The paperback edition is unbelievably priced at less than $20 for 584 pages of high quality paper with every photo printed in full color. The editorial reviews says it all. But I just wanted to add that looking at the diversity of artifacts (many of which look surprisingly strange) in the early periods of China's history further I'm further convinced that the modern Han people came from the merging of many ancient cultures.

This book is a walk down memory lane for the Baby Boomer generation. I can't tell you the fun I had doing the research! Here presented in color are the dolls that were cherished from 1946-1964, often considered the Golden Age of collectible dolls. If you like vintage dolls and those who loved them, then this is the book for you! A. Glenn Mandeville

whether you enjoy the actual history of manuscript painting or viewing the magnificent works themselvs, this high quality publication is a must have.it would make a cherished gift for the bibliophile, artist, or historian in your life. the manuscripts are magnificently reproduced in both color and black and white. Their detail and vibrance are astounding; having personally viewed several of these manuscripts i have to say that i was impressed with the quality and detail of the plates.120 in color,162 b&w illustrations. each section is maticulously documented, historically and technicaly. this book gives a nice overview of each piece or collection of pieces in a concise, well organized form.it will make a cherished addition to any collection.

The Golden Age of Ironwork by Henry Jonas Magaziner

Reviewed by Chuck Hamsa

I have been fortunate enough to get my hands on a copy of the latest book from SkipJack Press, and, as usual, publisher Jack Andrews has made a significant contribution to the world of architectural ironwork with the publication of this book. It examines ironwork from a unique perspective. It's about a specific place: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and a specific time - roughly 1840 to 1930. However, it is not about a specific technique. There is a lot about cast iron in this book as well as forged iron. It's more about the context in which architectural iron was used, both cast and wrought, and how examples of the iron worked with the houses and buildings where it was place.

Before reading this book, I looked down on cast iron as a poor substitute for blacksmithing. In today's world, that opinion may be debatable, but after heading this book I've changed my views. I will never look at cast iron the same way again. The examples of early iron casting shown in this book are works of art in the truest sense. Throughout the book examples of how the ironwork enhances and supports the architecture, both cast iron and wrought iron, and why the iron works. For example, the author examines the symbolism found in a cemetery gate detail, complete with cast weeping willow tree, doves and lambs, and explains that it was used as a typical Victorian image for the grief of family members.

The information about casting is most interesting; at the same time, there is no shortage of wrought iron examples here. Many photographs of Yellin's work in Philadelphia are included which is logical, since Philadelphia was the home of Yellin's Arch Street studio for so many years. There are many examples of railings and gates by other unknown blacksmiths as well, all in high-quality images by photographer Robert Golding. The 168 photographs are logically catalogued in the back of the book There is also a glossary; the book's research is documented with references, a bibliography is given, and it is indexed. These details help the book serve as a valuable research tool.

I can strongly recommend this book; the approach is unique, the commentary informed and the examples are beautiful. It would make a wonderful present for someone whose interests lie in the field of ironwork.

This book is really good. It has great pictures, and it really illustrates what jazz is like. If you are a jazz fan, this is the book to get!!!

This book is clearly written and profusely illustrated with many wonderful examples of Persian art at it's best. Ms. Canby does an amazing job of providing a good historical , as well as art historical, foundation for the reader. In these difficult times, it's very worthwhile to be reminded that Islam has produced much sublime beauty. As an artist, I value this book both as a historical document and as an inspiration for my studio work.

The Greatest Covers of Action Comics from the 30's to the 50's is a must have for any Superman fan interested in learning about the man of steels early adventures. Although you do not get to actually read these hard to find comics the covers alone are enough to stimulate the imagination and give a good idea of the man of steels past. For anyone else that loved this book I would also recommend The Silver Age of Superman

The is the English version of Ferrer's "El Siglo de Oro de Tango". He categorized the hundred years of tango history into 8 periods, from the genesis of tango, through the development of various "orquestas tipicas", to the modernization of the music and the current popularity of its music and dance. Each period and its prominent musicians and poets were nicely described and at the end of each period, Ferrer listed the major compositions of that time. Some of these lists seem somewhat tedious for leisure reading, but they are very useful if you want to look up some particular information.

The book is also beautifully illustrated with vintage photographs of the major orchestras and dancers as well as the wonderfully decorated covers of the sheet music. If you are interested in the history of tango music, this is a very good introduction and reference. This is particularly true for people who can't read Spanish fluently. Yes, it took me almost 3 months to receive my copy. But it is well worth it!

Finally, just a brief biographic note on Horacio Ferrer. He was the lyricist for Astor Piazzolla for a very long time. His most famous lyrics included "balada para un loco", "Chiquilin de bachin", and "Maria de Buenos Aires" (an operita). He is currently one of the foremost tango scholars (among others such as Jose Gobello, Maria Susana Azzi, and Simon Collier).

The popularity of the modern day Starman comic has prompted DC to publish a Starman Archive Edition ahead of many other books we might have expected, e.g. Dr. Fate or Spectre. The modern-day Starman is the son of the 1940s hero, who is the (ahem) star of this collection. The book is steeped in the tradition of the Golden Age of Comic Books. Collectors and others who obsess about DC comic continuity will find this volume indispensable. The less fanatic will just find it is a sensational read.

I have owned my copy of this book for many years, for the simple reason that the illustrations in it are all beautifully reproduced samples of what is justifiably seen as a golden age in illuminated manuscript painting c1380-1420.

The book starts with an introduction into the various artists and their techniques and their patrons. This is followed up by full page reproductions, mostly of "carpet pages" from various manuscripts. This includes books such as: - The Bodmer Hours, The Visconti Hours, The Bible of King Wenceslas, The Psalter of Jean De Berry, The Belles Heures of Jean De Berry, The Boucicaut Hours and The Rohan Hours as a small sample.

The plates are beautiful reproductions, with gold in used to highlight various manuscripts. However, luckily, it has not been so heavily printed as to obscure detail. For an overall purely visual look of the range and beauty of manuscripts of this period this book is hard to beat.