A Privilege to Explore and Well Worth the Price
340192
I should think all literary enthusiasts would revel in the chance to see what lurks in the dark depths of a briliant writer's mind, especially this one's. I certainly did. I love every tiny two-page weirdness as much as the compelling characters and engaging plots of the longer pieces. It is by delving into each that I get a privileged glimpse into so many influences, experiences, and thought processes revealing much of the soul of this artist. What a rare treat. I could never summon the courage to expose my writing to this extent, but I applaud the publication of this collection and believe it would make for a marvelous study in a MFA literature course. Weirdness and genius go hand-in-hand, and serve to move us forward in expression and understanding. The genres used are definitive, but are played out to ride the edges and I like that. Well worth the cost of the book, and I will seek out a hardcover for my daughter.
1401708
This 3-disk DVD set is definitely worth every penny.  The knowledge contained in these disks is not only fascinating, but oftentimes entertaining and awe-inspiring.  I challenge anyone to get through this series without an "ooh" an "ah" or a "WOW".  The footage is gorgeously shot and the special effects beautifully rendered, and though some bits repeat a few times (I believe the animation of the big bang is shown at least once in every episode), none of it really detracts.  In fact, it often gives a bit of breathing room, where you can sit and absorb the new things you've just been shown.  Both the presenter and the professionals he speaks to on the show have a lot of knowledge to offer, and I doubt there are many people who will watch this program without learning at least one thing.

Professor Brian Cox is an excellent presenter.  As many have said before me, he puts everything in language that's easy to understand, without being the least bit condescending.  He's genuinely, contagiously excited about the material he's presenting, almost always with a nearly childlike grin plastered onto his face.  On top of this, he's charismatic, and often quite funny.  This makes the program feel less like a classroom than it does a journey of discovery.

I was also pleasantly surprised to find that the third disk contains Prof. Cox's two HORIZON specials, "What on Earth is Wrong With Gravity?" and "Do You Know What Time It Is?"  Though there are no other special features on the disks (No behind-the scenes or deleted footage to be found), these specials bring the amount of material on the disks to about 7 hours.  I'm definitely not complaining, as this is quite a bit of footage for the price.  (Edit: I had miscalculated, originally.  The specials were marked into 4 scenes each, and as this was not in a separate scene selection menu, I thought the specials were each 4 episodes.  However, each special is about an hour long, and the menu is for the different scenes.)

Put all of this together, and you have a series that's not only valuable in the amount of material in comparison with the price, but in the value of the material itself.
2301995
This is a delightful collection of essays written by a diverse group of writers who share an obvious and contagious affection for Kyoto. Each essay evokes the sights, sounds, and emotions of a cityscape embedded with over a millennium of history as Japan's cultural and religious capital. We read of the modern as well and are reminder by the volume's "Deep" editor that Kyoto's charm lies in its deft straddling of the ancient and contemporary. I couldn't agree more and found Mr Lambe's essay most evocative.

This collection might not be for everyone. It's not, after all, a full fledged tour guide, nor is it an example of traditional travel writing. And yet, for anyone who's spent any time at all living in Kyoto and for whom the city holds a special place in their hearts, it will be a powerful journey down memory lane. As for me, it was deeply moving and at times, a little tear jerking.
3078143
This book is a treasure.  It's not an 'easy read', as the authors discuss in-depth concepts as far-flung as Art, the Divine, the Creative, energy and All That Is.  It's not a book to be read in a single sitting, though you might find yourself leafing through to see more of the evocative art contained within the covers.

A slim, but illuminating book, the pages are filled with thoughts on using one's own perspective as the basis for a piece of work - assemblage, in this case - and allowing the piece to evolve as it will.  The authors both indicated that often, they had no idea where a piece would take them - they were just trying to keep up, and stay 'on' for the ride.

The observations concerning individual pieces were interesting, but what drew me in was the discussion of the genesis of the work of assemblage.  Allowing the use of certain elements because 'they wanted to be there'-type of thinking, without knowing, or needing to know, the end thrust of a piece before its creation.  The idea of allowing individual pieces to become a group was fascinating to me.

While not couched in traditional layman's terms, the ideas presented are readily grasped - though I found myself going back to certain passages for more insight, at times, and finding something I missed upon first reading.

In all, this is an elegant, somewhat-formal presentation of a pair of authors' art works, their approach towards art, and the tools they have chosen to bring their thoughts and deepest emotions to a physical reality.  There were playful images, and thoughtful discussion as to the effect the work had on the two individuals creating it.

This is a valuable addition to one's art-related library, and well worth the purchase price, as it serves to transport the reader into realms they might not have explored on their own.
4123957
Have you ever put off buying a book that at the time you could get for a fairly reasonable price, only to find out a year later, that there are only 8 copies left on Amazon, and the price has dramatically skyrocketed ?  This is a very elegant book from Assouline, with a nice large format, certainly up to the usual Assouline high quality standards. I was so impressed with this volume on private art travel, that I grabbed it. It is very sumptuous and there is so much to see here!  I would strongly suggest spending $100 or so now, because I have a gut feeling "The Art of Flying" will become quite scarce in the near future. For example I procrastinated whether to buy the gorgeous book "French Riviera in the 1920s" also by Assouline, for well over a year, and now that book is OOP and looking recently I see that book is available starting around 1K on Amazon !!!
3201191
This book is elegant in its design, photography, and commentary.  As the reader travels through the stunningly beautiful pages, one experiences the serenity that transfuses Watson's work be it in Sweden, the Hamptons, Mexico, or elsewhere. Each room is a unique canvas and yet, Watson's essence is unmistakably present in each and every one. If you have had the opportunity to be invited into one of these remarkable interiors, as we have, you are among the privileged who understand the transcendence that Watson's classic designs produce in the soul. That feeling is exquisitely communicated within the pages of this book.
983157
Each page of On Rare Birds has been for me an act of discovery.  Whether learning about the life and struggle for existence of rare birds or gazing upon the many 19th c paintings depicting them, I have savored each page.

Originally written in German and translated by Gerald Chapple with input from the author, Anita Albus, as well as others, I have yet to feel like I'm reading a translation.  Aside from the translation, the stories themselves have been captivating and truly give one a sense of what it was like to experience these wonderful creatures as many first hand accounts are included.

What is perhaps the true gem of the book is the collection of 19th c aviary artwork.  The dust jacket depiction of "White-throated Kingfishers" is what captivated me from the start (props to Heather Pringle for the jacket design).  If you like the work of John James Audobon you will enjoy this book.  He has approximately a dozen paintings in the book, along with the artwork of 8 other painters including contemporary pieces by Albus.  Out of 248 pages there are 76 illustrations which range from photos to drawings and paintings.

This has been a fascinating journey through the world of rare birds.  I am so happy Anita Albus has taken me there!
2688415
This is a showcase of some of the works by the renowned architect Ong-ard. Recently, I stayed at the Rachamankha hotel in Chiang Mai and I really loved the design of the hotel. This is why I bought this book.

From the time I walked into the hotel to the moment I got to my hotel room, I have comfortable and pleasant feeling all the way. I enjoyed it so much and I felt sad that I had to leave. He has done a great job in combining the Chinese and northern Thai (or Lanna) architectures. The simplicity and yet classy design just makes you feel good about the place.

The book has clearly stated that this is a photographed volume showcase. It is not meant to teach you architectural design. I'm surprised to see some of comments in some of the reviews.
594518
I have always had a deep desire to explore the areas of West Texas that Dan Klepper so very well describes in this book. This area of Texas has been on my list of places to visit for the last two years.  After reading this book my interest has not only increased, but I now have developed a plan.  The photography is engaging, the dimensions and angles used create a curiosity causing one to examine every object and every horizon.  On each page every picture is a stage with its own story.  The written material has depth and deep thought.  Very impressive detail.
850120
I didn't think I could be any more enamored with my home city, but this book has proven me wrong. Even having seen these images online, there's something quite fantastic about having a tangible copy to flip through, especially on tough days. The book itself is a lovely photo book that, unlike many of its kind, is not overbearingly bulky or heavy, but quite comfortable, and gorgeous to look at even if you just decide to keep it as a decorative piece, though how you can resist returning to these stunning images time and again is beyond me.

Bottom line: this book will never cease to fascinate, and at its relatively cheap price, it's a definite must-own piece for any true NY'er. Bonus points if you can ID each photo's location.
2751483
Frommer's guides don't get a lot of respect from a certain sector, it would seem. They do not invite you to be an edgy traveler, nor do they indulge the conceit shared by some US guide books that your trip must wholly original (never mind that many others will tread the same off-the-beaten path) in order to be fun and worthwhile.

This edition enables you to travel comfortably, adventurously, and happily - without spending a fortune. You will learn a lot and have a great time doing so.

It was a dependable resource for my husband and me as we drove (rental car), sailed (ferry) and flew (Dunedin to Wellington)  for two weeks through the wonderful country of New Zealand. We wanted inexpensive ($65 a night, tops) motels that were clean, quiet, cheerful, and well-located, with an occasional splurge. We wanted to have fun but we did not want to surf, bungee-jump, hang-glide, or parasail, preferring cultural and historical sites, endless green meadows, the fine small towns, natural wonders (boiling mud, snow-capped mountains, steaming ponds and streams, glowworm caves and more) in addition to the exquisite and distinctive cities of this great country, and visits to friends.

New Zealand motels are great. They are mostly family-owned and their owners are on-site and try hard. Ours (all mentioned in this book) were consistently clean, comfortable, have mini-kitchens (microwave, electric kettle, small, quiet refrigerator, dishes and utensils and a work space plus coffee and tea)  and you get your own little bottle of milk for your coffee or tea the next morning. Coffee is "plunger coffee," NZ for "French press." You make it with an electric kettle and ground coffee, included in the price.

The Pandora's box "mini-bar" has not completely infiltrated New Zealand.  This was nice, too.

Several motels had unlimited hot water (in geothermal districts) and huge, fabulous, spotlessly clean  two-person bathtubs as part of an inexpensive room.

We got terrific restaurant and other tips from the owners of these motels.

If you are in a hurry, Frommer's supplies you with especially useful "If you have only one day," "two days," etc. ideas. From these compact lists you can get a good idea of what is out there, and pick and choose as you wish. It's inevitable that you'll make your own discoveries along the way.

We tried more than a few of the restaurants, neighborhoods, motels, B and Bs, and historical and natural sights that this book recommended. No misses.

A curious tourist will find a lot that is helpful in this book. It was a handy and helpful resource, down-to-earth but not pedestrian, and I'd recommend it to any friend traveling to NZ.
332424
A must have and very much worth the asking price
4594507
A pleasant experience viewing the pictures and studying out the variety of colours to place in just the right spots!
4785001
creates the perfect setting for much of what a visitor to this great city will see and feel and experience
1997513
Even as a moderate liberal I can see the beauty in this book. This comes in two forms; the well-reproduced colour and black and white plates and succinct readability, and the well made "coffee table" quality of the binding. The colours used are modern today, hiding the age of the publication.
I paid [$$$] for the book, secondhand from the USA. This seems a lot of money but the pride in ownership of such a rare manual takes away the pain of the cost. Many of the paintings show the value and quality of my own Hitler watercolour (Church, Vienna period c. 1910).
Some raised eyebrows from the usual...closed-minds, but that makes ownership more enjoyable.
Buy with confidence, this will appreciate in value.
3906205
This book is not intended to cover the mechanics of travel (i.e., what to pack or how to make traveling easier) or traveling for commercial purposes but the many reasons and pleasures that can be derived from traveling for leisure. Mr. Botton, does this primarily by breaking out the benefits of travel such as to satisfy curiosity, to need to see the exotic, art, etc. and then examining how figures in the past have fulfilled these pleasures. For example, he discusses the German philosopher Goethe's views that spending money to visit ancient ruins was the best way to spend money. The book is full of such insights.
757987
One would have to scour the earth for such a diverse array of insights, stories, and profiles. Fortunately, the author has already done so, and compiled this robust collection with mesmerizing photos. Strongly recommended for anybody interested in the cultural side of luxury travel, or nuances of the business side of the hospitality industry.