History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Average customer rating:

An Excellent Reference for the Novice or Intermediate Artist
Amazing art book
Good reference book
Best book ever!
If you draw figures you must have this book!

Anatomy for the Artist
Sarah Simblet , and John Davis
Manufacturer: DK ADULT
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 078948045X

Amazon.com

Anatomy for the Artist is like having your own life-drawing studio in the privacy of your home. Carefully constructed photographs of the human form allow you to see the structure and function of the skeleton and main muscle groups. Six imaginative drawing lessons, each supported with photography, show how to portray the bones, head, rib cage, pelvis, hands, and feet in perspective, from different angles, both in still poses and in movement.

Book Description

In Anatomy for the Artist, acclaimed artist and teacher Sarah Simblet unveils the extraordinary construction of the human body, and celebrates its continual prominence in Western Art.

The transparent body. Using superb, specially commissioned photographs of male and female models, together with historical and contemporary works of art, and her own illustrations, Sarah shows us how to see inside the human frame, to map its muscle groups, skeletal strength, balance, poise, and grace. Selected drawing superimposed over photographs reveal fascinating relationships between external appearance and internal structure.

Drawing from life. Six drawing classes guide the reader to see the human body afresh, offering techniques and attitudes that imaginatively show how to view and draw the skeleton, head, ribcage, pelvis, hands, and feet.

Dissecting the Masters. By investigating ten Masterworks, the author demonstrates different artist's ideas and knowledge across time, ranging from Holbein's Christ Entombed, to Edward Hopper's Hotel Room. Each Masterclass presents a photographed model set in the same pose, so that anatomical comparisons can be made. Understanding anatomy is often the key to an artist's understanding and interpretation of the body. This imaginative modern reference book will enhance the drawing and painting techniques of artists at every level.

Customer Reviews:

An Excellent Reference for the Novice or Intermediate Artist.......2007-09-30

"Anatomy for the Artist" is an impressive reference guide for those artists looking for a helpful leap into the world of anatomy. This book is full of high-quality, tasteful nude photographs (most in black and white, some in color) of a variety of models that will provide great insight into how best to acurately portray the human body as a whole, as well as parts of the body in particular.

"Anatomy for the Artist" is, helpfully, divided into segments - upper torseo, lower torso, upper arms, lower arms, thighs, legs, etc. - and focuses on each part in particular in an unhurried, elegant manner. Many sections of photographs are accompanied by translucent overlays that illustrate the muscular/skeletal structure beneath the skin of the models (there are pencil sketches, largely). Additionally, classic paintings of note are presented next to models taking the pose of the subjects in the painting and deconstructing how the artist extrapolated their models' positions into their finished pieces; this I found especially enlightening. It appears that no expense was spared in the production of this book. I found its section of the upper torso, the forearm, and the legs most helpful to me, and I don't doubt that many artists will find much of this book illuminating and revealing.

However, this book is certainly not perfect. There are some poses and angles that I would have liked to have seen (for instance, more examples of the back of the upper torso; more three-quarters views, as the book seems to focus on side and full views mostly). Also, while the compartmentaliztion of different body parts into different chapters is helpful in most ways, the segregation of the upper and lower portions of the arms and legs will force you to flip back and forth in the book whem trying to make an accurate rendering, which may get tiresome. Overall, however, this is a superb book to learn and sketch from. Recommended.

Amazing art book.......2007-09-14

Finally, an anatomy book for artists that's not too technical in nature. It's more about art, just with the basic structures you need to be aware of to create more lifelike work.

There are tons of photos to work from, since most of us don't have live models around.

The best feature of the book is the overlay pages. There are pages in the book of clear plastic with the underlying structures of the body printed on them. You turn these pages over photos of the body and see how the underlying structures affect the shading, lines, and movement of the figure. It's fantastic.

Good reference book.......2007-05-14

Great photographic reference for any artist, especially for those working in digital medium. It will not substitute for a traditional anatomy book with drawings, but great as a supplement for realistic depiction of human body.

Best book ever!.......2007-04-11

This book is amazing, I love it, so worth the money. if you are into art, then this is a book to have in your collection!

If you draw figures you must have this book!.......2007-03-26

This book is an absolute must for anyone who does figure drawing. The photographs are wonderful and offer a range of figures in various types of poses and lighting. I have a friend in drawing class who purchsed this book so I was able to look at it first hand before I bought it. I came home and ordered it that very day. It is that good.

Alberto Vargas: Works from the Max Vargas Collection

Average customer rating:

Excellent, but with a few Caveats
Just breathtaking...
Outstanding artwork
Vargas at his best
THE LEGEND THAT IS VARGAS

Alberto Vargas: Works from the Max Vargas Collection
Reid Stewart Austin , and Hugh Hefner
Manufacturer: Bulfinch
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0821257927

Book Description

The storied and turbulent career of glamour artist Alberto Vargas took him from Florenz Ziegfeld's Follies in the 1920s to Hollywood in the 30s to Esquire magazine and the emergence of the "Varga Girl" in the 40s and, ultimately, to a lasting home at Playboy in the 60s and 70s.

This is the first book on the works of Vargas in more than a decade. It is also the first to include a generous selection of his vivid original drawings and his finest work for Playboy magazine. Along with these highly sought-after pictures, the book features early unpublished works, unpublished sketches, the celebrated Legacy Nudes, and more.

The decade-by-decade narrative essay and captions are by Reid Stewart Austin, an art director at Playboy for 20 years, and author of the bestselling Vargas biography written in 1978 in collaboration with the artist.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent, but with a few Caveats.......2007-09-22

This book is beautifully produced, with all of the art reproduced in a large format (sometimes across two-page spreads) in luminous color. I am very pleased with this book, and I feel it is a wonderful introduction to Mr. Vargas' incomparable artistry, and serves as a nice retrospective, chronicling his work from his Ziegfeld Follies glamour illustrations of the 1920s and Hollywood starlet paintings of the 1930s, through his work with Esquire and on into the Playboy work of the 1960s and 1970s.

However, luminous and beautiful as the included images are, prospective buyers should be warned that many of the images reproduced herein are either unfinished preliminaries, rough sketches/paintings, or items that were rejected or unused. This does not detract from Vargas' artistry, but may be disappointing to some lovers of his art. All in all, a superb volume for art lovers or pin-up enthusiasts alike, but one that may require some consideration before purchase.

Just breathtaking..........2007-06-08

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and reading about Alberto Vargas, his work, his relationships with his publisher(s) and his wife. The man was an amazing talent. The size of these illustrations were incredible, sorry to see a seam going down the middle ... If I could I'd take them out and hang them in poster frames!

I wish there were even more drawings to enjoy.

Outstanding artwork.......2007-05-30

The Max Vargas Collection is an excellent collection of his finest commercial works. The illistrations and the commentary offers excellent backgroung on his life and body of work. The only thing I found wanting was the large collection of Vargas art that invariably made it onto the noses of many warbirds in WW2 and Korea. There's little refernece to this.

Vargas at his best.......2007-03-10

Great book. Lots of history about Alberto Vargas and his continued struggle to make it in the art world. Well he did make it and how.

THE LEGEND THAT IS VARGAS.......2007-02-18

There are a few legitimate greats, legends of the pin-up and glamour art world whose names are synonymous with style and perfection. There's Rolf Armstrong, Zoe Mozert, Gil Elvgren, and, perhaps the greatest of them all, Alberto Vargas. Vargas first came to notoriety in 1919 when he was hired by the Ziegfeld Follies to paint portraits of the various Follies Revue stars. He would work for several years producing pinups for Esquire Magazine but it was his work for Playboy Magazine beginning in 1960 that made him a legend. The Vargas page in Playboy would become a regular feature for the next decade and a half.

This book contains an eclectic assortment of Vargas art beginning with the earliest work in 1914 and running up through 1975, over sixty years worth of work. It is indeed fascinating to compare his works from the twenties to those of the sixties and seventies. Despite the changes in fashion, hairstyles, and even facial expressions, Vargas' work always had an innate sensuality to them.

The names of the Follies women aren't remembered by most people today but women like Olive Thomas and Nita Nadli were the starlets of their era. His work in the thirties included paintings of Hollywood stars as well movie posters. His subjects included a young Shirley Temple and the sultry Marlene Dietrich.

Several examples of Vargas' sketches are shown partnered with the finished paintings so one can see the progression and changes made along the way. There are a number of two-page spreads in the book such as "Cordillera De Los Andes" a wonderful nude spread of a sexy blonde lying face down. It is simple, yet remarkable erotic. "Blonde Venus" is yet another fantastic 1950's nude spread.

The first Vargas painting from Playboy included in the book is from December 1960 and shows a buxom nude redhead in a pink negligee twisting almost impossibly over her left shoulder to look at the reader. The thing that strikes me about Vargas' paintings, particularly the Playboy paintings, is the way the girls seem to look at you, and you alone with those big, watery eyes. It's no wonder he became so popular with the Vargas page.

The book is a beautifully produced, over-sized hardcover with some 100 full-color illustrations. Highly recommended for all fans of pin-up or glamour art, or those that just appreciate the female form.

Reviewed by Tim Janson

Average customer rating:

Secrets to Drawing Realistic Faces
Drawing Techniques Analyzed and Simplified
This book really helped!
Drawing Realistic Faces
Great Book for Learning to Draw Realistic Faces

Secrets to Drawing Realistic Faces
Carrie Stuart Parks
Manufacturer: North Light Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1581802161

Book Description

This book will have beginning artists of all ages drawing faces that are strikingly realistic and detailed. Artist Carrie Stuart Parks honed her fast and effective drawing skills as a professional forensic artist. Here she makes drawing fun and easy, showing beginners how to render vivid self portraits and portraits of others, all in a matter of hours.

Artists will successfully learn how to master proportions and map facial features accurately. They will then study shapes within a composition and learn to draw them realistically. Lastly, artists will study the subject's values and use them to bring life and accuracy to each portrait. A final "checking" step helps artists capture heightened realism and accuracy.

This book features clear step-by-step instructions, before-and-after examples from students, and proven drawing exercises used to train artists throughout the country.

Customer Reviews:

Secrets to Drawing Realistic Faces.......2007-04-11

This book was recommended to me by someone who is an artists for crime victims. It was used in the classes she went to. I am practicing drawing eyes at the moment. I have to say that I am now drawing the best eyes ever. This book explains more that where to put the features. It explains how to make the features come to life.

Drawing Techniques Analyzed and Simplified .......2007-03-23

Again, I checked this one out from the library before purchasing. I did not want another book that just told me to sit down and 'draw what you see'. When it comes to faces, the proportions are the hardest part for me. This book goes into great detail explaining how to 'measure' the features of a real person, not the imaginary kind we see in fashion layouts. I have actually seen great improvement after only a few drawings. The best way to improve is to do separate studies of each facial feature until we get them right, and this book explains how. Practice is what brings the progress. Finding time is the problem. This book makes it very clear that anyone with good eyesight can learn to draw peoples' faces. It's just like learning any other skill. This woman teaches this course to police artists, ordinary people with no previous artistic training. It works!

This book really helped!.......2007-02-08

I love this book, I got it from the library, but I had to have my own copy. I was able to actually capture a likeness for the first time! Her technique of measuring can be applied to more than just faces. I bought her second book, but this one is better.

Drawing Realistic Faces.......2007-02-07

I am very happy with this book, gives you a step by step insight on portraits. This book was also shipped to me within two days, fast and efficient!!

Great Book for Learning to Draw Realistic Faces.......2007-01-10

I love to draw, and most know the Hardest thing to draw is the face. Drawing a Face Realisticly can make or break a Masterpiece, before i was ok my sketchs were nice. I got this book and Practiced, every step, very easy to follow, and understand. Within weeks, i was creating some Portrait Quality Sketches, Now all my friends and Family are asking me to Draw them. I would Recomend this Book to anyone that loves to draw, especially Realistic Drawing.

Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters: 100 Great Drawings Analyzed, Figure Drawing Fundamentals Defined

Average customer rating:

Analysis is great
Definative
Not written by an artist...
This is one of the best books ever!
Must have book for all fine art students!

Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters: 100 Great Drawings Analyzed, Figure Drawing Fundamentals Defined
Robert Hale
Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0823014010

Customer Reviews:

Analysis is great.......2007-10-03

I like that he has a full page to show the drawing and on the facing page he has a smaller version with commentary. He places capital letters on the drawing so you can see exactly which line or shape he is discussing.

Definative.......2007-07-13

Robert Beverly Hale was one of the masters in teaching figure drawing. A must for serious students of figure painting.

Not written by an artist..........2007-05-08

Although this is one of the best compilation books of old master drawings
available on the common market, I would not put too much stock in what
the author says. The author is correct in saying that many of these
great artists had to learn and understand anatomy in order to "make it up"
(e.g., a figure of a rearing horse drawn by Titian, impossible to be
taken from life), but he goes overboard in trying to get the student to
learn about anatomy. For example, he says "Please buy some bones". That's right--the way to paint like Rubens is to...buy some bones. I don't think so. Even if you learned how to draw the figure well, after perhaps 10 years, you'd still have to tackle drapery and then learn how to compose your figures in a painting and, well, be an artist. I have learned after much figure drawing study that after a while, "studies are
useless" (Rubens said that also). It is better for the true artist to simply plan painting after painting, and ignore all this wasteful "study effort" as if art is a science. This is not to say any knowledge of anatomy is bad. But you need to know only as much as it takes to know that
a head looks too big, or a shoulder "doesn't look right", esp. if you are already working from life. I have studied anatomy and tried to draw from my memory, and although my drawings have all the attendant parts, you cannot "guess" at how the aspect of a vastus medialis changes when it is in 10 different positions. It's much easier and quicker simply to draw a model from life--it will look more correct, even WITHOUT a knowledge of anatomy. And if you are a figurative artist, you may even want to "clothe" your figures at some point (Watteau made a name for himself for knowing how to do just that) so knowledge of anatomy, although not to be entirely discounted, should run second to drawing from life, having artistic vision, and working on a plan to make a nice painting instead of engaging in hours of fruitless "studies." After you die, do you want to have a bunch of academic drawings with correct anatomy laying around?
Only the art matters. This book, although much better than those awful books which use hack artists as models of excellence, still falls short
of what you really need to do to become a strong figurative painter. And that is, "draw from life". Pose your friends and family and draw them.
That's what the masters did.

This is one of the best books ever!.......2007-01-25

This is a must have book. No matter what your subject matter you can benefit from reading and doing the exercises in this book. I read it with a highlighter and a pen. I don't usually write in my drawing books, but this one was too good to simply read I had to study it. I will be using this in my current class to help me draw people better. Lots of excellent examples. It doesn't matter what you are trying to learn to draw this book helps you think in terms of mass and shape, not legs, arms, faces, etc.

Must have book for all fine art students!.......2007-01-05

Robert Beverly Hale is the undisputed master of not only artistic anatomy, methods of drawing and the masters' techniques; but he is also a master at conveying ideas in clear concise language. He was the best lecturer on artistic anatomy. I attended his 10 session lectures twice before he died. The book reflects much of what he taught in his lectures, so it's the next best thing to having him in the room.

Analyzing Performance Problems: Or, You Really Oughta Wanna--How to Figure out Why People Aren't Doing What They Should Be, and What to do About It

Average customer rating:

A Training and Management Requirement
The reason why I'm a performance improvement specialist
A step by step approach
Good information, but a bit basic
If you are into carrots and sticks... this is for you

Analyzing Performance Problems: Or, You Really Oughta Wanna--How to Figure out Why People Aren't Doing What They Should Be, and What to do About It
Robert F. Mager , and Peter Pipe
Manufacturer: Center for Effective Performance
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1879618176

Book Description

Analyzing Performance Problems gives you a step-by-step process for solving virtually any performance problem you face. Instead of guessing at solutions that won't work, you can save time, money, and frustration by finding the true cause of the problem and identifying the best and most economical way to solve it. You'll learn to:

- Identify the true causes of performance problems
- Determine if you can use "fast fixes" (solutions that are quick and easy)
- Identify realistic, economically feasible solutions

Customer Reviews:

A Training and Management Requirement.......2006-08-17

There are two books written my Robert Mager that I highly recommend for people in the field of training. This is one of them.

Having been a training specialist for more than fifteen years, I have, on occasion, tried to convince managers and chiefs why training was not a panacea, a be-all, end-all to their performance problems. If they had read a book like this, many of our discussions would never have taken place.

Mager and Pike have created an advanced performance flowchart from previous editions which enable the trainer or manager to first identify if a problem exists, it's importance, and then what to continue to do from that point. The result will be selecting the appropriate strategy to solve the problem. You end up with a detective story filled with clues to help you find out the true culprit hindering expected performance.

I offer this book to any new training manager who lacks a background in training.

This book is easy to read, and takes an afternoon to get it done. The Performance Flowchart is one you want to hang in your office.

Like "Preparing Instructional Objectives," also by Mager, this is a keeper.

The reason why I'm a performance improvement specialist.......2005-08-29

This book was first introduced to me during my Master's degree studies and has stayed with me ever since. It's an entertaining and easy read that helps you identify and tackle just about any performance problem that may come your way.

Mager and Pipe provide a number of performance problems in brief case studies as they guide you through the Performance Analysis Flow. Is training the solution to a problem in the workplace? Not always. Mager and Pipe will show you how simple solutions can make a world of difference.

This is one book I feel every training or performance improvement professional should have in their professional library.

A step by step approach .......2005-06-01

I have heard supervisors and managers say over and over how much this book helped them resolve work performance problems without creating hostility. I know it has helped me work through some difficult supervisory challenges. But I also want to note that employees--not just supervisors--have reason to be thankful for it as well.

Mager's approach speaks directly to the issue of not making the assumption that a performance discrepancy is the fault of the employee. Neither is it always the fault of a supervisor or the result of lack of training. Mager and Pipe's book reminds you that there are many reasons for work performance issues, and it is crucial to know the reasons before we order "Improvement, or else!"

Let me also comment on the reviews that refer one instead to Covey and others. Those are fine books and certainly have their value. But they do not tell you how to actually deal with an employee's performance issue when the problem has gone on forever and no one seems to have handled it successfully. Those books inspire you to want to do something and to want to use good methods while doing it. Mager's book, however, tells you, step by step, how to analyze a performance issue and how to work with others to correct it. While you are doing that, you could certainly use Covey's thoughts, One Minute Manager concepts, Who Moved My Cheese principles and anything else that you think will add to your effectiveness.

Robert Mager has a droll style that I find appealing and Peter Pipe adds his well-organized thought processes too. This isn't a feel good book, although it is certainly not a stick and carrot book, as implied by others. It is rather, a toolkit to help supervisors and managers intervene when work is not being done as it should be done, find out why there is a discrepancy, and work with the employee to develop methods for improvement.

Yes, there is a bottom line: At some point work has to improve, or else. But that is one of the things I like about the book: It is realistic and addresses the fact that once barriers to performance have been removed, there is only so long that an employee can be allowed to do substandard work. If you use the flowchart and the material in the book, it isn't likely to come to that point--and that is another reason employees as well as supervisors and managers should appreciate this inexpensive guide.

Good information, but a bit basic.......2004-04-29

Mager's book provides some great foundational information on performance problems in the workplace. However, it seems a bit basic and common sensical when compared to the new books being written on the subject. I looked to this third edition thinking it would have more up-to-date information and revisions and was disappointed when I found that it did not.

If you are into carrots and sticks... this is for you.......2003-05-25

This book has some wonderful ideas contained between its covers. The underlying assumption is that people are either motivated by rewards or punishment. There is a flowchart that helps you understand how to influence (read manipulate) people into behaving as you want them to.

The author gives many examples that make it seem as though his method of dealing with people is the most effective one. There are more aspects to leadership and management than he describes, and I can just picture in my mind's eye a person with no people skills trying to apply these techniques to his work. Then I get scared.

I would suggest reading books by more principle centered authors first - such as the various Covey books or other ones. If you are just looking for a new perspective, buy it. If you are frustrated because nobody seems to listen to you and you want to manipulate them all to do your bidding - please quit your job. This book wont help you.

Average customer rating:

Not worth buying.

Computer libraries won't want to miss this.

Practical Poser 7

Intermediate to Advanced Level Book

Practical Poser 7 (Graphics Series)
Denise Tyler
Manufacturer: Charles River Media
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Secrets of Poser Experts: Tips, Techniques, and Insights for Users of All Abilities: The e-frontier Official Guide

Poser 7 Revealed: The efrontier Official Guide

eFrontier Poser 7 3D Figure Design and Animation

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Programming Vertex, Geometry, and Pixel Shaders, Second Edition (Programming Series)

Accessories:

Character Animation with Poser 7 (Graphics Series)

Poser 7 Revealed: The efrontier Official Guide

Secrets of Poser Experts: Tips, Techniques, and Insights for Users of All Abilities: The e-frontier Official Guide

ASIN: 1584504781

Book Description

Do you want to take your Poser skills beyond the basics and put the new features of Poser 7 into practice right away? If so, you've come to the right place. Practical Poser 7 is an updated edition of this best-selling reference for intermediate to advanced Poser users. It teaches the tasks you want and need to know to get the most out of Poser 7 for achieving professional, commercial-quality work. This edition covers new Poser features, including new animation functionality, morphing tools, and more. Learn texturing and material techniques from a master texture artist, and explore the work of Poser pros in the beautiful color section!

Customer Reviews:

Not worth buying........2007-08-24

I bought this book thinking it would be as good as Practical Poser 6. It isn't. At best this is an intro to Poser possibilities. It doesn't completely walk you through anything. It hints and suggests you might be able to do some things with Poser 7 but then directs you to free websites to actually learn how to do them. If you can use Google, then you don't need this book.

Computer libraries won't want to miss this........2007-03-12

If you have the basics down with Poser and want to move to the next level, PRACTICAL POSER 7 is for you: the computer user who already has some grounding and wants to move up. It's an updated edition of a best-seller and covers all of Poser 7's capabilities, from saving custom faces in the Face Room and using the Hair Room to add hair to clothing to texturing, creating custom morphs, UV mapping and more. With black and white screen shot examples throughout, you can't go wrong - and many a graphics teacher will want to use PRACTICAL POSER 7 as a classroom text. Computer libraries won't want to miss this.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Practical Poser 7.......2007-02-06

Authors should use Adobe Tutorials as a model. Practical Poser 7 is a text for reading, not a tutorial for doing. It is not self contained with all materials needed to do the tutorials. It is also obviously keyed to stimulate purchases from Content Paradise. Needs considerable improvement. Not intuitive.

Intermediate to Advanced Level Book.......2007-02-01

This book is listed as a beginning to intermediate level book. I think it's actually a little higher than that. It presumes that you have at least reviewed the Reference Manual, and hopefully worked through the Tutorial Manual. This is a tutorial style book. It takes you through a series of steps that will teach you more about the design of a person than you imagined.

After going through this book, I'm not going to say that the people making the next Harry Potter movie will jump at the chance to hire you, but I will say that you'll know a hell of a lot more about the computer creation of characters than you did when you started.

The key is to make characters look real. And here the authors point out little things like what do the fingers do in the hand that isn't reaching for something. And how do you make the torso bend with the body so that it looks real.

All in all, quite an exceptional book that I highly recommend. These people know what they are doing and know how to write about it.

The CD supplied with the book has a wealth of material including:

All the files used in the book and all of the images
Numerous Poser figures from a variety of sources
UV Mapper Software (Classic version)
Additional material from previous versions of this book

Human Anatomy for Artists: The Elements of Form

Average customer rating:

Great guide with one flaw
A little heavy on the text, but a very thorough anatomy book.
Last anatomy book you'll ever buy
SUPERB ANATOMY BOOK
talk talk

Human Anatomy for Artists: The Elements of Form
Eliot Goldfinger
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0195052064

Book Description

The power of the image of the nude--the expressivity of the flesh--has inspired artists from the beginning. An understanding of human form is essential for artists to be able to express themselves with the figure. Anatomy makes the figure. Human Anatomy for Artists: The Elements of Form is the definitive analytical work on the anatomy of the human figure. No longer will working artists have to search high and low to find the information they need. In this, the most up-to-date and fully illustrated guide available, Eliot Goldfinger--sculptor, illustrator, scientific model-maker, and lecturer on anatomy--presents a single, all-inclusive reference to human form, capturing everything artists need in one convenient volume. Five years in the making, and featuring hundreds of photos and illustrations, this guide offers more views of each bone and muscle than any other book ever published: every structure that creates or influences surface form is individually illustrated in clear, carefully lit photographs and meticulous drawings. Informed by the detailed study of both live models and cadavers, it includes numerous unique presentations of surface structures--such as fat pads, veins, and genitalia--and of some muscles never before photographed. In addition, numerous cross sections, made with reference to CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging, and cut cadavers, trace the forms of all body regions and individual muscles. Information on each structure is placed on facing pages for ease of reference, and the attractive two-color format uses red ink to direct readers rapidly to important points and areas. Finally, an invaluable chapter on the artistic development of basic forms shows in a series of sculptures the evolution of the figure, head, and hands from basic axes and volumes to more complex organic shapes. This feature helps place the details of anatomy within the overall context of the figure. Certain to become the standard reference in the field, Human Anatomy for Artists will be indispensable to artists and art students, as well as art historians. It will also be a useful aid for physical and dance therapists, athletes and their trainers, bodybuilders, and anyone concerned with the external form of the human body. With the renewed interest in figurative art today, this will be an especially welcome volume.

Customer Reviews:

Great guide with one flaw.......2007-07-11

I had this book recommended to me by a friend years ago when we were all trying to get into the comic book industry. I bought it and loved it. You can learn anything you want to know about how the musculature and skeleton are put together and how they work. Each different part of the anatomy is given almost too much attention. Each angle is given a photo of the body part, and drawings of the arm with muscles or just the skeleton.

The biggest problem is there isn't too much tying the parts together. You may get a very good idea how the arm works, where the muscles put to and from, how the skeleton moves when you move your arm, but you won't get much information on how the arm connects and moves with the rest of the body. Your aren't a collection of individual parts (2 arms, 2 legs, etc) but one unified body and all your parts move together. You need a good concept of that before this book will be used to its utmost.

A little heavy on the text, but a very thorough anatomy book........2007-07-03

This book covers from the skeletal system to muscles, from head to toe, very thoroughly. Pictures are nice and clear. All important muscles feature full explanation on its origin, insert, function etc in text, and frontal and side view as well as in context of the whole muscle group along with a photograph of the real body part flexing with the related muscles. I find this book a little heavy a the text part, but images and photographs make up for it and make this book the most complete, and thorough anatomy book.

Last anatomy book you'll ever buy.......2007-06-26

This book is the best anatomy book I have come upon. I purchased every book I could find on this subject until I found this one. I am a sculptor and painter so this book provides everything I need to understand all the surface structure of the human body. It explains origin and insertion of each muscle and their function. (important to know when deciding in a pose which muscles would be flexed and which would be relaxed) There are cross-section drawings of the muscles so that you can see the size comparison of muscles around them. There are photographs of the muscles flexed using a thin model, the surface can be distinguished. I have taught Artistic Anatomy and this is a the cherished book of many of my students.

SUPERB ANATOMY BOOK.......2007-05-20

This book is exactly what I was looking for in an anatomy reference book. The cross-sectional drawings are great to help visualize the muscle forms in different positions. Not only does it deliver on accuracy of the muscles but it also depicts how the muscles are placed on the human skeleton from different angles, this helps me to understand the "wedging" of the muscles. I've seen this same title in other book stores for the retail price and I must say AMAZON has a great price for this book.

talk talk .......2007-02-19

May as well buy a grays anatomy. Pictures minimal and loads and loads of words and more words.

Average customer rating:

Review on "Drawing from Life"
A book to Keep
Figure drawing books don't get any better than this one.

Drawing from Life
Clint Brown , and Cheryl McLean
Manufacturer: Wadsworth Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0534613535

Book Description

The leading textbook for college figure-drawing classes, DRAWING FROM LIFE provides a clear, comprehensive, and thought-provoking guide to drawing the human form for anyone interested in exploring this time-honored artistic tradition. For centuries, drawing the human figure has given artists the tools and vocabulary for creating paintings, sculpture, drawings, or prints-from Renaissance classical to contemporary expression. In addition to working from the model, the figure-drawing student needs instruction in anatomy, history, and conceptual approaches to drawing the human form; such instruction is often missing from life drawing classes due to time constraints. DRAWING FROM LIFE offers these elements, along with a tremendous selection of drawings that represent the broad range of approaches, techniques, and media for drawing from life. The chapters follow the natural development of a student's growth, from fundamental sketching and gesture drawing to creative expression and exploration. An entire chapter on drawing the figure in perspective offers information that is not available in comparable textbooks. Students begin with quick sketches and gesture drawings, giving them a non-threatening introduction on a level they can readily understand and master. The cohesive presentation of anatomy, including a chapter on the human head, helps students understand the human structure and its impact on visible form. The final section brings the concepts, vocabulary, and history presented in the earlier chapters to bear on contemporary use of the figure in art.

Customer Reviews:

Review on "Drawing from Life".......2007-02-26

Excellent book for anyone interested in drawing the human figure. Deals well and extensively with proportion, anatomy and nuances of figure drawing. Required by my art teacher and worth the money as an on-going reference source.

A book to Keep.......2006-12-29

This book gives you the bones to enrich your experience with figure drawing. Professor Brown draws from varied sources and presents helpful images along with text that is intelligent and imformative. It is filled with sketches from masters such as Da Vinci as well as descriptive sketches from Clint addressing the figure as a subject filled with motion. I have continued to refer back to the book and appreciate its portable size. This is a book to take with you and keep even if you are moving around!

Figure drawing books don't get any better than this one........1997-02-03

"Drawing from Life" is a treasure an artist, teacher, and drawing lover finds once in awhile. It is very logically layed out. I enjoyed variety of illustrations, the learning exercises, and glossary. Alas... some negatives: the price, the quality and detail of the reproductions, especially the anatomy ones. The book needs to be bigger in size and make use of detail enlargements to show the beauty of the drawings

Facial Expressions: A Visual Reference for Artists

Average customer rating:

Facial Expressions
ABSOLUTE NECESSITY!
Excellent reference for drawing comics
Ummm a little disappointing great book
good drawing book

Facial Expressions: A Visual Reference for Artists
Mark Simon
Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0823016714

Book Description

All artists are tired of persuading their nearest and dearest to look sad…look glad…look mad…madder…no, even madder…okay, hold it. For those artists (and their long-suffering friends), here is the best book ever. Facial Expressions includes more than 2,500 photographs of 50 faces—men and women of a variety of ages, shapes, sizes, and ethnicities—each demonstrating a wide range of emotions and shown from multiple angles. Who can use this book? Oh, only every artist on the planet, including art students, illustrators, fine artists, animators, storyboarders, and comic book artists. But wait, there's more! Additional photos focus on people wearing hats and couples kissing, while illustrations show skull anatomy and facial musculature. Still not enough? How about a one-of-a-kind series of photos of lips pronouncing the phonemes used in human speech? Animators will swoon—and artists will show a range of facial expressions from happy to happiest to ecstatic.

Customer Reviews:

Facial Expressions.......2007-09-29

This is a wonderful resource for artists. It offers a variety of models with a wide range of expressions. I Highly reccommend it.

ABSOLUTE NECESSITY!.......2007-09-19

I just recently started creating a webcomic and I never could have done it without this book. The expressions range from highly exaggerated to more subtle and, I promise you, will work for almost any expression you want to create. Also, many expressions are shot at multiple angles, making it much easier for me to create the exact image I am thinking of. Perfect.

Excellent reference for drawing comics.......2007-08-23

I'd used this book often when drawing my manga. However do note that the facial expressions are mostly very exaggerated. When drawing my characters talking or just a gentle smile, I could not find reference from there.I'd to use a mirror. I hope there's a volume two with two people interacting with each other and different camera angles.

Ummm a little disappointing great book.......2007-07-16

I think it's the only book right now which has addressed reference material for facial expressions. It's really useful, but professionals may get disappointed with the quality of some pictures and blurriness. It's not that all pictures are bad quality, but when you have such an amazing reference you ought to expect a lot and that's where this book is disappointing. But for sure this book will be useful for all beginners and probably higher level artists. For this price don't hesitate to buy if you really want a reference for facial expressions. Some people may not like the quality of the paper, but I think you should also consider the price.

good drawing book.......2007-07-05

i thought the book was something different from what i ordered. but i guess its good for artists

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