There are a number of guides to the zone system and many have something to offer. The Zone System Craftbook (paperback) by J.C. Woods is one of the best. Much of the book is relatively elementary in the sense that people who know the zone system will find it light (but still worthwhile) reading - e.g. zones, zone relationships, placing gray tones, moving them, expansion, contraction, contrast, etc., etc.. The discussion of expansion and contraction is particularly picturesque and transparent. People who are learning the system will find very few books that are clearer. Wood's book has a modest number of illustrations, but they are entirely adequate to support the presentation. What this book does very well is cover the subject in extremely practical terms that can be immediately put into practice. Much of the presentation is not technical and it is unencumbered by elaborate details of testing or sensitometry. But, for those who wish to refine their technique, later chapters are devoted to a detailed approach to testing and calibration, with and without the use of a densitometer. The books will be very useful to people who are refining their use of the zone system as well as to folks who elect not to delve into a high level of perfection with technique. All in all, if you are interested in learning about the zone system, this is a book you will be very glad you decided to buy. There are others, of course. The Ansel Adams Guides (books 1 and 2) by John Schaefer are also well-written and really loaded with illustrations and useful information. They are much bigger than the book by Woods. Out of print now but also excellent is Schaefer's earlier (paperback) book, How to Use the Zone System for Black and White Photography.

It's the best zone system book that has been written so far. It is interesting and very easy to read. It doesn't get bogged down in useless information that fills up so many other books. It's concise and accurate. If you're serious about photography in the least, it's a required reading. It's a must for anybody who cares about his/her photography, unless you're Ansel Adams.

I loved this book. I was so stuck on what to do for my HS research project, and then i read this book, and i was flooded with ideas. And suddenly i had all these ideas to pick and choose from, and has saved me A LOT of frustration since then. If i could give this book 6 stars, i would. It's absolutely perfect for any student to read through. Get it!

For those carvers who cannot get enough patterns for Christmas carvings, I wrote this book just for you. I designed it to be easy enough for a beginner to complete the project, and challenging enough for advanced carvers to add their own interpretations to the patterns. I have tried to provide as much information as possible regarding the type of tools to use, when to use them, and paint colors to use to finish the project.

This book was writen for those carvers who can't get enough cowboy patterns to fill their needs. One gunfighter is carved and painted in step-by-step detail, and patterns are provided for 24 more, using the same techniques as those presented in the photo project.

If you're looking to carve some of the wee people, then here is your book. One leprechaun is carved step by step, then painted. Patterns for 24 more are provided so you can make a whole leprechaun colony, if the mood strikes you. Lots of photos, and plenty of information about carving tools required and suggested paint colors.

Inspirational. Covers a wide range of subjects in detail not found easily else where. For example, as well as discussing techniques, tools and materials used in each area, details are also given for suppliers of many of the materials mentioned. Most chapters have colour photo step-by-step demonstations of the basic techniques under discussion and each chapter is also accompanied by fabulous photos of various illustrators work in the subject area. There is also an extremely helpful chapter on photographing your "illustration/artwork".

I particularly enjoyed the chapters on paper and fabric, and in regard to the fabric info, would recommend this book to cloth doll makers. There are many useful hints, wonderful photos AND a demo of Lisa Lichtenfels "creation" process of her Bette Midler piece. Ellen Rixford also discusses and demo's her techniques, which are equally exciting.

Although my interests lie with fabrics, I thoroughly enjoyed this book as a whole, and would now have a go at a number of the other techniques detailed. With the fantastic colour photos through out the book, I still re-read this book regularly, if not for inspiration, just for pure enjoyment!!

A great buy! One of those book you will always keep!

40 O'Carolan Tunes for All Harps by Sylvia Woods.

If you have Sylvia's Teach Yourself Book, or are planning to get it, then this book is a natural to follow. The arrangements of 40 of O'Carolan's more popular harp tunes are on two levels so that the book can be used by players of different proficiencies. I was fortunate to have had access to Sylvia's books early in my learning to play the harp and I still play many of the pieces in this book on a regular basis.. Although Turlough O'Carolan lived in another era (1670-1738) he wrote much of the music played by Irish musicians today. The favorites in this book will delight you!

50 Christmas Carols for All Harps by Sylvia Woods.

This is one of the first books I purchased, of the many books by Sylvia Woods, and it is a constant favorite. Every carol I have ever sung is in this book . All of the pieces are beautifully arranged and playable by everyone because there is both an easy and an advanced arrangement. Friends and I play these two versions as duets during the Christmas season. This book is a must for all harp players and will bring you and your listeners a lot of JOY!

Yes, there are OTHER tunes a folk harper can play! While the focus of the past ten years has been on Irish music, Sylvia Woods reminds us that celtic-type harps originated in Scotland and were played there in antiquity.

The book has about 50 tunes, each one arranged for a beginner and also for more experienced players. So, you can choose the level at which you are most comfortable without worrying that the knowledge and technique required to play the tune (slides, glissandos, cross-overs/unders, etc) will prevent you from playing it well.

My goal is to learn all of the easy arrangements and then progress to the more difficult ones.

Sylvia Woods has ferreted out a great selection of old tunes from Scotland (many from Robert Burns) as an alterative to Irish music. A great book to have, if only to remind yourself that the harp has been played for hundreds of years in other countries as well as Ireland! Also, it's nice to be able to play something unexpected, if you play for others.

76 Disney Songs for the Harp by Sylvia Woods.

Lever and pedal harp players will find many favorites in this book of Disney Songs by Sylvia Woods. I have been playing the harp for 14 years and find these pieces challenging and very rewarding once mastered. As I reviewed the 76 titles included in the book it brought back memories of my childhood. The songs are grouped by decade starting with beautifully arranged pieces from Snow White ( the 30's) and concluding with Beauty and the Beast ( the 90"s). I have yet to find a book of harp pieces arranged by Sylvia Woods that does not touch the heart.