Amazon.com

Alan Fletcher's The Art of Looking Sideways is an absolutelyextraordinary and inexhaustible "guide to visual awareness," a virtuallyindescribable concoction of anecdotes, quotes, images, and bizarre facts thatoffers a wonderfully twisted vision of the chaos of modern life. Fletcher is arenowned designer and art director, and the joy of The Art of LookingSideways lies in its beautiful design. Loosely arranged in 72 chapters withtitles like "Colour," "Noise," "Chance," "Camouflage," and "Handedness,"Fletcher's book, which he describes as "a journey without a destination," is "acollection of shards" that captures the sensory overload of a world that simplycontains too much information. In one typical section, entitled "Civilization,"the reader encounters six Polish flags designed to represent the world, aphotograph of an anthropomorphic handbag, Buzz Aldrin's boot print on the moon,drawings of Stone Age pebbles, a painting of "Ireland--as seen from Wales," anda dizzying array of quotations and snippets of information, including the wisewords of Marcus Aurelius, Stephen Jay, and Gandhi's comment, "Westerncivilization? I think it would be a good idea." Fletcher's mastery of designmixes type, space, fonts, alphabets, color, and layout combined with a "jackdaw"eye for the strange and profound to produce a stunning book that cannot be read,but only experienced. --Jerry Brotton, Amazon.co.uk ... Read more

Reviews (24)

If you have a creative bone in your body, you need this.
I had never heard of this book before I saw it and no introduction is better than just getting the huge, heavy thing on your lap and looking through it. As most reviewers of this book have said, it cannot be described, but they have tried. I too can only give you an idea about this book and giving ideas is what this book is about.
One day my friend Martine said that I must see this book and dropped it into my lap, I have not yet give it back. I sat there in my comfy chair and leafed through the many, many pages reading a little here, looking a little there. After a while I realised that this book was an amazing source of information and inspiration and so I started reading from the beginning, taking notes along the way.
Todd Dominey, a new media designer, wrote, "As a designer, I felt more inspired, more aware, more energized after just a handful of pages than I can remember feeling in years of buying design and art related books." As indicated by its title, this book is meant to open your mind, to get you seeing the things you never noticed before, to give you a fresh perspective and a new way of understanding.
On the first real page of the book a quote by Montaigne reads "I quote others only the better to express myself." This book has over a thousand quotes from writers, philosophers, artists and anyone who has ever said anything thoughtful. A quote starts each of the books 72 chapters, each having a loose theme such as 'Imagination', 'Noise', 'Wit' or 'Colour'.
But this is so much more than a book of smart remarks, it is a scrapbook of a lifetime of visual awareness. Decades must have whittled by as Fletcher was collecting all these fantastic stories, jotting down memories, cutting up newspapers, photocopying books, sketching fleeting visions and remembering good jokes.
Every double spread of the book is counted as one page, and each of these 532 'pages' are thoughtfully designed by Fletcher. Every anecdote, poem and thought is uniquely arranged with the typography, colour and layout carefully balancing the illustrations, doodles and photographs of which there are around 700. It is truly mindbending how much care and effort must have gone into this book, and it is this effort which makes it such a joy to read.
Through reading "Sideways" you also get to know a little about Alan Fletcher, to understand what kind of man it takes to complete such a generous and insightful offering of information. His brain must have been mightily relieved once it had poured out all this knowledge, and not a drop has been spilt. It is now up to us to absorb as much as we can, to learn from it and enjoy it. Those with even the smallest interest in the visual or the verbal will find it impossible to not appreciate and wonder at this book. Be careful carrying it home though.

Wonderful!
I came across this book in the local bookstore, randomly finding it while buying a gift certificate for christmas. If you're into artistic expression in any way, buy this book. It's full of delightfully random illustrations, quotes, and wisdom. If you're not the artistic type, I'd suspect you'll find this book a bit tedious or perhaps even pointless. If, however, you are a creatively minded person who enjoys some visual delights (some of the pictures are just amazing to experience) and some mental stimulation, go for it! This would make a great book to pick up and open to anywhere, then see what you find. I've paged through a lot of it, looking at things. I'm now attempting to start from the beginning and read through it. This book is incredible. Worth owning without a doubt.

be a more interesting person
The Art of Looking Sideways is a gem. Rather it is a bible of gems, notes, quotes and keen perceptions on a wide spectrum of topics relating most frequently to design and communication.

If you are an extremely boring and ininteresting person, buy this book and memorise it, you will soon be drinking cocktails with the best of innovators and visionaries. If you're the best of them you already have this book or are named Alan Fletcher.

What The?
This book found me one day and now has me totally in it's pages.
Every little thing that was ever said and every problem ever created has some form of simplistic answer within it.

What is Left, Right, Up or Down, Sideways Backwards, Full or Empty has some form answer and deffernce to it. But then again what is It?

All those funny sayings that pass our lips everyday are included and a full on assult on your brain senses really makes the old grey matter think. It is a book to be picked up and put down as you simply cannot read it through without causing your brain to pass out!!!

You can't do without this book.
Stop what you're doing. Buy The Art of Looking Sideways right now. Read it, view it, participate in it. It will change the way you see the world. ... Read more

Book Description

From Andy Warhol's Brillo boxes to provocative dung-splattered madonnas, in today's art world many strange, even shocking, things are put on display. This often leads exasperated viewers to exclaim--is this really art? In this invaluable primer on aesthetics, Freeland explains why innovation and controversy are so highly valued in art, weaving together philosophy and art theory with many engrossing examples. Writing clearly and perceptively, she explores the cultural meanings of art in different contexts, and highlights the continuities of tradition that stretch from modern often sensational works, back to the ancient halls of the Parthenon, to the medieval cathedral of Chartres, and to African nkisi nkondi fetish statues. She explores the difficulties of interpretation, examines recent scientific research into the ways the brain perceives art, and looks to the still-emerging worlds of art on the web, video art, art museum CD-ROMS, and much more. She also guides us through the various theorists of art, from Aristotle and Kant to Baudrillard. Throughout this nuanced account of theories, artists, and works, Freeland provides us with a rich understanding of how cultural significance is captured in a physical medium, and why challenging our perceptions is, and always has been, central to the whole endeavor.It is instructive to recall that Henri Matisse himself was originally derided as a "wild beast." To horrified critics, his bold colors and distorted forms were outrageous. A century later, what was once shocking is now considered beautiful. And that, writes Freeland, is art. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Read it While You Poo!
Freeland's "But is it Art?" is an excellent handbook for digesting the art entity from a contemporary perspective in a time where so many people look at a work and say "what the hell is that?". And the way she breaks it down so simply and quickly makes it an excellent read; one you can accomplish in, say, your next four or five 'commercial breaks'...

Good Read, Enjoyable & Insightful
This was a very interesting book and a good read. However, if you are looking for a primer on art theory, then you need look elsewhere. This gives some insight into the general art theories of the past and today but it isn't organized like a textbook. Instead it has a more meandering structure that makes it more interesting but less instructional. All in all though, I really enjoyed it. The only thing I truly didn't like was that it gave very short shrift to some media that are only the line between craft and art. That would have seemed to be a very good topic for inclusion. But still a good book.

a considered analysis and a great beginners guide...
How can I put this politely? I kept this book in the bathroom and would read it in small chunks whenever (ahem!) I had a few minutes in there.

I know a fair bit about modern art and art history but am no expert and found this to be an informative study which introduced me to certain theories and ideas and also gave me background on areas I was already familiar with.

A neat, good looking book which I would recommend as ... reading anytime!

Clear and enjoyable explaination of what makes it 'art'.
Is there a more confusing or controversial area of understanding in today's society than determining whether a piece of work is 'art' or 'trash'. This book gives a scholarly, yet eminently readable and enjoyable description of how the question, 'but is it art', can be approached and understood. Beginning with Neanderthal renderings and ending in the digital arena - the changing creative environments and philosophical drivers are explained clearly and compellingly. The authors appropriately timed use of wit keeps one happily reading in an area that could easily get dry and intellectually elitist. I now finally feel that I have some tools to evaluate 'art' for myself. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

ALMOST the complete history
Faiz Rehman (faiz79@hotmail.com) from Wales welcome look at the history of the man of steel Heavy on the pictures, this book is an excellent look at 60 years of Superman. Don't miss the covers - the dust jacket has original art work from the past, while the cover of the book proper has modern versions of the same art by the one and only Alex Ross. It overs the origins, the merchandise, and the adaptations. Although not as detailed as you may hope for, there are still plenty of facts to discover. The book does not gush over all aspects of the legend - it is critical of some aspects of, for example, the Dean Cain series. The books is not complete - for example, it does not mention the excellent radio series produce by Dirk Maggs in the BBC which is probably the closest adaptation of the comics stories. It does look gorgeous, though, and is much better than the majority of books of this type.

Entertaining history of the rise of the Man of Steel
Need to know something about how Superman changed over the years? Need to find out how the character evolved from comic books, to radio, to television, to motion picture, to TV again? This is the book to answer all those questions. Plus it has lots of nice photos of Superman toys and merchandise over the years. (The only thing missing is Superman Spinball Pinball, an amazingly fun toy that Mattell churned out to coincide with Christopher Reeve's first Superman film.) Tells you how the characters evolved, and more importantly, why they did, as the behind the scenes activities at DC Comics changed. A nice book for superhero fans of all ages.

Good overview of Superman's history
This is a great book for anyone who is interested in reading about the history of The Man Of Steel in all of his media incarnations (it's a few years old, so misses out on any info on the tv series Smallville). Well written and illustrated, it's a must-have for any fan of Superman.

Hardly the True Story of Superman
There is no doubt the comic book industry owes a great debt to Superman, or rather, to Siegel and Shuster who created him, but in his book, Les Daniels frequently looks for ways to minimize, rather than credit, their contribution. DC Comics made millions of dollars on the movies, TV Shows, cartoons, and other merchanising over the decades, while Siegel and Shuster shared in hardly any of it. The most shocking thing now is, this book, written with the cooperation of DC - rather than apologize to the two men, or even express any kind of gratitude, it actually takes stabs at Sigel and Shuster. Rather than simply state the facts regarding to Superman's history, Daniels frequently assails the characters of the two men, claims they took most of their ideas from other places, assigns poor motives to both men, even mentions extra-marital affairs they may or may not have had. The book is supposed to be about Superman, who cares about any of that? Of course Daniels would never turn a critical eye towards DC, who seem to have hired him, it's surprising they still seem to be bitter about two men that made them so much money for the last sixty years. There is no doubt, DC has been the best comic book company when it comes to promoting their characters, but they have also been very lucky in the courts. Not only did they force Superman's creators to relinquish all rights to the character, their lawsuits also managed to force Captain Marvel, a character more popular than Superman at the time, out of business. They claimed they were too much alike, but anyone who knows comics could see their differences. Later, DC took over Captain Marvel and actually began publishing him themselves (!). This story is only touched on briefly here. I give the book two stars because the illustrations are good, but the text deserves one, if even that. Everyone is entitled their opinion, but, in a book like this, people don't want to hear about it, they expect a decent read about the character of Superman. The true history of Superman is really not told here, it actually involves greedy businessmen sitting back and counting their money, while the creators that were the ones to make these characters, end up dying peniless.

A great history of the greatest superhero.
Superman is, without a doubt, one of the most recognizable characters in the world. But how did he reach that point? Les Daniels excellent history of Superman tells that story, and is packed with great pictures and photos as well. A perfect book for comic or pop culture fans. Highly Recommended. ... Read more

Book Description

The definitive collection of paintings by outsider icon Robert Williams.

Simply put, this is the coffee-table collection of the paintings of Robert Williams, one of the most lauded and controversial American painters of the 20th Century. Williams sprang from the hot rod culture of Southern California and the roots of underground comix, ultimately transcending both by cultivating a mastery of oil paints and forging a career as the preeminent artist among a generation of painters gathering inspiration from the shadowed corners of contemporary culture. Williams singlehandedly became the model of the "Outsider" art movement, influencing a generation of artists to create without concern for the fine art world, which Williams held in contempt (a feeling reciprocated in kind for years until recently, with Williams's past two shows at Tony Shafrazi's New York gallery selling out before opening night.

Originally released in 1997 and now back in print, Malicious Resplendence features over 200 full-color paintings spanning Williams' life and career, reproduced with breathtaking clarity (no small feat with Williams' hyper-kinetic visions). Along with a comprehensive and carefully compiled retrospective of Williams' body of work, the book also features extensive biographical information by critic C.R. Stecyk, an introduction by noted curator Walter Hopps, and dozens of rare and never-before-seen photos of the artist and related ephemera. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

No better book of this sort
A must have for aserious Williams fan. Considerd by most to be the founder of this genre. Exceeded my expectations.Xlnt value.

Retinal Delights
Immerse yourself in this mind-bending collection of original art. A full compliment of drawings, sketches, comic book covers and paintings round out this look at the career (still going strong) of Robert Williams. The paintings are lavishly reproduced on high-quality paper stock and the over-sized dimensions of this book are perfectly suited to appreciate the artist's awe-inspiring technique. A MUST for any fan of underground art, culture and surrealism!

America's greatest living painter.
I have been a follower of Robert Williams' work for about 8 years. I own all but one of his previous books and was under the assumption that "Malicious Resplendence" was a collection of new work only. Thankfully I was wrong, and completely blown away. Not only does this huge beautifly hard back show his most recent paintings, the book is actually a collection of his entire history of art. Robt.Wms is truly a master painter in the classic sense, a painter of our century who can actually stand up to the vision and draftsmanship of the greatest painters of history ... Read more

Book Description

This 1998 Editor's Choice Award winner of the Independent Publishing Association quickly sold-out the first printing of 10,000.It is a lively biography on American pin-up artist Gillette Elvgren, a commercial advertising artist of the WWII era.Told by the son of the artist, included are art techniques, pin-up paintings and a behind the scenes personal view of this legendary artist who inspired servicemen worldwide. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Most comprehensive collection of Elvgren'w work
This fabulous volume is surely the most comprehensive collection of Gil Elvgren's work ever assembled in book form. It should go far to establish Elvgren, along with Petty and Vargas, as a master of the American pin-up.

The biographical information is complete and well written including Elvgren's personal, commercial and artistic endeavors. The information on his associations with other pin-up artists of the time is especially interesting.

The importance of Elvgren's models is emphasized, although he painted from photos rather than the live model. In many cases the model's photo and finished painting are side by side showing Elvgren's ability to capture form and expression.

The book includes about 200 of Elvgren's paintings in vibrant full color and covers his advertising work for Coca-Cola and others as well as his famous calendar pin-ups. It is a great source for the pin-up fan, or art historian.

Elvgren is Great, This Book is Not
As an artist and long-time admirer of Gillette Elvgren's illustrations and pinups, I was thrilled to discover this book because until recently, there has been so little published about him. It's interesting to see the photographs he worked from alongside the paintings he executed from them. It's very annoying, however, that so many of the reference photos are "flopped" (turned in the opposite direction from the painting). Why they did this makes no sense, because you can't compare them. Also, the captions are centered rather than justified. The book gives the impression that amateurs put it together. It doesn't do justice to the great illustrations that Elvgren produced.

Elvgren Was Great, This Book Isn't
Gillette Elvgren was the best pinup artist, so any opportunity to see his work is welcomed. However, this book is disappointing: it looks like it was designed by amateurs trying too hard to make an artsy coffee table book. From the cover to the flopped photographs to the inane captions, it is irritating to browse through. His work deserves better.

Focuses more on models than paintings
I bought this book expecting to see lots of those great Elvgren paintings at a reasonable size. This book however seems to focus more on the models that Elvgren uses for reference rather than the actual paintings. The book is nice but not exactly what i was looking for.

outstanding
Excellent presentation of the greatest pinup artist of all time ... Read more

Book Description

The incredible paintings of Frank Frazetta have brought him worldwide fame, legions of loyal fans, and scores of imitators. His darkly dramatic Conan the Barbarian oils and the equally powerful and erotic compositions for the works of Edgar Rice Burroughs have become the ultimate standards of excellence in the fantasy and adventure field. Icon was Franzetta’s first major retrospective in his 55-year career. Lavish full-color reproduction on deluxe art paper showcases over 65 major finished oil paintings, 25 drawings, and other pieces. This new softcover edition contains 32 new pages of additional, never-before-published art and photos. New material includes paintings of Woody Allen and Peter Sellers; concepts of Clint Eastwood for the movie poster to The Gauntlet; original concepts for the Conan book cover paintings; and character drawings for the Broadway production of Li'l Abner. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Simply the Best Frazetta book ever done!
Certainly one of the 20th century's most influential artists, Frank Frazetta has finally been given the showcase his work deserves. Featuring virtually all of the paintings that made him a legend among artists and fans alike (Conan, Tarzan, et al), "Icon" also includes a stack of previously unpublished and uncollected art, photographs, and some fascinating commentary by Fenner and Frazetta himself. From drawing comics for EC to ghosting "Lil Abner" for Al Capp to painting movie posters for Clint Eastwood, Frank Frazetta has proven again and again that he is one of the most exciting creators in the history of fantasy art. Often imitated, never equaled, Frazetta is the best and "Icon" is a *must have* book!

A fabulous collection with never before published work!
Frank Frazetta is by far the greatest fantasy illustrator of the last 50 years. His paintings are fit for the walls of any fine art museum. Icon is a wonderful book containing many of Franks finest and most famous works along with some never before seen art work from the master. This book is a must have for any fan of fantasy art. It contains interviews and information on many of Frazettas paintings with a wonderful insight to Franks life and legendary carear. Well printed and bound Icon will make a great addition to your coffee table. BUY THIS BOOK!

How to improve on the original
My last review was much too long. Here's a new take: how do you improve on something as beautiful as the original Icon? Simple. Add more art, and more pages. Fill the pages from one corner to the next with more art. Put it in a sturdy softcover binding and charge less for more. If you don't know who Frank Frazetta is this is your chance to discover a master artist. Add some dazzling images and powerful designs to your bookshelf by buying this book. His work is provacative, emotional, and has an uncompromising impact on those who view it. From the primal strength of his Conan paintings to the erotic beauty of his defiant women, it's the vitality of his art that makes it distinctive.Discover Frank Frazetta with this new book.Rediscover his incredible range if all you have are his old books from the seventies.

Dinosaurs! Vampires!! Babes!!! Gorillas!!!!
This is a terrific collection of the guy who invented this type of stuff. Flip through these pages and you can't deny that the man draws and paints like no other, no matter how many others draw and paint like him. The glimpses of his early comic work (especially as Al Capp's assistant) are always a treat. The selections from Frazetta's career as a fantasy artist are intelligently chosen and are presented in a meaningful context, and the terrific layout of the book makes it especially pleasant to experience. There are gorillas, dinosaurs, vampires, and female curves aplenty here in Frazetta's matchless palette. Sketches by Frazetta, included throughout, are particularly impressive and add to his already rich credentials as a pure draftsman. The commentary is great. Best of all, this too-brief volume is only one in a very welcome series.

Beautiful Reproductions of Paintings + insightful text!
This is "Icon," which is book one of three, all of which are now available. Even though all three discuss all eras of his life and career, this Icon book is probably the best one to start with, since it shows many of the works that made him famous.

This book has a bunch of the Edgar Rice Burroughs paperback cover paintings, (Tarzan, John Carter of Mars, etc.), and Conan the Barbarian covers, too. The text explains how the Frazetta paintings on the paperback book covers were responsible for outrageously high sales of these paperback books. This is probably what Frazetta is most famous for, these paperback covers that started a trend of sci-fi fantasy paintings that were as brutally dangerous as they are beautifully painted.

This book discusses Frank Frazetta's early childhood art, how he got into illustrating and comic books, comic strip work ghosting Lil' Abner for Al Capp, being wooed by Hollywood stars, doing movie posters during different decades, etc.

All three books discuss the same eras, but with different details and commentary from different friends and associates. There are also plenty of insightful quotes from Frank in all three books, which explain his outlook concerning his artwork and doing business with his artwork over 5 decades.

I remember Frazetta best for his Molly Hatchet album covers, which are both in this "Icon" book, but they are credited to the original paperback covers that they were first commisioned for, so Molly Hatchet is not mentioned.

To me, a kid in the 1970's, Frazetta was recognized as an expert in his own category, but his work was not common to come across. So I am very pleased with all three books in this trilogy, that finally brings most of his career together in three nicely made art books.

All three of these books are very informative and nice additions to any fans personal library. If you like Frazetta at all, then you should be quite pleased with "Icon," "Legacy," and "Testament." ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Great history recount
I would recommend this one to any cycle enthusiast; however I did miss:
- More mechanical facts
- A more thorough coverage of all models (e.g. the 800 sporstster is barely mentioned)
Otherwise, a must-have.

A century in the life of The Hog
Clearly a grand advertisement & a fine way to take a peek at the transformation of The Hog. Along the way you'll catch glimpses of both ten decades of advertising & dressage styles.

If you're expecting to see the development of the mystique we've come to associate with The Hog, you will be disappointed for those who make The Hog are not necessarily those with whom it is associated. I don't think I've seen so many squeaky-clean, carefree people up close, sans helmets too!

Actually, a fascinating book & certainly one any lover of motorbikes, the open road & social styles will enjoy.

Willy G. - American Icon
First class work from the top-shelf Harley Davidson Guy, grandson of the founder. If you buy any Harley book in your life get this. Don't miss the chance to read the rare Harely novel "THE SECOND COMING OF AGE" by: Vedrine. These books will be collectable classics; highly treasured and read at the next centennial celebration.

100 Years of HD by Willie G.
This book is written from the heart and soul of the one and only Willie G. It has great pictures and great stories. No one can tell them like the people who experienced it from within.
An absolute seller, and when you want to collect some 100th Anniv. books this year: this one may not be missed on your shelve.
Get it now!

Look Past The Corporate Promotion and...
you'll find a good read. First, the pictures are sensational. They capture the simplicity which is at the heart of H-D's designs since inception. Also, this book explains many of the bike and engine nicknames, that I was always curious about, in an easily understandable way i.e. Shovelhead, Flathead etc....

It also covers most of basic history of the MoCo but does so in a corporate promotional way. The author glosses over the AMF years when the quality of their products were poor. It's a 1 or 2 sentence mention and I think deserved more specifics. This is the only major soft spot in the book in that, at times, it seems like one of their rah rah brochures. Look past that and you'll find a great coffee table book.

One question the book left me with is how much the author is genuinely involved in the design of bikes. He may just wish to support the other people involved (humbly). Otherwise, to read the book it seems his major talent is drawing logos (as it reads). The book wasn't solid on that. ... Read more

Book Description

Keith Parkinson's work is immediately recognized as some of the finest in the field of fantasy art. A long-time collaborator to the work of author Terry Goodkind, Keith has been able to conjure images for such works as Elflord, Dark Island, Dragonring, Demon Hunter, and many more. Now a collected volume of Keith's works are available in a showcase worthy of his art. With a foreword and additional commentary by Terry Goodkind, Parkinson gives you a gloriously detailed view of his imagination, with superb reproduction and high-quality stock. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

VICE IS NO FUN
that's all i have to say. vice only exists now for shock value and contains nothing of it's original wit and satire. the people at vice are sellouts and all the people in montreal know it.
BOYCOTT VICE!

Porcelain Classic
This is easily one of the best toilet books ever. A perfect tome to have near the throne, this book has random article after random article about the title topics.

Vice is a vicious, free magazine that discourages subscriptions. The articles here vary from drug write-ups to profiles on black metal ghouls.

Vice is smart and sickly cynical. This is not Maxim or FHM.

Highly recommended. You can impress guests with this next to the Charmin.

big joy
The gift that keeps on giving -- all the best words for this little charmer are Amazon-illegal, but parts seriously make you wonder if you even knew how to kiss right/think sharp before it. Hip without crowding anyone out and funnier than you'd expect. Also, the intro/story of VICE's founding is pretty touching. Get it (on).

An excellent read... for the right audience.
I never read this magazine because I mistook it for puerile fare like Maxim. But, judging by this fine book of collections and smart, intelligent writing, it appears that I was mistaken.

The bad first: this book can come off badly with some roll-your-eyes quality immature humor. Some of the sex content *does* seem to come off like some cheesy Maxim rubbish.

Now, on to the good. This is good stuff, a wonderfully irreverent take on modern urban culture, which of course, includes plenty of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Seeing as the magazine started in Montreal, it's nice to get some views into this woefully overlooked metropolis...

Beautifully irreverant.
We can all hope this wonderfully irreverant and honest collection of essays on what really goes on in modern urban culture is a foreshadowing of the death of political correctness. If you've got a sense of humor and live life with your fun-meter turned to 10, you'll really appreciate this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Yes, it's shocking and sensational and makes headlines, but is it art? What happened to beauty and loveliness? Modern works by "Brit Brats" and other explosive artists are explored in this knowing book that combines hard art historical information with refreshingly candid, wonderfully readable reflections on today's dynamic art scene.

Each of six chapters becomes a journey, a tour around the world to art galleries, museums, and artists' studios, a trip back and forth in time-from the earliest heroic beginnings of modern art to the circuslike atmosphere of Sensation, the famous/infamous exhibition seen recently by record-breaking museum crowds on both sides of the Atlantic. These gorgeously illustrated rides are by turns smooth, surprising, alarming, but they are always informative and entertaining in answering such essential questions as: Will future generations accept today's art as a vivid expression of how life was really lived during the 1990s? Or will they scratch their heads and wonder how we could have put up with such stuff-how we could have valued it as art? ... Read more

Reviews (6)

It's like taking a cold shower on a sultry fetid day
As an antidote to art jargon that passes as "writing" whether in ART FORUM or in catalogues, Mr Collings' book is a refreshing RELIEF. Well illustrated examples which illuminate his arguments, clear division into six sections, and an open-endedness to many issues make this a very enjoyable and informative read for the lay person who loves art. I'm immediately passing it on to one of the people I value most in the world - my 17 year old son. Is there a better recommendation?

Is it all a joke
This is very idiosyncratic look at art today, and in it, Matthew Collings chooses several issues about art to discuss: Shock, beauty, emptiness of meaning, humor, and the present. His writing can be annoying, sounding almost like Warhol in his "Philosophy of Andy Warhol" with short, witty, curious phrases, and a distant, ironic humor that can sound condescending or careless. Still, it turns out to be insightful and entertaining, and even informative. It isn't that you learn something profound about how to see art or understand it. Rather, it's like having a conversation (albeit one way) about art and particular artworks with someone who has a lot of knowledge about art and is often very perceptive. Along the way, you learn about recent artists such as Chris Ofili, Sigmar Polke, and Richard Prince, as well as past artists like Pollock, Picasso, and Goya. The pictures are good too. But it's just a fun look into the issues that modern (or post-modern) art tries to tackle, and some things to think about the next time you visit a modern art museum. Again, it's idiosyncratic and personal, so it's only one person's take on artists and art.

It's good but ...
'This is Modern Art' is a book accompanying the ch.4 TV series of the same name, and this fact became all too obvious after I purchased it. The text does not read well: it seems as though the publishers have lifted Matthew Collins' voice-over from the TV programmes and transcribed it directly onto the pages of the book. Sure, there are plenty of nice photorgraphs and the tone is lively and informative, but reading the book - actually reading the text - is a strange experience as the words on the page do not work as words on a page: I kept wanting to read aloud and listen to myself speaking. The book is full of phrases and sentence construction that is made for the ear, not text that has been written to be read.
The TV series was very good, but sadly this book is too close to a script of that series - and not what it should be: a BOOK about Modern Art.

Of Course This Is A Great Book, And Here's Why...
... I was a bit perplexed to discover accusations of "bias" [by others]. What were people expecting? The evening news? Journalism? Collings approaches his subject - the evolution of modern art and the context of contemporary British artists - from an informed, but highly personal point of view. Pretty much like Clement Greenburg or Robert Hughes or any of the other hundreds of critics with a case to make... Collings's writing is witty, erudite and can, in the turn of one sentence or a single carefully chosen word, create an entirely new way of looking at familiar art works. Not everyone is going to agree that Basquiat is great or that certain UK artists aren't very good - but what the hell - it's just one man's opinion. In light of the orthodox, conservative and sometimes downright reactionary points of view put forward by tv art critics and book authors, Collings is a fresh voice with something to say. That's very rare in any writer and, in the art world, as rare as genius itself.

This Is Modern Art. Most definitely.
This book is an absolute must-have for anyone interested in the exploding modern art scene.

Collings is based in London, and with it's recently opened Tate Modern museum of Contemporary Art the content of this book seems even more appropriate.

Irreverant, humorous, fact-packed, entertaining and controversial, this book will lead you from Klein to Hirst to Picasso and back on a non-stop, roller coaster ride. Buy it. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Comics Pro Gives It The Thumbs Up
As a veteran comic book illustrator (You can find my work here on Amazon.com; I am the CO-creator and artist of Transmetropolitan), I am often asked to recommend books to aspiring professionals in comic book illustration. In that case I always enthusiastically recommend any of Eisner's instructional books as essential reading for anyone serious about their craft and dreams of getting into the industry.

From the earliest work of his career, Will Eisner was an innovator in writing as well as illustration. Even in his twilight years the man is still a vigorous and creative artist producing work that pros as well as fans can't wait to get their hands on.

These books display his genius in an entertaining and easy to follow method, and if put to practice will inspire and reveal hidden keys to making your work truly professional grade. A great companion book to Eisner's "Comics & Sequential Art".

- Darick Roberston

When you need help - ask the professional!
Whether you just love comics or intend to start writing some yourself, you'll probably need a helping hand. Will Eisner might just be the right hand for you. As a true pro, who's been in the field since 1930, he might just have the kind of hints, tips and interesting details you need to know as a beginner. Graphic Storytelling will reveal to you the world of telling a story in drawings and words combined, the art of comics and caricature. In my very humble opinion, this book is one giant step forward for you, on the way of expressiong yourself on paper. And hei, if Neil Gaiman recommends it, who am I to say anything else? ... Read more

Amazon.com

In a 1976 drawing by Ed Ruscha, the word "Promise"—--spelled out in ribbon-like script—--is suspended at an oblique angle against a delicate gray background and bathed in a gauzy white light. Somehow, this image perfectly sums up the hopeful feeling that success is right around the corner. Ruscha's ability to give concrete form to the inner life of words and images from popular culture has made him a rare breed of artist---a critic's darling whose work also fascinates ordinary art lovers. Cotton Puffs, Q-Tips®, Smoke and Mirrors: The Drawings of Ed Ruscha collects more than 200 of Ruscha's coolly mysterious works on paper in a handsomely designed volume marred only by a hard-to-read gray typeface. The odd title comes from a remark the artist once made. He uses cotton puffs and swabs to rub gunpowder (which creates those smoky grays) or pastel into the rag paper. Author Margit Rowell emphasizes the influence of photography and film on Ruscha's visual outlook---as well as his training in graphic design and the Los Angeles "landscape" of billboards glimpsed from car windows. Rucha, who is also known for his paintings and his idiosyncratic photo books (depicting serial images of gas stations, parking lots and other banal sights), has been working on paper since the late 1950s. Rowell tracks the various themes and styles of his drawings, while essayist Cornelia Butler adds additional art world context. Although Ruscha has been called a Pop artist and a West Coast Surrealist, Butler sees him as "an essentially Conceptualist artist who seeks to render ideas as information." She singles out his "deeply eccentric nihilism...filtered through a keen humor." This book accompanies an exhibition of Ruscha's work on paper organized by the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York (June 24–Sept. 26, 2004). -—Cathy Curtis ... Read more

Amazon.com

If you're a fan, your bookshelf is crying out for Andy Warhol: 365 Takes. And if you're not, this artfully designed volume may very well turn you into one. Read it straight through or dip in anywhere. Either way, you get an illustrated tour of Warhol's friends, lovers, personal history and obsessions (shoes, religion, jewels, mortality), as well as his art. Organized in a vaguely thematic way that blithely ignores chronology, this compact volume serves up a four-decade feast of creativity in bite-size nuggets: a very Warholian approach. Facing pages juxtapose a Warhol image with a well-chosen morsel of text. Drawn from diverse sources, including The Andy Warhol Diaries, the texts illuminate the images with useful tidbits of insider information. Reproductions of Warhol's work reveal his extraordinary range and inventiveness, from the delicate, lyrical drawing for a jazz record cover from the 1950s to rueful self-portrait photos in drag from the early 1980s. Of course, much of the famous work is here as well—the Death and Disaster Series, the Brillo boxes, the Three Marilyns, the celebrity portraits of the 1070s, the collaborations with the Velvet Underground. One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is the way it uses Warhol's vast personal collection of ephemera to show how a newspaper headline, shop window or movie star magazine could inform the look of his art. This great compendium of Warholiana is marred only by the occasionally smug, fanzine tone of remarks by The Andy Warhol Museum staff. There’s no need to overstate the case for Warhol; his outsized reputation is secure. —-Cathy Curtis ... Read more

Book Description

In recent years, appreciation for tattoo art has soared, from the discovery of a 5000 year-old tattooed mummy to its acceptance within an art world increasingly intertwined with pop culture. Determined to be a tattoo artist at the age of ten and tattooing professionally since 1967, California native Don Ed Hardy has become one of the world's leading tattoo artists. Inspired by traditional Japanese work, he was instrumental in developing the medium's fine art potential and fueling the late-century international tattoo boom. Tattooing the Invisible Man presents a survey of Hardy's paintings, etchings, lithographs, drawings, photographs, and elaborate tattoos, over 500 color illustrations, most never before published. Chronicling a uniquely extreme self-expression that encompasses Asian aesthetics, Western art history, surfing, hot rod art, and California funk, this exhibition catalogue will appeal to a wide-ranging audience, and will be an important addition to the printed history of the tattoo. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

hardy has done it again
as a tattooist I am always searching for well produced informative works as those in the bodyarts have known for years Don Hardy has always given much to the industry and has done it again the pictorials here are outstanding ( the only reason I did not give this a 5 star rating is I know he do this one better soon ) well worth it's wieght and a sure keeper for the shop library as well ... Read more

Amazon.com

Hollywood, gas stations, and the airbrushed style of commercial graphics figure predominantly in Ed Ruscha's art. One of the first artists to use text and pop imagery in his paintings, he captured the America of Route 66 and the Sunset Strip. Not tied down to painting, he produced books of photographs that catalog life with a dry, deadpan humor, including Thirtyfour Parking Lots, Nine Swimming Pools, and Some Los Angeles Apartments. Ruscha began his artistic endeavors with plans to become a commercial artist. With his 1956 arrival in Los Angeles and its art community, he was fast on his way to becoming a major creative force with a uniquely American perspective.

The publication of Ed Ruscha coincides with the first traveling retrospective of Ruscha's work in nearly 20 years. Launched at the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C., the show covers his illustrious career from the 1960s through the present. If you can't make it to any of the show's other stops--Chicago, Fort Worth, Miami, or Oxford, England--then this book is a must-have. Included are three essays that elaborate on Ruscha's paintings, use of language, and photography in the context of art history by drawing parallels to earlier American painters and the history of documentary photography. Ruscha defies categorization by straddling both pop and conceptual art with his funny, elegant, and thoughtful work. --J.P. Cohen ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Ed Ruscha reviewed by the only correct source
My friend is named Dan and he really likes this book. He first showed it to me outside during recess. We are both only 13 . If I had to chose over either this Ed Ruscha book or a Sega dream cast, playstation 2, alot of chocolate, a gun that looked real but wasn't, but felt real cause it was so heavy, I would choose the gun, probably because I couldn't get a gun now( I am not 21) and because none of my friends have ever seen a gun, it would be cool. But I still would like to flip through this book, but I don't know if I'd buy it, especially with my own money.

RUSCHA IS THE BOMB
YO, IF YOU THINK THAT RUSCHA IS THE BOMB DIGGY, LET ME TELL YOU THAT, YOU ARE CORRECT. THIS BOOK IS THE ILL SPOT ON THE HOT ART MAN. WHAT YOU WANT IS IN THIS BOOK. This book contains detailed critizism and history of Ruscha. In addition, the book pocesses all of Ruscha's most famous paintings. The book is an all around fine package.

an amusing family that will make you cringe
The first time i browsed through this book, i thought Richards family are totally mad.Some of the photos made me feel sick especially the one where Richards mum and dad have spilt gravy down thier tops. I've never seen anything like it in my life. The visions where shocking but i was very hooked by the images, even though they made me cringe. I was interested by all clutter of ornaments and art deco chaotically arranged around the house. Also the kind of food brands they have which are very cheap such as nettos no frills, i found it very interesting to see how a poorer class family lives. Some of the picturs are really disgusting, i mean what is Ray actually doing sitting by the toilet,this book is totally mad so if you have n't seen it yet then you relly should. This is a book not to be missed!

Brilliant
Thought this book was the best I've seen for years. It's refreshing and I love it that he's not one of those patronising usual 90s artists who want to cash in on roughing it. This is real life. I loved his parents and his home. They are real and his photographs are amazing. Liked the mum and puzzle pic, the pic where she's feeding a kitten. REally great. Because they are honest. Make you laugh, make you cry kind of pics.

Smashingly confrontational with humorous grit!
At first I was aghast at this visually unappealing book; it's so raw. Then I took a closer look and realized that it's a courageous, confrontational and visually incredible slice of real life. No Hallmark card whimsy here! I enjoyed Ray's A Laugh because it isn't another glossy coffee table book with which to impress guests, but an often-times unpleasant look at a "real" family. I'm sure many Brits will be offended by this book, which makes it even better knowing that the underbelly of British society is exposed in these gritty and often-repulsive photos. If you want to stimulate conversation, leave this book out and watch the horror on people's faces as they skim the kitchen photographs; you'll never look and canned beans the same way. Not only is Ray a Laugh, but this book is one sick chuckle through & through. Kudos to the publisher who had the spirit and sense of ugliness to have these photographs made public! I plan to give this book as a gift to my friends who can appreciate a "velvet Elvis" or anything off center! ... Read more

Book Description

The Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace Movie Storybook is the definitive souvenir book of the movie Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace. Packed with over 140 big, full-color photographs from the movie, The Phantom Menace Movie Storybook retells the Episode I adventure from beginning to end with easy-to-read text based on the screenplay by George Lucas. Freezing the most thrilling and poignant frames of the movie, this book is the perfect collector's item for young (as well as older!) Star Wars fans. Every saga has a beginning, and The Phantom Menace Movie Storybook will let you relive that beginning over and over again! ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Like watching the film... almost
I say this is WAY BETTER THAN THE NOVEL, you gotta read this if you want to know Lucas's TRUE vision of Episode I; but still the book has some low points however: they could at least improve the paperback quality, and I would had fill it with real screenshots among the storyboards. Besides you can use it to learn more about Lucas's storytelling style: this was written entirely by George Lucas that's why the whimp hollywood critics say that the film has a very chessy dialogue, I partially agree with them, but I still say Lucas is a wonderful storyteller and he deserves more credit, however there are some problems on these writtings that even a man with a big imagination has to deal with: I know that when you write a whole story and you make the dialogue yourself you tend to repeat the same lines again later (ex.: "you assume to much") the Star Wars IV's script has the same problem, good thing Lucas has hired another guy to help him finish the Ep.II script. I definitely liked the way this book is written, and I'm sure the film's dialogue would have been better if some lines of this book were not deleted.

Truly Wonderful...
This is easily the best screenplay I have ever read. George Lucas has done an excellent job making an excellent storyline for the Star Wars universe once again. I saw the movie last Sunday, May 23rd and just got the screenplay today. I also got the book by Terry Brooks before the movie came out. I must say that I really enjoyed the movie, and the screenplay is just as good, really getting you into the storyline. The illustrations are also truly wonderful. This is a must-have for any SW fan. Or anyone who wants a good screenplay to read. I suggest listening to the soundtrack while reading it, and do yourself by seeing the movie first.

Politics, intrigue, and the boy who would be Vader.....
I have been fascinated with screenplays and the art of writing them since I read my first copy of Carol Titleman's The Art of Star Wars, a trade paperback which, along with production paintings, costume designs, photos of models, composites, and storyboards, contained the uncut fourth draft of Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope. (This, by the by, was the first time I saw the new moniker for the film everyone still calls "Star Wars.") In that book, I not only read lines of dialogue and relived some of my favorite movie moments (this was before I owned my first VCR), but I also saw scenes that had been left out of the final film, either left unshot or deleted after filming (such as Han's encounter with Jabba the Hutt.)

Shortly before the premiere of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, I was stunned when I saw The Illustrated Screenplay and Terry Brooks' novelization at my usual bookstore. Lucas had clamped down on the release of the Return of the Jedi novelization 16 years before (to prevent certain plot revelations from getting out too soon), and I had expected him to do the same with The Phantom Menace. Being the dedicated Star Wars fan that I am, I bought both and read them as the soundtrack album played in the background.

The Illustrated Screenplay's version of The Phantom Menace differs somewhat from the finished movie. It is essentially the same, of course, following the Naboo Crisis from the arrival of Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi aboard the Trade Federation flagship to the parade at Theed. However, in an attempt to cut the film's running time to just over two hours, several heavily political scenes set in the Galactic Senate were nixed, which in a way helped the film. Sadly, a few lines which I really liked, including one involving Obi-Wan and a shorted out lightsaber, didn't make it to the finished film. (Other scenes, which were filmed but later deleted, can be read in their entirety and in context; it's up to the reader to decide whether or not deletion was necessary.)

To me, reading the screenplay ahead of the May 19, 1999 premiere enhanced rather than detracted from the enjoyment of the picture. In fact, even while I was watching the much maligned Episode I (I think I am one of only the few non-Lucasfilm-connected persons on Earth who really likes The Phantom Menace) I not only understood what Palpatine was up to, but I could also see parallels between Anakin Skywalker's experiences and his son Luke's in Episode IV (which is set 32 years later).

The storyboards presented in this book are only a fraction of the thousands used during the pre-production stages, yet they give the reader a hint of the film's visual rhythm and energy. They are almost as good as the ones by legendary visual artist Joe Johnston, who worked on the more popular "classic" Star Wars trilogy more than 20 years ago.

For anyone interested in the finer points of screenplay writing and/or the strengths and weaknesses of the prequel saga, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace: The Illustrated Screenplay is a good reference.

Alex Diaz-Granados

very cool for the more hardcore fans.........
First off, I thought the flick was pretty good, though a little too slow in the middle. It needed more action, more depth, less clumsy dialogue, and less kiddie stuff. We all know that now. Okay. With that in mind, the screenplay is great in some parts, and groan out loud bad in others. If you're one of the more forgiving (and less bandwagon-jumping obsessed) hardcore fans, it's a treasure. Even with all it's faults, it's cool to sit down and read how the pieces begin to fall into place. Also, this is an uncut script, so a lot of the deleted stuff you see on the DVD is in here, as is some cut dialogue. Again, I wouldn't advise this for the passive Star Wars fan, but it is a must-have for the REAL (being a relative term, of course) Star Wars fan.

A best bet
If you are willing to buy the TPM screenplay(you can get it for free on the Internet), this is your best bet. It has a selection of the orginal storyboards, cut scenes(this is the uncut screenplay), a introduction by producer Rick Mccalum, and the underwater and battle storyboards in order, kinda like a movie effect. If you like Star Wars, buy this! ... Read more

Book Description

Discofunkalicious

Both eclipsed and influenced by television, American print ads of the 1970s departed from the bold, graphic forms and subtle messages that were typical of their sixties counterparts. More literal, more in-your-face, 70s ads sought to capture the attention of a public accustomed to blaring, to-the-point TV commercials (even VW ads, known for their witty, ironic statements and minimalist designs, lost some of their punch in the 1970s). All was not lost, though; as ads are a sign of the times, racial and ecological awareness crept into everything from cigarette to car advertisements, reminding Americans that everyday products were hip to the modern age. In an attempt to discover how best to communicate with a mass audience, marketing specialists studied focus groups with furious determination, thus producing such dumbed-down gems as "sisters are different from brothers," the slogan used for an African-American hair product. By the end of the decade, however, print ads had begun to recoup, gaining in originality and creativity as they focused on target audiences through carefully chosen placement in smaller publications. A fascinating study of mass culture dissemination in a post-hippie, television-obsessed nation, this weighty volume delivers an exhaustive and nostalgic overview of 70s advertising. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Too recent to be truly memorable.
All-American Ads of the Seventies adds another 702 pages to the 3418 pages in the first four books and only the Ads of the Twenties remains to be published. This latest book is really the weakest of the set though. As editor Jim Heimann explains in his intro, the Seventies print media lacked creative sparkle because television had captured most ad dollars. He also mentions the important point that in the Sixties ad art directors copied a lot of the really great creative stuff shown in the editorial pages of magazines and into the Seventies so much of this input had become everyday. Although he doesn't mention it I think another reason so many of these ads look bland is because they are just not old enough, they have not quite gained a nostalgic or curiosity value.

Still there are some fascinating pages to enjoy, I liked the chapter on Consumer Products with ads for Sony Betamax, Electrophonic turntables, Advent VideoBeam television, Pioneer tape decks, Polaroid Sonar camera, Honeywell slide projector and an IBM Electronic 75 typewriter. All gone to that electronic dustbin in the sky. I thought the classiest ads were in the Business & Industry chapter, some really creative photography and design.

If you lived through the decade you'll find some memory joggers here. As with the four previous books the production is excellent, all the ads have been carefully copied from the originals and no screen clash. ... Read more

Book Description

Graphic Agitation 2 explores graphic protest in the digital age, in particular over the years since the Gulf War. The book deals with a range of protest imagery from hi-tech and low-tech to no-tech and is comprehensively illustrated with images ranging from lollipop wrappers to websites. ... Read more

Book Description

An overview of the life of Herge, Tintin's creator. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Great snakes! A beautiful and enlightening book
I became acquainted with Tintin in second grade, when I discovered a shelf of Children's Digests which ran abridged, black-and-white excerpts of his adventures. The digests were in no particular order, so I found myself reading, for example, a few pages of "The Black Island," then a smattering of "Tintin in the Picaros" followed by the ending of "Cigars of the Pharaohs."

It didn't matter that the bits were all out of sequence and context, I loved Herge's characters and stories. Recently, a couple of decades later, I started recollecting the complete Tintin adventures and stumbled onto "The Tintin Companion" in a local bookstore. It was shrinkwrapped but I took a chance and bought it anyway.

It was definitely worth it. This book gives a great history of Herge and his career and work. It also goes into detail about each of the stories and the inspirations behind the illustrations.

An extremely beautiful, enlightening, well-put-together book. Fans will love it.

For the Tintin fan who has all the books
My family collected Tintin and Asterix books when I was growing up. My parents have a complete set as do several of my sisters. "Tintin: The Complete Companion" was the perfect gift for them.

"The Complete Companion" discusses the political, scientific, and sociological climate present when Herge wrote the Tintin books. It is very satisfactory to read about the state of space travel and to know where Herge was citing research and where he was leaping ahead.

This is not a story book but inquisitive minds from 8-88 will enjoy it.

Read this and enjoy Tintin even more
In Tintin: The Complete Companion Michael Farr takes the reader on a trip from the early beginnings of Tintin in The Land of the Soviets to the final and unfinished album of the Alpha-Art. With a contagious enthusiasm Farr describes the creation phase of every album and reveals some remarkable trivia you would normally miss while reading Hergé's masterpieces.

It is refreshing to see how thoroughly Hergé documented himself before letting Tintin loose on yet another adventure. A lot of this documentation is reproduced in this book together with the final drawings, so you quickly get a feel of professionalism Hergé showed in all of his work. This is clearly the main team of this companion.

While guiding the reader through the complete works, Farr does not neglect to describe some of the personal problems Hergé had to deal with during his career. Although Farr gives most of the time his personal view on topics such as Hergé working for a newspaper led by Nazis during the occupation of Belgium and the break-up of Hergé's marriage, the author still gives the readers enough room for their own opinions. The sometimes quite remarkable links between the unpleasant episodes in the life of Hergé and the fantastic adventures Tintin and his elaborate entourage are getting into, can only give the reader more respect for one of the most important European cartoonists of the previous century.

This book is a must have for every Tintin-fan.

Everything about Tintin and Herge I didnt know I didnt know.
I always liked Tintin as a kid, but never appreciated the amount of work that went into the creation of the books. Herge based several drawings on real photographs, some of the originals are here. I also used to think that translating the books into different languages was just