The author takes on a difficult task and fulfills it beyond expectation. It allows the modern reader insight into the workshop and world of all the artists discussed, from the modest presentation of the artist as a member of the mourners at the Crucifixion to the self-conscious, presentation of the artist as a courtier. All those who have ever transformed themselves before a mirror will learn something about the art of self-imaging. The author places the artists in their time and place, yet relates all those who, sharing the constraints of patronage, took liberties in the privacy of their studios when they put their own features on canvas. The artists could then appear, not only as they were, but as they wished to be seen. From self-revelation to self-marketing, we are able to follow the process of creation from preliminary drawings to engraved reproductions. The book leaves room to browse among many diverse painters, male and female, or to read in depth about one's favorites - whether Artemisia Gentileschi or Raphael, or many less well known. Even though the text is filled with erudite scholarly information, the author never condescends to her readership but writes clearly and simply. The plates are beautifully printed( a rarity in solid - non coffee table - art books) and the text legible. A book which blows away myths to reveal the motivations of the status conscious artist, ever seeking immortality. Recommended for those who want to find out 'why' it was painted as well as 'how'. A revelation of the multiplicity of our potential selves and the multiple strategies used to visualize each of them in the Renaissance. A book that should appeal not only to art historians but painters and advertising executives, corporate imagers and fashion consultant, poets and narcissists alike.

As someone who works privately with dissertation students, I recommend this book. When students in the business and management contact me, I recommend that they use this book as reference. The authors anticipate and answer many of the questions that students have about dissertations in business and management.

Eric Sloane has established himself as an authority of Early Americana. This book explains some of the (almost) lost traditions and uses associated with the forests and trees that America was built from. Through his narrative of taking down an old barn, Sloane explains many of the old methods of construction, tool making and the uses of various types of wood. This book helps preserve some of the folklore as well as the intricate knowledge of wood from a time when trees were more than just landscape amenities.

Sexy adventurer Riley Walker had vowed to protect Abigail Dennison with every breath in his body. And when Abigail got herself into trouble, Riley was right there by her side. Now she was engaged in a perilous struggle that would determine the fate of her life...and their love.

A great addition to a 6th grade social studies library or a 6th grade student's personal collection. The book has many very detailed and highly interesting illustrations that are suplemented by easily-read descriptive text. This book is age appropriate (11-12 years) and does not contain material that parents would find to be objectionable.

Ron Archer is a true believer, and it shows. For all the hucksters peddling their own versions of convivial redemption in the workplace, occasionally the real McCoy comes along.

Mr. Archer lays out the challenges awaiting team-directed managers with evangelistic fervor and delphic clarity. It's the next best thing to sitting around the author's den.

Stephen Sartarelli is one of the best of the contemporary poets with an ability to weave word images that are lyrical landscapes of the human imagination and experience. This slender volume of poetry is arranged in sections: Natura Morta; That Land; The Well; The Runaway Woods; The Circles; and Openwork.

It is a great injustice that The Sacred Wood, which ranks amongthe greatest works of literary criticism, has fallen out ofprint...

These essays reveal Eliot's mastery of language. While writing on subjects as abstruse as the blank verse of Christopher Marlowe, Eliot maintains supreme eloquence, never stumbling or descending into awkwardness. Moreover, Eliot has managed to keep his subject matter--which at times is quite obscure--very accessible, comprehensible to anyone willing to make the effort to finish any given essay.

What sets apart Eliot's essays, however, is neither their eloquence nor their accessibility. Rather, it is that Eliot exemplifies the form that good literary criticism should take. Today's literary criticism is largely descriptive, doing little more than dissecting works and analyzing them. Eliot's criticism is critical--he takes a prominent, and extremely complex literary work or trend, and renders a cogent, logical verdict on it. Eliot is not afraid to lambast the staples of the Western literary pantheon. He almost convinces the reader that Hamlet is a bad play. This is criticism as it should be.

This is a gorgeous book with amazing glossy pictures on every page.

After a visit to Santa Fe I got this book for my Mother. I thought that it would be a lovely Mother's Day gift.

There are 240 pages- and page 241 through 248 is the Santa Fe Directory.
Included in the directory are all types of companies relating to the home- and their addresses and phone numbers-such as: Adobe and Construction Companies, fireplace companies, wood product companies, decorative details, antique door companies, lighting companies, tile companies, and so on. Also in an index of Santa Fe bookshops, Santa Fe food stores, and Santa Fe plants and pots stores.
And 7 home preservation organizations are listed- with their address and phone numbers.

The chapters are divided into 4 categories: Earth, Fire, Water and Air.

In the Earth section:

Color: Native colors of the Earth
Season: Winter
Place: Pueblo
Rooms: Entryways and Salas
Collecting: Native American Art

In the Fire section:

Color: Santa Fe Red
Season: Fall/ Harvest
Place: The Hearth
RRooms: Kitchens and Dining Rooms
Collecting: Devotional Art

In the Water section:
Color: Taos Blue
Season: Spring
Place: Rivers and Acequias
Rooms: Bedrooms and Baths
Collecting: Ethnic Arts

In the Air section:
Color: Pink
Season: Summer
Place: Gardens
Rooms: Portals and Courtyards
Collecting: Garden Art

Within these categories are gorgeous photos of each type of theme. Fountains are one of the items featured in the water section.
Pictures of beautiful interior Santa Fe fireplaces are featured in the fire section, and so on.

I highly recommend this book. It is a lovely big coffee table book with incredible photos.

My daughter wore the pages off this book as a toddler. It is fun and interactive. I am purchasing a book for my 2 year old nephew and another copy for our home. This is a great gift book for your child or grandchild.