainly recommend it to others interested in photography, but I thinks its' appeal extends to anyone interested in the human condition and how we relate to one another.

Great Book
This book has a number of unique photographs. Ms Levitt with many of these wonderful pictures,leaves you wondering what happened before or just after the picture was taken.
You can I believe see some connection to the style of Cartier Bresson with whom I understand she spent some time working.
I recommend the book.

Don't miss it
If you admire the warmth and humanity of Helen Levitt's endearing photographs of New Yorkers, don't miss this book. The selection of photographs is superb and the printing and binding quality are first rate. This book could go out of print soon, from which time its value will grow quickly. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A splendid photographic history of St. Petersburg
A lavishly illustrated book, depicting the beauty the city of St. Petersburg before its bombardment by the Germans in WWII. Depicting everyday life as well as the monumental architecture of this historic city, with a brief history of this city of Peter the Great. The reader is also told which buildings survived destruction and which didn't. A must for any lovers of Russian history under the last Tsar. ... Read more

Book Description

Imagine what it would be like to take a trip through Colorado with John Fielder as your tour guide, or to be on location at a Fielder photo shoot. Now is your chance to do both! The celebrated photographer who has traveled the state for more than 20 years in search of its most beautiful vistas shares his love for Colorado's rugged beauty, as well as his knowledge of Colorado's historical, recreational, and cultural richness, in this extraordinary guidebook. Through lively text and spectacular images, John reveals more than 160 of his most treasured Colorado locations to photograph so you can work magic with your own camera. You can enjoy some of the state's prime offerings while you travel, as John profiles his favorite restaurants, hotels, hiking and biking trails, and area attractions. Local lore and cameos of influential Coloradans through the ages highlight the state's fascinating heritage. Whether you're a longtime local, a new resident, or an out-of-state visitor, John Fielder's Best of Colorado guarantees the ultimate insider experience! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great photography
We bought this book before our trip to Colorado and we found it to be really useful. The photos are beautiful, and he tells you exactly where to take the pictures and at what time of day. This is just what we were looking for, since we just bought a new digital SLR and wanted to test it out on some beautiful scenery. We were able to look through the book and discover several areas to explore that we didn't otherwise know about.

GORGEOUS BOOK!!
I have a very large collection of travel books, books on Colorado and scenic books- and this book rates way up there- it is DEFINITELY one of my favorites!

I didn't even know about it until I saw it at the Tattered Cover bookstore in Denver. I knew right away that I had to get it. I have not been able to put it down ever since I got it.

This is a very large book- It is a huge beautiful book with 450+ pages. There are TONS of photos- practically on every page- in bright and vivid color.

The pictures in this book are absolutely gorgeous. Not only are there many, many scenic photos, but also pictures and descriptions of restaurants, hotels, bed and breakfasts, historical places, national monuments, national parks, state parks and MUCH more. John Fielder lists hiking trails in every area- and rates them easy, moderate or difficult.

For example, on the section about Colorado Springs and vicinity (Castle Rock, CO Springs, Manitou Springs, Cripple Creek, and Canon City), here are SOME of the things that are mentioned (pictures as well as decriptions):

Daniel's Park, Castlewood Canyon State Park,The Old Stone Church Restaurant, Gabriel's restaurant, The Augustine Grill, Maxwell House bed and breakfast, shopping (Prime Outlets at Castle Rock) History of the area, special events (Colorado Renaissance Festival), scenic drives (Rampart Range Road),
CO Springs: The Broadmoor Hotel, Garden of the Gods, Seven Falls, Glen Eyrie Castle, 4 wheel-drive trails, hiking, cycling and mountain biking trails, museums, and etc...
{This book is so extensive that I can't list them all}.

Manitou Springs: Pikes Peak Cog Railway, North Pole/ Santa's Workshop, Cave of the Winds, Miramont Castle, Mineral Springs, Pikes Peak Toll Road, Briarhurst Manor, Craftwood Inn, Red Crags Bed & Breakfast Inn, etc....

Cripple Creek: Gold Camp Road, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, hiking trails, Imperial Casino Hotel, Bronco Billy's Sports Bar and Casino, Mueller Ranch State Park, The Old Homestead House Museum, Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad, Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, Restaurants, Double Eagle Hotel and Casino,

Here are some areas that are covered in this book:

**Denver and Vicinity- Gateway to the Rockies
-Denver, Boulder, Idaho Springs, Central City, and Black Hawk, Georgetown

**Colorado Springs and vicinity- Pikes Peak Country
-Castle Rock, CO Springs, Manitou Springs, Cripple Creek, Canon City

**The I-70 Corridor- Ski Country to Canyon Country
-Silverthorne and Dillon, Breckenridge and Frisco, Vail, Beaver Creek, Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, Delta

**Northwestern Colorado: Northern Front Range to Dinosaur National Monument
-Fort Collins and Greeley, Estes Park, Grand Lake, Winter Park, Walden, Steamboat Springs, Craig, Meeker, and Dinosaur National Monument

**Central Colorado: Heart of the Rockies
-Fairplay, Leadville, Buena Vista and Salida, Aspen, Basalt, Carbondale, Redstone and Marble, Crested Butte, Gunnison and Montrose

**Southern Colorado- I-25 to the Eastern San Juan Mountains
- Westcliffe, Walsenburg and La Veta, Alamosa, Monte Vista, Del Norte, South Fork, Pagosa Springs, Creede, Lake City

**Southwestern Colorado- The San Juan Mountains and Anasazi Country
-Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Ridgway, Telluride, Dolores, Cortez

**Eastern Plains- The Prarie Grasslands
-Fort Morgam, Sterling, Trinidad, La Junta, Springfield

I HIGHLY recommend this book! It is a BEAUTIFUL book- with very extensive information. You will not be disappointed!

Not the Best...
As a former bookstore manager and 40-year resident of Colorado, I was curious about this book and spent a good deal of time browsing through it. The premise for the book does seem fairly compelling. John Fielder has traveled extensively throughout the state and is therefore in a good position to give advice to others about where to go, what to do, etc. However, after looking through the book, I discovered many flaws that may make it undesirable to buy.

If you are looking for a book that gives you true "insider" information on places to go, you'll likely be disappointed. Fielder left out many of the lesser-known scenic locations and generally only included the better-known places. I'm guessing that he did this because he doesn't want a flood of people rushing to these more pristine, less-crowded areas -- perhaps the book should be called "The Best of Colorado (that Fielder wants you to know about)."

If Fielder did intentionally leave out some of the more pristine places for conservation purposes, it makes one wonder why Fielder wrote this book in the first place. Fielder proudly claims to be one of Colorado's most ardent conservationists, and it is therefore a little perplexing why Fielder would write a guide book. He undoubtedly knows that more traffic to Colorado's scenic areas will lead to more desecration of the environment, regardless of how environmentally-conscious the visitors are. I would be interested to know how Fielder explains this apparent paradox.

One other problem with this book is its accuracy (or lack thereof). While other authors of guidebooks tend to spend much of their time writing and preparing guidebooks, Fielder spends most of his time taking photos. He did not appear to have time to check the accuracy of all the info he provided. For instance, in one case he stated that there were no roads leading into a canyon in southern Colorado. And while there may not have been any roads the last time Fielder visited it (10...20 years ago?), there is - for better or for worse - a road there now. This is just one of many errors that are rather inexcusable in a guide book.

One final problem I had with this book is the writing style. Before you purchase this book, keep in mind that Fielder is a photographer, NOT a writer. And, to be quite blunt, this is a very poorly written book. The photos in it are nice, as Fielder is one of Colorado's better nature photographers. But if you're looking for a well-written, well-organized, easy-to-follow guide book, I'd recommend that you look elsewhere. You might try the tried-and-trusted "Colorado Guide" or "Best of Colorado." Or, better yet, just buy a good map and discover Colorado on your own. Just about anywhere you go in Colorado is beautiful, and it's hard to really call one place "better" than another.

Best Guide Book to Colorado
Number one Colorado getaway guide. Colorado has much to offer in the way of scenic day outings as well as weekend jaunts therefore, it's somtimes difficult to choose a new place to explore, especially if you are limited on time. Fielder manages to highlight Colorado's most interesting and beautiful places and presents them to you by region. Great, to-the-point summaries and terrific photos. No book is better whether you reside in the Rocky Mountain state or you're simply visiting and taking it all in in a mere week or two.

Best Guide Book to Colorado
John knows his stuff - he's traveled many miles around the state. This book is packed with information - history, places to stay, eat, things to see. Also includes some wonderful photos. Excellent stuff! ... Read more

Book Description

These extraordinary photographs by two brothers, Anup and Manoj Shah, take the reader on a spectacular journey into the heart of the African savannah, concentrating on the Serengeti-Maasai Mara and Ngorongoro Crater regions in Kenya and Tanzania. The Shah brothers' breathtaking images chronicle life and death in one of the most fascinating and complex eco-systems in the world, a place left largely untouched by man. Here lions, giraffes, elephants, zebras, cheetahs, hippos, hyenas, baboons, wildebeests, and thousands of other species give birth, play, hunt, feed, groom, sleep, mate, migrate, and die in the dramatic scenes played out on these pages.

Anup Shah's text complements the images, starting with the most basic elements necessary for life on the savannah and gradually building up to the intricate, dynamic interactions between the plants and animals in the food chain and their environment. Every aspect of daily life is touched on: evolution and natural selection, sex and mating rituals, birth and motherhood, staying alive and getting along, predators and prey, herds and social groups. In the final chapters the reader discovers that in death all living things return to the soil, where it all began, thus completing the circle of life. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Beautiful & Massive Documentation of Life on the Savannah.
Anup and Manoj Shah have distinguished themselves in the populous field of wildlife photography by producing expressive and beautiful portraits of wild animals that document the individuals' lives while achieving impressive aesthetic grace. Many of the brothers' photographs are simply unforgettable works of art that I never tire of looking at. "The Circle of Life" is a massive book that contains 235 photographs of wildlife on the African Savannah. About 40 species of mammal are represented, as well as some birds and reptiles. In the most comprehensive photographic essay of wildlife that I have ever seen, the Shah brothers document the lives of the many animals who live and die in this vast African ecosystem that spans much of Kenya and Tanzania. The authors have organized this photographic odyssey by dividing the book into 20 chapters, each showcasing one aspect of life on the Savannah. The early chapters show us the basic elements that create and sustain life. Some example chapters are: "Driven by Wet and Dry", "Light and Energy", and "Shaped by Fire and Elephants". The book then moves on to the subjects of birth and growing up on the Savannah. "Natural Selection", "Adaptation and Diversity", "Peaceful Coexistence", and "Mother and Offspring", for example. Then we see the lives of adult animals. Some examples are: "Herds and Social Groups", "Grazers and Browsers", and "The Hunters". And finally these animals die, returning to the earth, and the "circle of life" begins again: "Scavengers and Decomposers", "Land and Life". Each chapter begins with an essay written by Anup Shah that explains what that particular facet of life on the Savannah entails and how it fits into the greater life cycle.

The photographs in "The Circle of Life" are mostly one-to-a-page, but there are also 2-page spreads and pages containing two photographs. The reproduction quality is good. All photographs have detailed captions. An index in the back of the book allows the reader to locate text and photographs by species or topic. The index is most helpful considering the size of this volume. If you're familiar with the work of Anup and Manoj Shah through "Nature's Best" magazine, most, but not all, of their "Nature's Best" photographs are included in this book. "The Circle of Life" is a record of wildlife on the African Savannah that is impressive in its size, scope, and beauty. Only photographers who spend an extraordinary amount of time in this environment could have captured so much of the lives of so many species. It's a pleasure to see the results of Anup and Manoj Shah's experience and persistence in one volume. "The Circle of Life" is a fantastic coffee table book for nature photography fans, as well as a great visual resource for anyone studying this ecosystem. ... Read more

Book Description

A Testament to the Great Spirit and Success of a Remarkable Woman Explorer

In the early 1920s, the last great age of world explorers, a remarkable young woman, Janet Elliott Wulsin, set out with her husband, Frederick Wulsin, for the far reaches of China, Tibet, and Outer Mongolia to study the people, flora, and fauna of the region. Janet’s strenuous, eventful exploration is detailed by a text enriched with excerpts from her candid personal letters. The journey proved to be a test of the Wulsins’ endurance and of their relationship.

While in Asia, the Wulsins took many extraordinary photographs, which form the heart of this richly produced publication. They documented tribespeople and sublime desert landscapes, and, perhaps most remarkably, were allowed to photograph the interior of several of the great Tibetan Buddhist lamaseries, many of which have since been destroyed. Several dozen rare, hand-painted lantern slides survived and are reproduced here in splendid color.

The photographs from the Wulsin expedition are now in the collection of the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, in collaboration with which this volume is being produced.
... Read more

Reviews (1)

A rich archive of treasures
In the early 1920s, explorer Janet Wulsin and her husband Frederick journeyed the far reaches of China and Tibet to study the people and the lands of these remote regions - the photos from their expedition come to life in this collection, along with several dozen hand-painted lantern slides that appear in color. Vanished Kingdomsis a rich archive of treasures which charts the findings and peoples of a bygone world. Any serious collection of Asian treasures - both art and cultural - will find Vanished Kingdoms an essential addition, unparalleled in scope and coverage. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great door collection!
If you are looking for rustic colonial or American Southwest doors then this book is a must buy. - jim

NICE DOOR PHOTOS,....BUT
If you are looking for information about San Miguel, this book does NOT provide it! Very little written...too many door photos!

"Doors" - a magnificent entry into San Miguel's culture
The photographs and text of this book are so intriguing the reader longs to visit San Miguel. So I did! Robert de Gast brings the riotious colors, history, atmosphere and tranquility of San Miguel right to our doorstep. His perception of quite ordinary sights makes them very extraordinary. I can hardly wait to get my copy of "Behind the Doors".

Classy introduction to San Miguel de Allende
Since I am the author I must refrain from the most self-congratulatory comments, but the book, now in its fourth printing, is charming, handsome, and accurate. I moved to San Miguel the year after it was published, and I still am a full-time resident four years later. This is as close to paradise as it gets. Visit! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wonderful Photos
This book chronicles life in several Texas Czech communities with some good text but with excellent photos. It is a touching monument for a community of which I am fortunate to be at least on the edges. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Good photos and writing
This is a great book, good photos and loaded w/ info. The only thing that I think would make it better would be show more pictures of the exterior of the palaces because some palace photos are all interior so you cant see what it looks like from the outside, but this is only on a few palaces. Overall, this is a great book and I would give it 4 1/2 stars if I could.

German Castles And Palaces
I love this book. The photography is just fabulous. If you ever wanted to know what the German Castles and Palaces look like, or are planning a trip to Germany and would like to see some of them, this is the book for you! Also, the history is very informative. I just can't say enough for this book! I am an artist, and I have never seen such an artful display of art from a bygone era. WOW! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Stunning!
I bought this book for my family as we are adopting a child from Guatemala. This was one of the only books with pictures of the culture that I could find, and I am SO glad that I did. I can be rest assured that my son will feel pleasure and pride in his birth-country after looking at the pictures in this book. It is a beautiful, colorful, and rich culture that deserves to be displayed vividly for all to see!

Pot of Gold
Stunning images, true to Guatemalan life. Not just "pictures". A window into a beautiful land with colorful people. !EXCELLENTE!

A pot of gold
Guatemala Rainbow is just what I hoped it might be and more- the photos are stunning and full of local color. They portray the personality of the Guatemalan people. Having lived in Central America, I can say that they authentically document the typical lifestyle of those outside the capital city, free from United States' influence. This will be a real gem in my collection for Spanish classes as I introduce the students to the culture. The images will help them get a feel for being there.

Gorgeous in all ways
This is an astonishingly beautiful books of color photographs of Guatemalan people (and their animals) amidst their traditional woven textiles. The introduction gives a respectful and knowledgable overview. Vecchiato: "Mayan weaving is a celebration of feelings shared in common by an entire ethnic group." He provides background and a brief description of the harsh political climate of Mayan Guatemala. The pictures are full of life and joy. Market scenes; babies, children, parents, old folks; processions; plus tender and intimate moments - along with the statement that "they will never reveal themselves completely to any one of us." This is a wonderful book. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

spectacular Namibia
An incredible photography book!!!! Hoberman's photos of the landscape, widelife, architecture, and people do justice to the beauty of Namibia. Having traveled through Namibia, I wanted to find a photography book which captures the beauty of the sights I saw. This is the book. ... Read more

Book Description

"To what extent can we love the developing American West? We know the urgency of that question because bitterness has sometimes made us exiles.~My first attempt to describe the region in a book (The New West, 1974) omitted pictures that might have helped. I am grateful now to be able to reproduce them. They record a geography that is still in some respects characteristic, one where we could do better but where the rest is faultless.~At about the time I took the pictures I read an interview with Raoul Coutard, Jean-Luc Godard's cameraman. In it Coutard noted with gratitude that 'daylight has an inhuman faculty for always being perfect.' It is one of the mercies, I believe, by which each of us is allowed to live."--Robert Adams, from Commercial/Residential Hardcover, 9 x 8 in./43 pgs / 0 color 0 BW0 duotone 40 Tritone~ Item D20170 ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Similar to David Parker's work.
Just a collection of thoughts: The original photographs are phenomenal, about 8 feet by 8 feet square. They truly should be exhibited along with the huge landscapes of David Parker, about 12 feet by four feet, which also feature natural arches in the landscape. Lynn Davis' original prints are subdued and of grade one or grade two contrast. (I'd prefer printing on grade three paper.) Lynn Davis has been doing icebergs for a long, long time. I notice that one of her iceberg photos, a color print from 1986, appears in the catalogue "The Indomitable Spirit" published by Friends United Against AIDS. What is missing from the book being reviewed is her most interesting recent landscape print, which can be seen on the card from the November 2001 exhibition at the John Berggruen Gallery. The print on the card is of a dramatic grade 3 contrast. This exciting print features an iceberg in the top left quadrant, with a dramatic inverted arch on the top surface of the ice, a nice reflection of the iceberg in the water appearing between the berg and the viewer, a thin horizon line consisting of a distant ice cliff, and in the sky, an archlike shape in the gentle cloudcover that roughly duplicates (or continues) the arch "scooped out" from the top of the berg. How excited the photographer must have been when she made the exposure. Too bad this print isn't in the book. Too bad the prints in the book are of low contrast. It is interesting that David Parker's book, "The Phenomenal World," also omits the most exciting image from David Parker's exhibition (from the Robert Koch Gallery), i.e., an arch extending from a cliff and into the ocean, with a tiny human figure standing under the arch.Both Lynn Davis' and David Parker's books would go well together, side-by-side on your art book shelf, if only as a reminder to go and see the original prints when they are on exhibit at a nearby art gallery.

The Power of the Sublime Image
Photographer Lynn Davis is one of the best living artists working today.Lynn has an amazingly rich quality in her work which is often simple in format.A purist's take on architectural, monumental sites, and naturalwonders.Her subject moves from nature to the sacred, as her travels havetaken her to places such as Greenland, Africa, Cambodia, etc.This book isa most suitable document for a very important contemporary photographer.

Lynn Davis=good photographs
Lynn Davis does a wonderful job with her book.I have also had the pleasure to view her work in life, and it is wonderful.I would say thatLynn Davis has an obsession with form.The shape of the monuments seemmore important than the monument itself.When I look at some of herpyramids, I forget that what I am looking at is a pyramid as wonder aboutthe forms and shapes in the photograph.I think some of her work has aminimal quality to it and others have very interesting compositions.Oneof my favorites:"Red Pyramid, Dashur, Cairo, Egypt."

A vivid and penetrating and unique look at the world.
Lynn Davis' photographs are some of the most breathtaking that I have ever seen.They capture the essence of places so deeply that you feel not onlyas if you were there, tangibly, but as if you are seeing them with bettereyes than your own.

Poor reproduction
I have collected photography books for years and have been thrilled with the improvements in reproduction especially with black and white images. This book however looks as if it was printed in the 50's. One can only hopethat the originals are better than the reproductions. The subject matterhas a nice theme but I could not get past the poor print quality to eventry and determine if I liked the subject matter. ... Read more

Book Description

Perhaps no state holds as many surprises as Arizona.Tooutsiders, Arizona conjures up images of the Grand Canyon, the saguarocactus, and the O.K. Corral.Those who have experienced this jewel ofthe Southwest, however, know that Arizona is all these things and muchmore. Arizona on My Mind brings you the many faces of this diversestate in words and pictures.No matter where you are, you can openthis wonderful collection of images and find yourself transported to aworld of stunning beauty.A world where the forces of nature-wind,water, and time-have shaped the landscape in fantastic and unusualways.You'll see towering, snow-capped mountains; eerie, spire-likevolcanic cores; seemingly bottomless canyons; and impossible rockformations.You'll find roaring waterfalls; quiet, tree-lined brooks;massive reservoirs; vast painted deserts, and endless blue skies.Arizona is a land of open spaces-quiet, remote places where you canlook in all directions and see no trace of the hand of man.In othercorners of the state man's influence is more apparent.Spectacularancient Indian ruins, carved into the landscape itself, are amysterious record of Arizona's earliest inhabitants.Flat-roofed adobehouses recall the architecture of Spanish settlers.Towns likeTombstone are a step back to the Old West, where cowboys still ridethrough the streets on horseback.And Arizona's major cities arebustling urban centers, where skyscrapers and universities have takenthe place of pueblos and one-room schoolhouses. This unique combinationof wild landscape, historical interest, and cultural diversity hasdrawn many of the nation's best photographers to Arizona, where everybudding cactus, every grand vista, and every sunset is a momentary workof art waiting to be captured on film.For these reasons, many ofthese photographers call Arizona home.The photographs chosen for thisbook are beautiful-because Arizona is a beautiful place-but they alsohave that something extra, that ability to capture the true essence,the spirit, the magic of Arizona. Arizona's natural beauty and itspeople have also spawned a wealth of literature and other written andoral tributes.You'll find these scattered through this book as well. Zane Grey, John Wesley Powell, Walt Whitman, John Steinbeck, WillaCather, Barry Goldwater, and many others help articulate thiscomplicated land that can often seem indescribable. Whether you're anArizona resident, a frequent visitor, or someone who simply enjoys abeautiful places, Arizona on My Mind is the perfect way to remember aspecial place and to dream of Arizona days to come. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Precious memories if you don't live here!
I'm lucky, I live in Arizona. My family lives in the UK and visited a couple of years ago. I was looking for a gift and wanted to send something from Arizona (as opposed to something generic). This book was my choice.There are many guides and picture books of the state, but this one capturesthe real beuaty that is Arizona. The photographs are clear and bright andthe text is easy is to read and it all makes sense. Books like these arenever cheap, but it's definitly something to own if you like Arizona. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Beautiful bird's eye view of Greece
Whether or not you've been to Greece, a breeze through this book gives you a feeling of being there, taking you to the country's most popular and beautiful sites from a perspective unavailable to most. Although the colors and uniqueness are difficult to portray, this comes very close. The photo of Zakynthos made me cry, and the photo of a village wedding stirred my soul. It is a beloved addition to my collection, and an album of understanding for those who have never seen it in person--simply look through its pages and see Greece.

I give this book 5 stars for what it presents, but I think the true heart of Greece lies not only in the chalk-white cliffs and Greek blue waters, but also in its people (which of course are difficult to photograph from the air!).

Absolutely mind-bogglingly beautiful photos
I have never in my life seen such absolutely incredible photos. If you want to see Greece at its absolute best, nothing else can compare. There are a number of photos here that by themselves are worth the price of the book. I can never recall having a book that is as captivating the 100th time I look through it as the first time. The picture of the fisherman in his boat seemingly floating on air is just simply the most amazing photo I've ever seen.

If you have any friends or relatives who are Greek or have been to Greece, this is absolutely the best gift you can give them.

Magnificent
I especially like shots that include the Mediterranean, which can be mind-bogglingly blue. Even those parts of Greece that look barren and stony when you're on the ground take on a whole new texture and beauty when photographed from the air. ... Read more

Book Description

One of over 400 titles in the Insight series,

Insight Guide Chile. This 384-page book includes a section detailing Chile's history, 7 features covering the country's life and culture, ranging from its pure Cabernet Sauvignon vines to its excellent huaso horsemanship, a region by region visitor's guide to the sights, and a comprehensive Travel Tips section packed with essential contact addresses and numbers. Plus over 350 magnificent photographs and 14 maps. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

good good chile reference
good but not truly useful reference for chile
wish there was a more comprehensive listing of hotels and restaurants but i guess thats where the lonlely planet books excel. this book has excellent photos and is a very easy read and i would make it of of three travlel book to this country i would take with me

From an ex-Lonely Planet reader
What's the first thing you want to know about a country? Why do I want to visit. For answering this question Insight guides do an excellent job. Interesting descriptions complemented by pictures get you interested in Chile and what the country has to offer. Comparably Lonely planet guides are like a phone book. There is more information in them - often out of date - but little effort or detail is put in about the features of the country itself. My only problem with Insight is that its informational section is lacking. My suggestion is read insight, determine where and when you want to visit and then seek out up to date information on hotels, etc. from another source.

Pretty book, useful to learn but not to help you travel
This is a nice book to own and to use at home, but not a book I'd use valuable backpack real estate to tote on a trip. It will give you good background on the history, geaography, and culture of the country and has better pictures than the other guides, but isn't strong on telling you where to eat, what route to use, where to stay, how to get along. I bought mine to show people what Chile is like, and it's great for that.

Deep historical review, quality pictures, helpful
Quality handbook that includes nice historical depth, perspective and quality images. The review of the Pinochet regime, however, unfortunately comes off as stock socialist perspective. I lived through this period as an ex-pat in Chile and the author's bias is clearly evident. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Outstanding and Beautiful
This book is a pleasure to read and behold. From the exquisite photography to the witty and informed observations this is a collection of Bucharest's best and most authentic legacies to the European culture. A must have for anyone that has any ties to this Romanian capital or desires to explore its truly unique blend of French flavour, Byzantynne architecture and Latin heritage. ... Read more

Book Description

The French Country House celebrates what the French call l'art de vivre ("the art of good living") within the intimacy of private dwellings deep in the countryside. Here are places of retreat-old manor houses, small châteaux, stud farms, even a former convent-that, because of their great age and accumulated memories, are beloved by their owners and provide no end of delight for family and friends. Each country house is a treasure trove of history, with beautiful furnishings as well as family albums, faded love letters, attics full of old toys, fancy dresses, retired pianos, left-over brocades and wallpapers-even libraries hidden at the tops of towers.

With 220 photographs in full color-illustrating rooms from the salon to the kitchen below and the attic above, together with details of silver, crystal, tapestries, paintings, and much more-The French Country House is rich in the colors, textures, and history of these treasured homes. Francophiles as well as lovers of décor, architecture, and gardens will be captivated by this inside look at life in the French countryside. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

French Country House by Christiane De Nicolay-Mazery
This is one of my favorite books. Originally I had the French edition and even with my poor translating skills, the sumptuous photographs easily keep me quite contented. The photographer, Bernard Touillon, will be familiar to those who know his work in
Cote Sud magazine. Touillon's photographs are like beautiful paintings. Bathed and shimmered with natural light and sensitivity, the images take you into a intimate world of interior history, textures and forms. As soon as I saw the "total waste of money" comment in another customer review, I felt compelled to ensure this book is noted to those that appreciate an opportunity to look at a book that conveys not only
lovely rooms and arrangements, but also an intangible quality of
spaces filled with memories and emotions.

French Country House
I found this book to be a total waste of money. ... Read more