Outstanding work, full of inspiration (Dover has the right version!)
931557
If you are a biologist, or just interested in life or earth sciences, this book will certainly provide many hours of inspiration and awe for you. Some (but not all) concepts and theories discussed in the book are dated but this text is not something you will read to gain knowledge on state-of-the-art theories, but inspiration and more importantly, lessons on how to think properly. Thompson is also a great writer and his prose is delightful. Look carefully to get the Dover unabridged edition (ISBN 0486671356). Last, but not least, the price is right!
3108364
This book is a wonderful source of inspiration for architects, artists, landscape architects and for any creative person. The book took me back to my architecture school days, when one would seek inspiration at the library or the bookstore, not on the Web. Land Art was high on our list of inspirational foods, and works like Spiral Jetty by Robert Smithson were the highest expresion of creative freedom for those of us bound by the pragmatism of buildings. In today's world of internet-instant-gratification, this book stands as a powerful document capable of stimulating our creative juices. I highly recommended.
4325084
To Philip and Alex's Guide to Web Publishing, I learn of this new chapter in Mr. Greenspun's (et al) effort to encourage the Web to be all it can be. This volume is plainly a text book, designed as a practicum, and with its completion my understanding of how to achieve what's possible now and conjure the future of the Web will be greatly furthered. I'm finding it inspirational in the process of designing; expand your dream's horizons!
4743172
If you are involved in a website project, in any capacity, this book is solid gold. Don't let the erroneous poor reviews dissuade you. This is not a flashy portfolio of website 'styles.' This is the Strunk and White of the Web. Like Strunk and White's Elements of Style, the down to earth facts, and dry practical advice, might be a bit hard to swallow. But the bitter medicine will do you good, and increase the success of your web projects many-fold.

The author rightly points out that because the web is a different medium, many of the old standards of print don't always apply. However, this is not occasion to throw the baby out with the bathwater. A new set of standards and practices that are largely informed by the tradition of print style are required for the web. "Web Style Guide" is a well executed formulation of the state of this art. You might find that it's a little bit dated, e.g. discussion about how often people print pages. However, the perspective was instructive for me, and also served as a reminder of where some people are at, still. I can't wait for the 4th edition.

This is not a book specifically for designers. In fact, a significant portion of the book is devoted to the process, planning, and team building that goes into website projects. I wish that some of my team members on previous projects had read this book!
490616
Excellent, extended presentation of interactive workshops of "seeing" your own nature directly (edited as one continuing session), in the tradition of  Douglas Harding, with an aliveness and spontaneity that flies off the page and pulls the reader in.  Because these are transcripts, readers can  do many of the "experiments"  themselves as they read--a hallmark of Harding's approach--and can relate to the questions and reactions of those who were actually present.  Honestly, these exercises are so simple and direct, so instantaneous, and above all so effective--asking only an open-minded, receptive attitude on the participants'  part--it is amazing to me that this approach is not more widely known and, well, celebrated. Richard Lang seems to guide and orchestrate the workshops with true joy, and you can feel  the delight spreading to the participants and to the reader!  For folks who are truly interested in discovering "who they really are,"  including  those involved with non-dual traditions and direct perception teachings, and for anyone who has previously encountered Douglas Harding's work--or has experienced a "headless" workshop--I would give this valuable book my highest recommendation.
4319542
I seldom buy books new, full priced. I'm far too cheap for that (and besides, I'd rather spend my money on yarn or fiber!). But I am SO very glad I splurged on this one and pre-ordered it so I'd get it as soon as it came out.

It is an incredible resource for weavers. Each of the patterns is accompanied by a sharp photo of the sample, with "close up" views of many. The directions are clear and in keeping with standard Interweave publications (as in Handwoven). There are short but valuable chapters on general weaving, supplies, yarns, etc., although the emphasis -- and the value -- is on the patterns.

I've been a weaver for about 20 years and I own a fairly substantial library of weaving books and have owned, at one time or another, nearly every issue of Handwoven and Weaver's Journal magazines. Yet there were still many patterns in this book I do not think I've ever seen.

The patterns are categorized by types, from simple tabby and twills to complex distorted weft , bronson and even hand manipulated weaves. All are threaded for a four-shaft loom. See "customer images" under the photo above for a scan of a sample page.

The physical layout and design of the book is excellent as well. With the heavy duty spiral binding, it lays flat for easy reference and there is even a pull out "flap" in the back with the "legend" for the patterns, so you don't have to flip back and forth to figure out the drafts (although they're very intuitive and standard).

This book should serve me well for my next 20 years of weaving, which means it will cost me slightly more than a buck a year! That's an investment well worth making.
4548814
I couldn't even FIND some of the Greek and Latin texts Oman references, though one (which he says was only ever printed once, in the 17th century) could be easily found in modern translation on Amazon along with another.  So, what?  He read them in the original, and goes on with his commentary from there.

Oman does have a few choice remarks as to the faulty Latin grammar used in the later Byzantine era, which he then corrects and determines the sense that was really meant. Quite a few phrases are just inserted as is in Greek, as well.

The author was definitely writing for posterity, here, not only for us in the 21st century, but for those who will come after.  This book is lively, entertaining, and above all insightful.  He makes every effort to present the high points of the subject matter backed up by the most meaningful examples he can find.  And it is constantly brought home to the reader that Oman really KNOWS his material because he has studied it in depth and at length.

This e-book is extremely well executed, with linked footnotes by chapter, and easily zoomed hi-res illustrations from the original.  I did find one typo, in punctuation.  It was probably there In the original.
1274471
I am not the sort to seek out the self-help primer.  I'd rather read other literary offering from mystery/political intrigue (ala Baldachi or S.Hunter)to rapidly expanding, neuroscience discovery (say, J. Le Doux or E. Kandel). Nonetheless, I am grateful for the Dayhoff and Dyment text at several levels. First, wrestling with their text took me back to treasured graduate school days of exciting discussion/debate, round table seminars. How I miss that 'ivory tower' experience. Second, reading 'Fire' served as needed kick in the pants. I had been avoiding medical tests (blood glucose) for my pre-diabetic condition; reading Dayhoff and Dyment, I refused continued obedience to my internal 'catastrophic muse' (denial)and took the tests. (The anticipated horror evaporated with surpise/delight, when results returned.) Just one other recent illustration of 'Fire Your Excuses' impact involves my singing. Through the years, I have served as 'back up singer' for any number of vocal icons, e.g. Johnny Mathis, Elvis Presley, Il Divo, Vic Damone -- accompanying each as their music streamed in my car, from CD's past to Sirius XM present. Thanks to that 'kick' from Dayhoff and Dyment, I am now taking voice lessons, looking forward to solo singing sans crippling stage fright, and, most of all, loving it. Finally, although I believe that 'Fire Your Excuses'  is a reference best suited for those comfortably compulsive or those who function optimally in social support community, it has value for most everyone. Of the latter, I would say that I am good example.
299753
This is by far the best introductory book I have seen so far. It is very concise and thorough. There are no flashy pictures or cool sidenotes with the practical applications of the concepts. But the basic concepts are very well explained with lots of helpful diagrams. Also, the price of the book is very good. Hooray for Dover Publications for publishing this masterpiece as such reasonable price!
910957
Again, the Dover series comes to my rescue.

As warm-up to tackling Thorne and Blandfords magnum opus, Modern Classical Physics, I went back deep into my basement book shelves and found this 1961 edition of Professor Menzels book.

It is difficult to beat this book as a review text. I have not used this substance since college days, and yet, here it is so clear that it is like learning all over again, but much easier than the first time. Being wiser and more well-read is actually a time-saving bonus, as I can pickup where I left off 50+ years ago without missing a beat.

The Calculus and even Vector Analysis is now like background information, as well it should be. But what especially impressed me is the ease with which a reader can see how these concepts fix together across disparate disciplines and thus can be generalized across them, especially across mechanics. As it turns out, generalizations across mechanics is exactly what Thorne and Blandford set out to do in their book, but at a much higher (and arguably) a more modern level.

I could not be happier with a fuller understanding of all the concepts I struggled with when I originally studied topics like the Curl, gradient, Greens and Stokes theorems, etc a half century ago.

The explanations here are so clean and clear that it makes re-learning painless.  Five stars
2188453
The New Secrets of Charisma is, in addition to being a warm and reassuring hug, a truly masterful work.  Have you ever watched a movie from the Golden Age of Hollywood and wondered what elements and specific skills made the stars of that era so irresistibly radiant and appealing?  The techniques that underlie that charisma can be learned, and this book will prove it to you one chapter at a time.

Some of my favorite charismacizes are The Magic Breath Exercise, The Great Wow, The Golden Light, The I Don't Care Swing, The Pleasure Checklist, and the Anti-Judgmental Notebook.  That, of course, does not include the various visualizations, all of which are amazing.  For an ongoing, unfair advantage over the rest of the world, I use The Big Balloon -- that is, breathing less than seven times per minute, which I've managed to get even lower with the help of The Magic Breath.  Maybe it is the underlying philosophy of this book that is so appealing, which is that "The best work is accomplished in a spirit of eager play."  I owe endless thanks to The New Charisma for introducing me to the human potential movement via its references to other works such as "Superlearning" and "Bodymind."

Although other authors and speakers have appeared on the landscape, such as Tony Robbins and whoever else has come and gone, none have had a message as authentic, holistic, and just plain spot-on as The New Charisma.  The book is extremely enjoyable yet it equips an individual with tools to deal with the toughest, bare knuckle, real-life situations anyone is likely to confront, with unflappable grace.  I discovered The New Charisma at a time when I was under tremendous stress at a miserable job, and reading it was like coming home.  Life suddenly turned into a beautiful, sunny, perfect Saturday afternoon where all was right with the world -- and I could connect with people in a way that was natural, fun, mutually beneficial and extremely effective.  Part of the secret of charisma is that your own enjoyment of life is infectious to others.  Dr. Lang will add so much pleasure and dimension to your experience that the change will be akin to switching from an old black and white TV with an earplug, to a state of the art theater with stereo surround sound.

If you value living a rich, rewarding life, you simply cannot afford not to read this book.
1008239
A magnificent and magisterial piece of work. Bartlett has gathered his potent and provocative insights into a systematic whole: his "Seven Stories" provide the framework for this 'catechism'; the biblical text as a whole provides the raw material. The outworking is crisp, clear, comprehensive - and eminently comprehensible. The book also benefits from superb graphic design: color, form, and composition do not merely decorate, they elicit and explicate the substance. The finished product enlivens, as well as clarifies the content, continually inviting one to engage and re-engage with the text. Bartlett has done the Church a great service, and we are in his debt.
1632372
I have access to thousands of models, much more than I can ever fold. When I buy an origami book, it will never be for more of them, but to get some added value. I am an origami creator and artist, and what I look for in a book is deeper then its diagrams. I look for inspiration, a new understanding and insight.
From Angelfish to Zen (AKA Folding The Universe) was the most influential origami book I ever had, and seeing there is a sequel (in a way) to this one, it immediately become a must have. I was not disappointed. Although it is shorter than I like it to be, the odyssey Mr. Engel is telling from a mature point of view touched my soul and mind. I, for example, also love classical Indian music but never considered it as a source for origami creations. I was fascinated to read and compare his journey to my own, and to realize I have so much more to learn - I am inspired. Do I need more from a book?
3487545
Admittedly, after a while the mandalas all seemed pretty similar, but yes they are intracite and yes they are awesome. I've printed off copies of them for my entire school and they are raving about it! (I finally gave them the book. I and am ordering more) I highly recomend the other dover books like this and other books like it in general.
914964
Wow. Krystal Whitten, Im blown away.

What youve done with this book is amazing.

I devoured your book in one night and came away with such creative encouragement and new ideas for a commissioned piece Im working on.

Now, Im excited to go through each section and do the exercises and projects. :)

This book is of such amazing high quality. It has full-color pages and excellent instructions. Inspirational too.

I highly recommend it and the corresponding journal:&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Faith-Lettering-Journal-Deluxe-Signature-Journal-Deluxe-Signature-Journals/dp/1633261824/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Faith & Lettering Journal (Deluxe Signature Journal) (Deluxe Signature Journals)</a>
837000
This book serves as a constant source of inspiration. It contains many samples of excellent design work. The book is split up into five sections: Posters, Editorial Designs, CD & Music Graphics, Brochures and Business Collateral so you can find the kind of work you want to see quickly. The work is inspiring and one of the greatest features is the information provided on each piece of artwork. The book lists the size, colors, clients, artists/designers, and the fonts used in the piece. I am always curious to see which fonts are used by other designers and this book provides that. I love this feature! If you see a font you like you can then hunt it down and buy it. Very cool. Very useful.
2416277
This book is a treasure for anyone who loves beautiful, readable text; you need not be a professional typographer to enjoy and benefit from it.  Though I rate as an amateur (in the sense of one who does a thing for the love of it, rather than for pay) in document design and calligraphy, I design software and web content for a living.  I found Bringhurst's book to be a thoroughly useful and inspiring source and resource, and can recommend it without qualification to all my IT and web design collegues.