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.

Classic Mosaic: Designs and Projects Inspired by 6,000 Years of Mosaic Art

Average customer rating:

Almost great but flawed
A Grand Mosaic Book
Five stars for illustrations and projects; not "how-to" book
Best Mosaic book I have
Glosses over basics

Classic Mosaic: Designs and Projects Inspired by 6,000 Years of Mosaic Art
Elaine M. Goodwin
Manufacturer: Trafalgar Square
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1570761590

Book Description

This glorious book reveals the exquisite simplicity of decorating and designing with mosaics. As it delves into the history of the art, it draws on sources from Ancient Greece and Rome, the Renaissance, Pre-Columbian Mexico, the Victorian age, the Art Nouveau movement, through to the latest contemporary work. Enhanced with hundreds of color photos, Classic Mosaic explores the application of mosaics using classical influences. The versatility and decorative potential of mosaics is then interpreted in a dazzling array of historically-inspired projects. In chapters on materials, equipment, and techniques, Classic Mosaic explains how the process of application is an integral part of the design, whether using ceramic, Venetian glass smalti, gold, marble, stones, shells, or mirror. Elaine Goodwin, a respected mosaic artist, clearly demonstrates how a design is developed, from the initial idea to the finished piece. From intricate Grecian floor patterns to a shimmering Klimt chair mosaic, Classic Mosaic shows how to create splendid designs inspired by 6,000 years of mosaic art.

Customer Reviews:

Almost great but flawed.......2007-08-28

This is a book in search of an audience. It starts with some interesting text regarding the history of mosaics as well as introducing the fundamentals of creating them yourself. It then presents a series of projects completed by the author. The projects are mostly top notch and provide a window into the techniques used by this talented artist.

But that is as far as it goes. In the interest of protecting her art the author goes to great lengths to make certain that her projects are difficult to replicate. No where in this book will you find any patterns of original or classical motifs. Pictures containing these elements are intentionally distorted in order to make them impossible to replicate. In some cases (including the cover piece!) pictures of the completed artwork are actually omitted (presumably because they would be easy to copy).

I actually agree with the idea that budding mosaicists should work from their own original ideas and this book is certainly recommended with those constraints in mind, but it could have been alot more. Even some simple classical designs for reproduction would have made this work much much better. Instead the desire of the artist to preserve her "eliteness" gets in the way.

A Grand Mosaic Book.......2006-06-08

I bought this book for the historical effects. After reading during the past week, it has turned out to be one of the best mosaic books I own. The photography is breathtaking. Since buying a stack of mosaic books at an estate sale, I have always been a huge Emma Biggs follower. However, this author is amazing and shows how to use fragments of the materials to create fabulous pieces of art. I'm an instant fan and re-energized.

In my opinion, this is not a book for a beginner. I believe it is short on the necessary basics. But it is strong in displaying many step-by-step photographs to make the 16 projects from start to finish understandable for the experienced. A beginner artist should store the book away for immediate inspiration when the time is right.

Peace.

Five stars for illustrations and projects; not "how-to" book.......2005-05-27

The photos are breathtaking, full of inspiration for anyone interested in any kind of craft in which pieces are assembled, whether mosaics or quilting or large-scale projects like creating brick patterns in a patio. Aside from books I have about classical art, no other source seems close to providing the rich visuals.

This is certainly not a book to instruct beginners, in my opinion. The "how-to" information is cursory. For instance, a scant half page (and I do mean "scant") describes grouting. Projects, too, are probably beyond a beginner's ability. But the projects are, admittedly, really worth doing, not the kindergarten-looking bits featured in some books. There is a bit of information on cutting: only a bit. Comments along the lines of "with experience, you'll be able to master this technique" suggest to me that this author is more comfortable showing than describing technical aspects.

But what a grand showing this book provides. Many of the color photos are large enough to lend themselves to study in detail and there are a few sequences that show projects in process. Although the book will not provide in depth, specific information and instructions to beginners, anyone interested in mosaic will profit by studying the exquisite photos. The author shows some of this art's beauty that has allowed it to speak from antiquity far into the future. Drink in the colors, patterns, and forms -- and be seduced by the possibilities.

Best Mosaic book I have.......2002-06-19

This book is beautiful. Though, I definitely do not recommend this for beginners or for someone who wants step by step instructions. This book shows her taking some inspiration from ancient mosaics and then altering them for her own use. I have also done the same E.g. the front cover shows the leaves and lizards. I do a lot of paving stones. I simply just did two of the black leaves onto a white background onto a paving stone. Very simple, but gosh it looks great.
This book is more for inspiration only rather than a teaching book for beginners. I still highly recommend it though.

Glosses over basics.......2002-02-03

I have to disagree with those reviewers who have already weighed in on this book. Perhaps they are already experienced in making mosaics. As someone who has not done mosaics before, I was hoping for a little more discussion of the basics. For example, there is a list (and even photographs of) tools to use to cut tile, but not really any discussion on how to do it. Also, the history lesson on mosaics is somewhat brief, with not very many photographs of ancient mosaics.

Average customer rating:

2500+ years of time travel
Ancient Mosaics
Inspirational
A great big thank-you to Roger Ling

Ancient Mosaics
Roger Ling
Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0691004048

Book Description

Using thousands and sometimes millions of pieces of colored stone or glass to create elaborate patterns or scenes is a painstaking and expensive way to decorate a surface. Yet the art of mosaic enjoyed spectacular success in the Graeco-Roman world, where its practitioners created some of the most beautiful artworks in history. This handsomely illustrated and elegantly written book traces the evolution of mosaic from the Hellenistic period to the early Christian era, with particular emphasis on the Roman Empire, and examines its regional variations from Britain to North Africa and from the Levant to the Spanish seaboard.

The eminent classical scholar Roger Ling explains how mosaics were first made in the fifth century B.C. with the use of inset pebbles to provide durable pavements. He shows how mosaic became one of the hallmarks of luxury in Roman times, when such masterpieces of imperial floor decoration as the black-and-white silhouette pavements of Ostia and the colorful figure compositions of Piazza Armerina in Sicily were created. From pavements, mosaic graduated to walls and ceilings, where it culminated in the soaring blue and gold work of early Christian churches in Rome, Constantinople, and Ravenna. Ling examines the wide range of styles and subject matter employed by mosaicists, whether geometric patterns or figurative scenes of mythology, agriculture, and hunting, and explores what mosaics reveal about domestic and imperial tastes and aspirations. Such topics as techniques and materials, the relationship of mosaic to other forms of interior decoration, and the influence of ancient mosaics in more recent times are also discussed in detail.

Illuminating, attractive, and affordable, this book makes a major contribution to classical scholarship and will also appeal strongly to art historians, artists, designers, and general readers.

Customer Reviews:

2500+ years of time travel.......2007-01-20

Mr. Ling, as our tour guide, transports us back in time and from Africa to ancient England, sharing the history, development and travel/migration of this peculiar art form. His 'tour bus' stops frequently at wonderful examples as he shares bits of history, syles, techniques and other information quickly and painlessly.

Aside from detailed instructions on "How To", Mr. Ling's book gives everything else one could ask for. Actually, one could make mosaics learning from this book, it just doesn't have that particular focus.

I've only had the book for 13 hours so am anxious to get home and pick it up for another read.

Ancient Mosaics.......2006-04-09

Roger Ling is a true scholar. He knows his subject and writes with clarity. He describes the method of creating a mosaic. This was a tedious task which required inserting a slender piece of baked clay or glass or marble into wet cement. Thus only a very small section could be done at a time. These pieces of baked clay are called tesserae. Some are one half inch by one half inch. Others are slender little guys only one millimeter by perhaps two millimeter. These were used to make a mosaic such as that of the doves found in the Capitoline Museum in Rome. Mosaics were placed on the walls, floors and ceilings. Most which survive are from the floor. This makes sense. When a building collapses most mosaics of the walls and ceiling would perish but conceal and protect the mosaic floor below. Mosaics were monochrome, also highly colorful. There was much experimentation. Some mosaics display a three dimensional effect. Some reproduce famous paintings. Some display reproduction of a painting with modifications made by the artists or the patron of the piece. Some of the experimentation in mosaics ended up influencing architectural design. I suggest reading Pinto's and MacDonald's Hadrian's Villa and Its Legacy. Studies are under way to trace mosaicists works found in areas stretching over large parts of Italy and Europe. Mosaic patterns in various rooms can be used on occasion to determine what use that room had. Evidently mosaics in triclinia (dining rooms) were designed to generate discussion. I would highly recommend reading Linda Farrar's Ancient Romans Gardens after reading this book.

Inspirational.......2000-10-23

This title is absolutely worth every penny. Though weighing in at only 143 pages, it is deceptively meaty and educational. The 106 selected photos (47 color and 49 B/W) are crisp, beautiful, and plentiful, and the inclusion of a maps and a glossary were also helpful. The mosaics selected for illustration are sublime, and even those ravaged by time are hardly less beautiful for it. Chapters are (in order) Intro, Greek Period, Roman Italy, Roman North-West, Roman Africa, Wall and Vault Mounts, and Context and Meaning. In a book of this length each chapter is necessarily short, but the examples chosen to illustrate each section are well-chosen to guide further study in selected areas.

A great big thank-you to Roger Ling.......1999-01-06

I really appreciate scholarly works like this book. I've been trying to find a good book on the history of mosaics that is - in-print - and this is it! Excellent documentation! Not too - dry - of a read either. A big thanks to Roger Ling for the enlightenment. Beautiful photographs, wish there were a-whole-lot more.

Stained Glass Mosaics: Projects & Patterns

Average customer rating:

Excellent instruction on Stained Glass Mosaics

Stained Glass Mosaics: Projects & Patterns
George W. Shannon , Pat Torlen , and Greta Torlen
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1895569540

Amazon.com

Despite its slim profile (only 96 pages), this guide packs a wallop. Each of the 25 step-by-step projects comes with a complete gridded and fully keyed template and a good photo of the finished item, plus there is good coverage of all the basics (tools, materials, the work area, pattern transfer, glass cutting) as well as the fundamentals of the two different techniques (direct method, and indirect or reverse method), making the base/support structures, and wall-mounting the heavy items. The lovely designs tend toward the colorfully abstract but also include florals, insects, and a beguiling mermaid on a sink backsplash. Many of the patterns are fairly intricate and include lots of curves, so the novice glass cutter may want to start with a simpler book, or else do a lot of practicing first--the authors have thoughtfully supplemented their thorough glass-cutting explanations with full-size practice patterns. --Amy Handy

Book Description

From bits of brightly colored glass, put together magical mosaics. All the information is here—selecting and cutting glass, copying and transferring patterns, and setting up a safe work area. Practice your technique on full-size patterns; helpful hints alert you to common errors, and photos capture every step. Then try 25 fabulous projects: planter boxes, wall hangings, a lily-pond birdbath, mosaic tabletops, and garden stones.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent instruction on Stained Glass Mosaics.......1998-11-06

Shannon & Torlen have once again written an excellent book on stained glass instruction. They have produced an exceptional, easy to follow instruction manual with high quality photographs on Mosaics. Being a stained glass instructor, I recommend this book to all hobbyists and stained glass artists, as I do to my students. I look forward to the release of the authors third book on sandblasting, leaded glass and copper foil construction!!

Native-American Literature: A Brief Introduction and Anthology (Harpercollins Literary Mosaic)

Average customer rating:

Native American Literature: A Good Selection

Native-American Literature: A Brief Introduction and Anthology (Harpercollins Literary Mosaic)
Gerald Vizenor
Manufacturer: Longman
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

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ASIN: 0673469786

Customer Reviews:

Native American Literature: A Good Selection.......2000-03-28

This important anthology makes available a range of Native American writings from the early nineteenth century to the present. Genres covered include fiction, poetry, auotobiography, and drama, making this text a fine choice for introduction to literature classes as well as for courses focused specifically on Native American literature. Luther Standing Bear's autobiographical account of his time at the Carlisle school for Indians is a particularly interesting selection for its historical perspective on the push for "Indians" to assimilate via white modes of education. Vizenor's introduction provides a useful historical framework as well. Some of the selections are relatively well-known in the field of Native American literary studies, while others (including Vizenor's own drama) do not appear in other anthologies I've seen. Overall, this anthology represents a fine if somewhat idiosyncratic representation of the broad diversity of Native American literary voices.

Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself": A Mosaic of Interpretations (Iowa Whitman Series)

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Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself": A Mosaic of Interpretations (Iowa Whitman Series)
Edwin Haviland Miller
Manufacturer: University Of Iowa Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0877453454

African-American Literature: A Brief Introduction and Anthology (Harpercollins Literary Mosaic)

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African-American Literature: A Brief Introduction and Anthology (Harpercollins Literary Mosaic)
Young
Manufacturer: Longman
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0673990176

A Middle East Mosaic: Fragments of Life, Letters and History (Modern Library Classics)

Average customer rating:

A Delightful Anthology
Fascinating!
Informative Compilation of Primary Sources

A Middle East Mosaic: Fragments of Life, Letters and History (Modern Library Classics)
Bernard Lewis
Manufacturer: Modern Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0375758372
Release Date: 2001-11-13

Amazon.com

Drawing on a long career of reading and reflection, the distinguished Middle East historian Bernard Lewis here gathers documents that illuminate more than two millennia of interactions between the Arab and European worlds--encounters laden with misunderstanding and prejudice on both sides. Four major phases mark this long period, Lewis writes: the Hellenization of the Arab world after the conquests of Alexander the Great; the expansion of the Roman empire into the region; the rise of Christianity; and, finally, the supremacy of Islam. These four cataclysmic changes, he writes, served to "obliterate the religions, the cultures, the languages and, to a large extent, even the nations of the ancient Middle East," replacing them with a faith and a culture that crossed national lines.

The Europeans who encountered the Arab world brought home wildly inaccurate stories of these supposedly savage people. Lewis quotes a Byzantine scribe, for instance, who reported that the Arabs worshiped Aphrodite, and the Anglo-American leader Alexander Hamilton, who wrote disdainfully of "Asiatic despotism and voluptuousness." Arab observers returned the sentiment, decrying what they perceived to be European indolence and lack of religious conviction, and holding that the farther north one traveled, the greater the "stupidity, grossness, and brutishness" one encountered.

Lewis's intriguing anthology provides ample evidence that these misapprehensions of long ago linger today, as the descendants of "Franks" and "Saracens" continue to grapple with one another for regional supremacy. Anyone seeking a greater understanding of the Middle Eastern past and present will benefit from reading his pages. --Gregory McNamee

Book Description

In times of war and in peace, from the earliest days of the Roman Empire to our own, Westerners have traveled to the lands of the Middle East, bringing back accounts of their adventures and impressions. But it was never a one-way journey. In this spirited collection of Western views of the Middle East and Middle Eastern views of the West, Bernard Lewis gives us a rich overview of two thousand years of commerce, diplomacy, war and exploration. We hear from Napoleon, St. Augustine, T. E. Lawrence, Karl Marx and Ibn Khaldun. We peer into Queen Elizabeth's business correspondence, strike oil with Freya Stark and follow the footsteps of Mark Twain and Ibn Battuta, the Marco Polo of the East. This book is a delight, a treasury of stories drawn not only from letters, diaries and histories, but also from unpublished archives and previously untranslated accounts.

Customer Reviews:

A Delightful Anthology.......2003-06-16

I would like to start out by saying that I am a huge fan of Bernard Lewis. All of his books I have gotten my hands on thus far have been superb and this is no exception. In this case, Lewis opted to collect various writings and excerpts showing the interplay between the Middle East and the "west". After starting out with misconceptions and prejudices (on both sides), he goes on to show differing views on travel, government, society, arts, science and even food and drink. Interestingly enough, relatively little focused on the early period, despite the immense glory of Egypt, Persia, Mesopotamia and other Middle Eastern nations. There is a great deal of historical material though, including the early Islamic era, the Byzantine Empire and even the Roman Empire. Much of the material focused on the last few centuries though, which I suppose is natural given the increased contact between Europe and the Middle East. The sources come from a truely vast array. There are excerpts from the Qu'ran and the Bible, as well as sayings attributed to the Prophet Mohammad. These stand beside the works of Shakespeare, commentary by T.E. Lawerence ("Lawerence of Arabia") and Sir Richard Francis Burton, and messages delivered by Imam Khomeini. However, not all historical figures would be so well known to western ears. Excerpts from the great traveller ibn Battuta and the historian/philosopher ibn Khaldun also appear here. The vast amount of events and places is astounding. It records the Ottoman Empire at its height (indeed, many of the excerpts do deal with the Ottoman Turks), Napolean's entering north Africa, the Crimean War and the Crusades. Indeed, theres a small selection of passages dealing with the Assassin sect, of which Lewis has written an entire book. In addition, theres even a few pages which give some examples of words of Arabic, Turkish and Persian origin which have made their way into the English language.
The sheer volume of material contained within this book is simply amazing. Although they don't give as much information as one might like, the passages, excerpts and quotes included in this book provide windows into Middle Eastern life and history. Ultimately, I must strongly recommend that any student of Middle Eastern or Islamic history at least give this book a look. You won't regret it.

Fascinating!.......2002-01-07

I love this book. You read main primary sources from the last 2000 years, reflecting on West Europe-Islamic Asia/Africa relations and perceptions. The book can be read eclectically. It shed lights on how things were, and how they led us to where we are today!

Informative Compilation of Primary Sources.......2000-05-14

Dr. Lewis has written yet another informative compilation about the Middle East. I only wish that he could have included more about Sultan Bayezid II and his acceptance of the Spanish Jews expelled by Ferdinand and Isabel; the Afghan Jewish community in Herat; or the travels of Joseph Wolf, 1795-1862.

Average customer rating:

Marvelous Mosaics for Home & Garden
George W. Shannon , and Pat Torlen
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1895569729

Book Description

Choose from a range of extraordinary mosaic techniques and materials for making 20 exceptional decorative items. Use silicone to apply art glass onto a translucent background for a uniquely shimmering look. Incorporate natural and found objects like fossils and bottles washed up on shore and polished by the sea. Projects include a table adorned with rocks and glass, a mirrored tray, a 3-D decanter, and more.

Mosaics: Essential Techniques And Classic Projects

Average customer rating:

One of the Best Mosaic Books
Good for beginners

Mosaics: Essential Techniques And Classic Projects
Fran Soler
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0806963050

Book Description

Master the age-old, beautiful craft of mosaic. Begin by selecting the right tools and materials, from the classic rectangular chunks of hand-made Italian glass called "smalti" to found objects like buttons, beads, and pebbles. Plenty of tips are given for setting up and organizing a workspace, and all basic techniques are clearly explained and illustrated in glorious full color. Once you've learned how to cut the pieces for your mosaic and affix them in a design, you're ready to get to work. More than twenty projects will enable you to hone your skills while crafting exquisite decorative items in a variety of styles. Make an elegant Roman swirl mirror frame, a Byzantine box in jewel-like colors, an Aztec serpent wall panel, a geometric tabletop based on Islamic patterns, a dragonfly vase, bright modern candlesticks, and much more. From a hand mirror and a picture frame, to a front door and the ceiling of a room, almost any object can be transformed into a work of art using the versatile technique of mosaic. 128 pages (all in color), 8 1/2 x 11. NEW IN PAPERBACK

Customer Reviews:

One of the Best Mosaic Books.......2002-04-27

This is a basic, but excellent book for beginning and more advanced mosaicists. Every page is colorful, well laid out, and easy to scan for information. Photos of necessary tools, safety equipment and materials are accompanied with good descriptions and/or explanations. There are very good photos showing how to cut and arrange various shapes of tiles.

Every project is beautiful, and ranges from easy to very advanced. Easy projects include a sparkly Byzantine box, a pottery piece, pencil box, mirror, frame, wall plaques. Becoming increasingly larger or more complex are a vase, candlesticks, table top, backsplash with mirror, giant wall hangings, covered door and a bathroom ceiling!

A notable feature of the book is that several of the designs show a variety of alternate color combinations, which help with the planning of your particular project.

This book is very inspiring, and gets the creative juices going.

Good for beginners.......2001-07-23

This was, in some moment, the only mosaic book that I had. It has different projects, everyone is possible to do by your own. If you follow the instructions, you can do it. It has great photos and explanations.

The book starts with a brief history on mosaic, next, materials and tools. It explain that exist different techniques but all the projects used the direct method. Almost twenty projects follow. Each includes basic step-by-step instructions with some photos of the result. A large photo of the finished piece is also included.

The designs are not what I was expected, someones are to simply, they give you alternatives in the use of color for each project.

Is a good book, but you'll need more than this one after the first project, because after that, you'll need some book that give you concepts of design and how to create by your own.

I recomended that you follow with "Classic Mosaic" by Elaine M. Goodwin, an excellent book, the projects are more complex.

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