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:

New book just like ad described
Computed Tomography by Stewart Bushong
NICE BOOK
only covers part of the registry
Good for someone who is just beginning to study CT

Computed Tomography
Stewart C. Bushong
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Medical
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Radiologic & Ultrasound Technology | Allied Health Professions | Medicine | Subjects | Books

General | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

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

Medicine | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0071343547

Book Description

Here's everything students must know about computed tomography to excel in the classroom, score big on the ARRT exams, and thrive in clinical practice. Covers the full range of topics--ultrasound interaction with tissue, the ultrasound beam and image, quality control, the biological effects of ultrasound, image artifacts, and more.

Customer Reviews:

New book just like ad described.......2007-09-28

THis book was new just like the ad described and I received it very quickly. THanks a bunch.

Computed Tomography by Stewart Bushong.......2007-01-13

I am very impressed by Stewart Bushong's books. This book is concise, easy to follow and presented in a way that keeps your interest. The last time I performed a CT scan was in 1987. I am preparing to work on a 16 slice unit and this is one of the books I chose to help me get up to par in CT. I have been doing MRI since '87...lots have changes have occurred in CT imaging and I know Bushong can help me catch up!

NICE BOOK.......2007-01-09

I PASSED MY REGISTRY SO I GUESS IT WORKED. LOVE BUSHONG SINCE I TOOK HIS COURSE IN RAD SCHOOL IN HOUSTON. HE IS VERY SMART BUT SOMETIMES CAN BE A LITTLE OVER MY HEAD. STILL A GREAT BOOK TO STUDY FROM.

only covers part of the registry.......2006-11-11

good review of important physics of CT.
This however is only a small part of the registry.
If you want to prepare for the registry get Medical Imaging Consultants book.

Good for someone who is just beginning to study CT.......2006-02-22

I purchased this book for a quick review. I have already passed my boards and wanted a refresher. This book was not the book to use for that. It was written elementarily. I think if you only knew little about CT it could be helpful. Or if you didn't understand something, maybe it would help explain things better.

3ds Max 8 Essentials: Autodesk Media and Entertainment Courseware

Average customer rating:

Great courseware
A great book to get learning fast.
Great beginners book
Great book
Hands on for beginners

3ds Max 8 Essentials: Autodesk Media and Entertainment Courseware
Autodesk
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Graphic Design | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Software | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0240807901

Book Description

Welcome to the Autodesk Media and Entertainment Official Training Courseware for 3ds Max 8 software! Consider this book an all-access pass to the production and training experience of Autodesk developers and training experts. Written for self-paced learning or instructor-led classroom training, the manual will teach you the fundamentals of using 3ds Max 8. The book is organized into sections dedicated to animation, modelling, materials, lighting and rendering. Each section covers basic theory, and then includes exercises for hands-on demonstration of the concept. By the end of the book, you will have mastered the basics and moved onto full-length projects. Flexibility is built in, so that you can complete the tutorials in the way that works best for you. Complete the book and you will be a seasoned 3ds Max pro, ready to work confidently in a production environment.

·For beginners or those new to 3ds max
·Tutorials and exercises designed for flexibility and ease of use
·CD contains 3ds max support models, materials, textures, and animations for completing the exercises

Customer Reviews:

Great courseware.......2007-05-13

As a teacher of animation, I chose this book as basic courseware for my students. Although it doesn't cover every feature of the powerful software program (no single book could), it certainly covers the basics.

This is great for teachers as well as self directed learning.

A great book to get learning fast........2007-01-05

I found this book able to explain the concepts involved with 3D and this particular program very well. It's in plain english, and has exercises to help you come up to speed fast. It's best if you have prior experience in other graphical programs. Overall, a great book.

Great beginners book.......2006-07-26

Honestly a few days ago I did not know a thing about 3D Studio Max 8. All that I knew was that I needed to learn it. This book Ultimately is the beginner's bible for those out there that have no clue about how to use 3d Studio Max. It is divided into sections which cover all the bases from the Overall user interface, modelling, Animation, texturing and finally rendering.
If you want to get started on 3D studio max 8 this is the book, But!!

IF YOU ARE ALREADY EXPERIENCED AT USING IT THIS BOOK IS MORE OR LESS USELESS TO YOU!!!(Maybe as just a reference but that's it)

Great book.......2006-07-06

Great book for 3D beginners, but that's about it. Some tutorials on ligting and shadows are pretty good.

Hands on for beginners.......2006-03-30

I am new to the world of 3d and have no clue with regards to a 3d environment. My company bought 3ds Max 8 and have also sent me on a course to "get-up-to-speed" quickly. Before the course started I thought I would purchase this book so that I do not look like a total novice on the course. What I love about the book is that it explains concepts and then moves into a practicle aspects of what it explained. At all times I knew exatly what I had to do (as they have many screen dumps) and I never found myself looking for a button or a tab (which I often find myself doing with training matterial). I have completed the book and have attended 2 days of the 3ds Max course. To my amazement I would say that I am compentent at this stage of the course.
To conclude: I think that attending a course is always the best way of learning (if you have a great facilitator) BUT this costs a lot of money. If money is an issue I can highly recommend this book to learn the basics of 3ds Max 8. I hope that they bring out another book that is more indepth.

Adobe Creative Suite 2 How-Tos: 100 Essential Techniques (How-Tos)

Average customer rating:

It's all the information I was hoping to find in other books and didn't.
It is Essential you buy this book.
Excellent
So straightforward - a must read when upgrading!
100 Essential Techniques- really essential!

Adobe Creative Suite 2 How-Tos: 100 Essential Techniques (How-Tos)
George Penston
Manufacturer: Adobe Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Graphic Design | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Software | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

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

Computers & Internet | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0321356748

Book Description

The fully updated Adobe Creative Suite 2 Premium software (which includes Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, GoLive, and Acrobat) is a unified design environment. The Creative Suite 2 enables you to realize your ideas anywhere–in print, on the Web, or on mobile devices, and this info-packed guide lets users get right down to doing just that by focusing on the Creative Suite 2 features they're most likely to use and showcasing each in a stand-alone tip--complete with a relevant hint or two and a graphic example. In this fashion, readers learn just what they need to know, exploring the programs in a way that makes sense to them.

Download Description

The fully updated Adobe Creative Suite 2 Premium software (which includes Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, GoLive, and Acrobat) is a unified design environment. The Creative Suite 2 enables you to realize your ideas anywhere-in print, on the Web, or on mobile devices, and this info-packed guide lets users get right down to doing just that by focusing on the Creative Suite 2 features they're most likely to use and showcasing each in a stand-alone tip--complete with a relevant hint or two and a graphic example. In this fashion, readers learn just what they need to know, exploring the programs in a way that makes sense to them.

Customer Reviews:

It's all the information I was hoping to find in other books and didn't........2006-02-25

Clear but concise explanations of many of the features and functions you may already be marginally aware of, but may not understand how to use. These features are generally only mentioned in other books, but are more clearly explained here. I teach the Adobe suite, and feel pretty comfortable using these applications, but most of what I know has come from books because I live in an isolated area. Whenever a book comes along that helps me to understand features I haven't been using, I really appreciate it. Short on glamour, it is just black text on white pages; the techniques are most often presented in two page layouts with screen captures as needed. The book is small enough to hold on your lap or have next to the computer as you work. Reading and using one technique a day might be a great way to go through the book as opposed to just reading. Some tips will be of interest to new users, while others are aimed at the intermediate or advanced level, which is exactly how it's noted on the back cover. Easy reading, chapter headings make it simple to find what you need, but there's also a good index. I find the organization very helpful. There are general tips presented first, regarding the use of Bridge, and setting up preferences to work with the suite more interactively. Then techniques for individual application components are presented and I appreciate the inclusion of GoLive here since I use it. I know everyone else uses DW, but our school chose to go with the Adobe Suite way back when. I have been responsible for the extensive dept. web site and I found GoLive up to the task. And last, tips having to do with the use of Acrobat and Version Cue. I've been using Acrobat for years, but on a fairly rudimentary level and I didn't understand Version Cue at all, so this book has provided some terrific information there. All in all, I think this book is a bargain, excellent, much needed information presented in a simple format. Some tips may be over your head if you're just beginning, but later on you'll be glad they're here. Especially useful: tips on using Bridge more fully, the most useful and least understood aspects of Photoshop and Illustrator, using Master Pages and Frames in InDesign as well as creating books (something I need to do right now), CSS in GoLive (a special thank you for that), time-saving batch processing techniques, and Acrobat and Version Cue techniques that wrap up the final needed tips. This book is definitely not a rehash of anything you've seen elsewhere. It's all the information I was hoping to find in other books and didn't. This book is an excellent resource and I'll keep it handy. There isn't one thing in here I would consider filler. The subtitle is 100 essential techniques and that seems to fit the content perfectly.

It is Essential you buy this book........2006-02-01

"100 Essential Techniques" solved at least a half dozen situations right off the bat. George's writing style is clear and concise and his selection of techniques are those that you need to be aware of. Having flipped through the book several times reading what was intriguing, I am reading from front to back. I found that I could read this book on my comute and remember the simple steps on how to impliment the techniques when I was in front of the computer. Real sweet, what's next George?

Excellent.......2006-01-24

An excellent book, particularly helpful in discovering the new nooks and crannies of the CS line. It's definitely a book I wish I had sooner. It shed a lot of light on the Bridge as well as Version Cue that I just wasn't getting before.

I am familiar with George's style of writing and this book is no exception, to his casual yet informative tone.

So straightforward - a must read when upgrading! .......2006-01-24

This book was super helpful getting me up to speed when I did an upgrade from the pre-CS product line. It covers the basics, but also gets you into some of the more advanced time savers. There's a website for it too, which has been updated with a couple of new tips.

100 Essential Techniques- really essential!.......2006-01-23

Thank goodness! Finally, a resource that's quick access, a quick fix to my problems and helpful, succinct answers to my questions. A must-have for anyone using the new CS2.

Essential CG Lighting Techniques with 3ds Max

Average customer rating:

Solid intro to lighting, but not for advanced users
Lights..camera...?
Good book
50/50
A little weak...

Essential CG Lighting Techniques with 3ds Max
Darren Brooker
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Design | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Software | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Computer Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Arts & Photography | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Computers & Internet | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 024052022X

Book Description

Lighting is the one thing that makes or breaks any CG environment. This inspirational book and DVD give you everything you need to create convincing CG lightin; from the concepts and theoretical aspects to the techniques and tricks that are essential in a production environment. The stunning color illustrations throughout the book illustrate just what can be done, while the tutorials show you exactly how to do it.

Every ounce of theory is backed up with practical tutorials, using the free trial versions of 3ds Max and Combustion supplied on the companion DVD. The tutorials take you from the fundamentals of lighting, right through to advanced techniques with many new sections, including ones that cover radiosity techniques, rendering with mental ray, and compositing.

Certified by Autodesk, Darren Brooker's new edition teaches the real methods behind real-world work. If you want a one-stop master class in CG lighting, or if you just want to brush up on your existing skills - then this book contains everything you need.

* Everything you need to learn the art of CG lighting in one easy-to-use volume
* Free trial software and detailed tutorials take you through every step of the CG lighting process
* Learn the art and science of lighting CG environments the Autodesk-certified way

Customer Reviews:

Solid intro to lighting, but not for advanced users.......2007-08-01

Advanced user aren't going to learn anything revolutionary, but over all this is a good beginner/intermediate level guide to CG lighting. As with many other Focal Press titles, much of this book's contents are covered in Max 9's own tutorials and user reference.

Lights..camera...?.......2007-04-30

This is a good looking book with full color prints. One of the tutorials was highlighted in 3D Magazine as an example of 3 point lighting. I experienced some difficulty with some files when I tried to use the radiosity plugin. Also, one tutorial has missing files. The instructions kind of jumble together in think prose. Not easy to follow. The material, however, touches on light theory, shadows, HDI, and renderers. The HDI tutorial is a good one to introduce you to the concept and yes, HDI maps are included. I think this is a good cocktail table book. Nice discussions and great graphics. Can't take learning specifics about Max lights seriously. But good discussion and some good examples.

Good book.......2007-04-10

It is a good book. It really helps to understand different notions about the cg lighting. Well structured and uses everyday language.
Tutorials are good, sometimes maybe to long, but they help to structure and have an overview of the matter.
I recommend the book to everyone who want to have an understanding of how to set up lights in 3dsmax with maximum efficiency.

50/50.......2006-12-26

Now some of the information was extremely useful, especially if you know nothing at all about lighting. But there is nothing in this book that you couldnt find from a training DVD from Gnomon or something like that. Another thing is, I had to request 2 brand new DVDs because each one was missing a lot of models and textures. 3rd DVD yielded a flawless one and I was able to complete all of the tutorials. If you know nothing about CG Lighting, its worth a look at, if you have a minor understanding, you may want to look into Gnomon or something along those lines.

A little weak..........2006-11-18

I've been reviewing several books on lighting and rendering, in both Max and Maya, and from the reviews here I was expecting something a little better in this book.

The content about Max was slim pickings. It said almost nothing about most of the optional renderers like Vray and Brazil, just about a page each on those. Apart from that, there was general info from the manual.

The sections about how to actually light a scene were weak. It goes over basics of approaches like three point lighting, but I didn't find much in this book that deepened my understanding of how to actually light, it just looked like generalizations that could have been copied from older books.

Essential LightWave v9: The Fastest and Easiest Way to Master LightWave 3D

Average customer rating:

If only....
This book actually deserves 10 stars!!!!
awesome book!!!!! Essential to learning Lightwave
Great book for different experience levels...

Essential LightWave v9: The Fastest and Easiest Way to Master LightWave 3D
Steve Warner , Kevin Phillips , and Timothy Albee
Manufacturer: Wordware Publishing, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

3D Graphics | Graphic Design | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Design | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1598220241

Book Description

Essential LightWave v9 offers an unparalleled development strategy for graphic designers, illustrators, video producers, motion graphic artists, visual effects artists, and animators who are interested in getting the most out of LightWave 3D. As the book touches on nearly every aspect of the software, it is ideal for all skill levels.

Customer Reviews:

If only.... .......2007-10-04

...if only I'd had this book 3 years ago!

I bought LightWave8 a few years ago, and was unable to get past the text-only interface, and put it aside after about a month of frustration.

In the last 3months I've tried at least 10 other 3D apps, including LW9 again. I would really like to be able to use it, but again, couldn't crack the gui.

As a result, I settled on another 3D app (email me if you want to know which & why)...I'm very happy with the other program, but the point is,
I may have stayed with LW9 if I only had the right learning tool to begin with.

This book is phenomenal...well printed and well laid out as well.

The first thing that struck me about this book (besides the striking cover and the thickness) is the attitude of the authors. Up front in the dedication they write with heart-felt empathy:

"To all those who have yearned to create great works with LightWave yet
found themselves facing a steep and seemingly insurmountable learning curve...we know exactly how you feel. This book was written for you. We hope that it causes you to grow in your skills and inspire others with your wonderful artistic visions."

And you can tell they put their hearts & souls into it. The book is a chunk, no getting around it, but it is packed with well written and solid information. And when you add the video tutorials, it's an incredible
learning tool.

I'm committed to another app for now, but when time permits, I'll
get back to LightWave....I feel a lot better about it now...I don't have
the sense of forboding as I used to, now that I have Steve, Kevin & Timothy to show me the way.

Thanks, guys!!!

This book actually deserves 10 stars!!!!.......2007-08-27

Hello :-)

This book is awesome!!! The whole way it is structured, the in-depth explanations, the easy-to-follow tutorials, just everything is really well thought through and brings you quickly to a new level. The video tutorials on the DVD are fantastic and the information you get is priceless.
The total knowledge you get for that price is just incredible.

This book really deserves 10 stars! I can recommend it to anyone who works with Lightwave, no matter if beginner or professional. What you learn from
this book will have a huge impact on your future 3D work!

I've bought many books in the past for Lightwave but THIS one beats them all!

Thanks for bringing this book to the market!

And now.....go and order it! ;-)))

Cheers!
Steven R. (Switzerland)

awesome book!!!!! Essential to learning Lightwave.......2007-08-08

This is a very awesome LightWave book. The video tutorials that come on the DVD are priceless themselves. Either beginner or intermediate, this book is a gem to your 3D training.

The video tutorials, Steve Warner goes slow and in depth, not like some of these DVD training videos that click on the mouse like maniacs with no explainations of what they are doing . The video tutorials are clear to see, no blurry or fuzzy pictures

The one thing I wish this book and other lightwave book had was glossy/colored images. Even though these images are on the DVD I still think it is essential to have them printed in color or at least have the images colored.Sometimes when I am reading these books, I am not at my computer (I love to read in resturaunts for some reason)so I don't always have the ability to reference from the DVD, coloed images would be awesome.
I know that would make the book cost more, but I would pay the extra for sure.
Black and White images just don't cut it in an art style book.
Just my 2cents!

But overall the information in this book deserves 10 Stars
A++++

way to go Steve, thanks for your hard work in putting this together-

Great book for different experience levels..........2007-07-23

Well, I'll keep this pretty short. I can't really recommend this book enough. I'm fairly new to LW and this book has been a tremendous help. Even on areas where I though I was up to speed I keep on learning new things. The book starts off with a general introduction to 3d, and then has main chapters covering topics such as modeling, lighting, animating, texturing, rendering, etc. Then it moves onto more intermediate and advanced chapters and projects.

What I like best is that each mini-area is followed by a simple illustrated example that makes it very easy to understand and see it in use. Also, the way the book is broken up into sections, if you don't really want to read up on animation right that second you can just move on to the next area without feeling too lost (and hopefully go back to that section later).

I will also point out that the book comes with hours and hours (about 14 I think) of tutorial videos that cover a broad range of topics including new 9.2 features. These videos alone are worth the price of the book. (Just as a note, if there are any videos that don't work on your DVD, go to publishers website for info on how to get them) As this book covers so many areas, especially many 9.2 new features, it really is good for all different levels.

Have fun riding the Wave...

Average customer rating:

great for beginners
Awesome!!!
Informative, Indepth, but...
A thorough guide
Informative and Inspiring

Essential LightWave 3D 8
Timothy Albee
Manufacturer: Wordware Publishing, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

3D Graphics | Graphic Design | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Design | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Video Games | Games & Strategy Guides | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Software | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Video & Electronic Games | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1556220820

Book Description

Provides a comprehensive tutorial to this popular 3D animation and modeling software popular not only in animation, cartoons, but television and computer games.

Customer Reviews:

great for beginners.......2006-07-04

With no experience in 3D modeling, this book helped me get started. It showed me the best way to use the tools in Lightwave as well as some concepts behind modeling\animating. Now I am modeling cars, places, people, and doing some light animation.

The author writes with a sense of humor and personality. Therefore, it's not boring to read. However, it can sometimes be long-winded.

I didn't give it five stars because the author often skips steps. While some steps the author skips because he has gone over them before (which is good), other steps are completely new and necessary yet are omitted. You then waste a lot of time trying to figure out for yourself how to get to the next step.

Overall, if you want to get started with Lightwave, I recommend using this book coupled with the Lightwave help.

Awesome!!!.......2006-03-18

This book came just in time when i needed it!! It is in great quality, REALLY helpful book! This book is one of those beginner books.

Informative, Indepth, but..........2005-07-13

I have been working on Lightwave for about a year. I have prior experience with 3DS Max. In fact, I have also received formal training, at the expense of my employer, on Lightwave 3D 8, but nonetheless I still felt the need to run out and buy several titles on the subject. One of them happened to be this book.

First off, the book is loaded with a ton of -- yes! -- essential information! Likewise, the basics are covered quite thoroughly and in such a way that the reader does not become too overwhelmed. Basic concepts relating to the world of 3D are covered along with Lightwave specific terminology. The author receives high praise from me in this particular area. Spanning 20 chapters, an epilogue, three appendices, and a reasonable index, the book introduces the user to Lightwave.

The tutorials are laid out in a linear and numbered fashion. The reader who is comfortable enough with the program will have no problem with this; however, there are many parts in the book where steps are missing or the illustrations don't seem to match up with what is being presented. Take, for instance, chapter six, step 15 -- the user is instructed to drag a selection box around the top of their model and press the delete key. Seems simple enough, doesn't it? Well, everything is not always as it seems, because the authors seem to have forgotten to instruct the user to change Grid Snap to None under the Display Options | Units window. This is just one example of several in which steps were left out or utterly confusing. Enough of the bad points about the book however, because there are MANY more good ones.

The CD-ROM that comes with the book is also particularly useful, and I've not come across an item that was referenced in the book and not on the disc. There are even points in the book where the user is able to load objects and work from that point to the objective. The appendices in the back of the book are loaded with VERY useful information on an assortment of subjects. Are you looking for plug-ins and programs suggested by the pros? This book has a comprehensive list of them that will get you headed in the right direction, if not to your destination! Are you looking for resources on Lightwave online, such as particular websites? Guess what! This book lists them along with descriptions and screen captures of the sites, such as: Newtek, Flay, CGTalk, and many more!

I would suggest that you pick up this book with the fore-knowledge that you need to have the Lightwave [8] interactive PDF help-file loaded. This is definitely a title that will get you started on the right path to conquering Lightwave and, with diligence, mastering it.

A thorough guide.......2005-06-06

I just burned through this book in 2 days... after struggling with Lightwave for weeks, this book made all the fundamental building blocks of the program make sense for me in a way they hadn't before. The book is soft on the animation and dynamics end of things, but with a firmer grasp of all the basic tools, I'm so much more comfortable with the software. It was fun to read and the authors have lots of personal tips and philosophical advice that makes the tutorials more intriguing.

Informative and Inspiring.......2005-04-30

I really like this book. I've only had it a couple of days and I've already learned a lot. I'm not a complete newbie with Lightwave, but even the beginnig chapters of this book are peppered with little tips and tricks. And as always, Albee is just as interested in inspiring the reader as he is in educating. I have Dan Ablan's Inside Lightwave 8 book, which I really like too, but this one seems to be more coherent and connected, with a more consistent throughline. For me personally, I am enjoying the three different methods he presents for head modeling. I think his detail-out method is worth the price of the book alone. Great addition to my ever-growing Lightwave book collection!!

3ds Max 8 MAXScript Essentials, First Edition

Average customer rating:

Ok as an additional reference to MaxScript
Very Good for the New or Rusty

3ds Max 8 MAXScript Essentials, First Edition
Autodesk
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Graphic Design | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Software | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Computer Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0240808584

Book Description

Write your own MAXScript functions and utilities to create custom tools and UI elements, and automate repetitive tasks. Demonstrated techniques include the creation of objects, arrays, collections, control structures, parametric objects, and the construction of UI elements. The companion CD-ROM contains media files that allow you to practice the techniques with real-world examples demonstrating how you can use then in a production environment.

·The definitive introduction to MAXScript
·Includes media files that allow you to practice with real-world examples

Customer Reviews:

Ok as an additional reference to MaxScript.......2006-09-21

This book gives a good overview of some of the new changes to the MaxScript system with the release of Max 8.

However if you plan on doing anything remotely complicated or involved with the deeper inner workings of Max/MaxScript you WILL need to locate a copy of the "Mastering MaxScript and the SDK for 3D Studio Max". This may be difficult as you will likely have to purchase it used. But it is a better source for in depth info.

A useful book but not a MaxScript reference unto itself.

Very Good for the New or Rusty.......2006-09-20

As an artist whose programming skills have waned over the years, I found this a very good refresher on the basics while introducing maxscript specific functions. The tutorials and lessons are very easy to follow along with and they cover a very large amount of the possibilities that maxscript offers. Be prepared to refer to the excellent maxscript documentation included with 3ds max, as the book references topics to learn more in-depth usages.

Digital Character Animation 2, Volume I: Essential Techniques ([digital])

Average customer rating:

Excellent intro to basic principles of character animation
Fantastic Book filled with good tutorials and examples.
Good starter book
Essential reading
Hands On Practice Book

Digital Character Animation 2, Volume I: Essential Techniques ([digital])
George Maestri
Manufacturer: New Riders Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Graphic Design | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Software | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

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

Arts & Photography | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Computers & Internet | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1562059300

Amazon.com

In 1996, George Maestri wrote what is now the benchmark for computer character animation books, Digital Character Animation. It quickly became a bestseller, because it addressed many important issues for people using computers for character animation.

But like many books of its type, it covered an enormous amount of territory without going into the depth that some sections deserved. With the publication of Digital Character Animation 2 Volume 1 - Essential Techniques, Maestri has been able to restructure much of the original content, while going into more detail than the first edition. For example, building skeletons has been broken out into a whole separate chapter, and the chapter on posing characters has almost doubled in length.

The new edition covers modeling, skeletal deformation techniques, and animation timing and lip sync. Luckily, it doesn't neglect the fundamental building blocks of good, basic character animation techniques, to which the book devotes an entire chapter.

Why is something so important not covered until more than halfway through the book? Because the preceding chapters go into detail on building characters (there are whole chapters devoted to building the meshes for bodies, hands, and heads) and constructing the internal skeletons used for deformations. Appropriately, after you've built a character that is ready to be animated, you can then begin practicing the important basics of character animation, as well as walking and locomotion fundamentals (chapter 9) and lip-sync and facial animation (chapter 10).

Because this is Volume I, we can assume that the issues not covered in this edition will be explored in subsequent volumes. Topics like anthropomorphic animation, creating digital sets for your characters, and the basics of making a film--sound design, editing, effects--deserve much more attention than they were given in the first edition.

This book does not get caught up in photo-realistic textures, rendering issues, or software-specific tips and tricks. It is ideally suited for someone striving to learn the craft of character animation using 3D tools, who wants to breathe life into each frame of animation. Digital Character Animation 2 is a promising first volume to what hopefully will be a defining series. --Mike Caputo

Book Description

Grounded in the basics of traditional cell animation, Digital Character Animation 2, Volume I: Essential Techniques provides the necessary information to create convincing computer-generated characters in 3D. This step-by-step, full color guide applies conventional character animation techniques such as walk cycles and lip sync to computer animation, along with tips for giving your characters the illusion of life.Volume I is the first of two volumes and is geared to more entry level animators, teaching the basics. Volume II, soon to be announced, will build on Volume I, covering more advanced concepts and techniques. The cross-platform CD-ROM includes: multiple walk cycles on various 3D programs; lip sync examples; texture maps; and 3D models from REM Infografica.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent intro to basic principles of character animation.......2002-11-13

This is such a good book on learning the basics of modeling for animation, rigging, posing, locomotion and even facial animation and dialogue. I read this book to learn character animation and I noticed I keep coming back to it because it is a very good source of fundamentals. the importance of staging, timing, and the principles are covered with useful 3d renderings to match. examples of jump and walk cycles, etc are included. and core facial expression poses are shown also noting which muscles are used. the cd contains some nice clips of animation cycles done.

Although simple in its approach, it's basics is rooted deep from a solid understanding of character animation knowledge. and since it is software independant, it will never go out of date.

Fantastic Book filled with good tutorials and examples........2002-07-14

George Maestri know's how to make a good tutorial book. He has nice clean pictures and doesn't go beyond what the reader may not know. I bought the first book, which i used constantly, and the new edition builds on the old one and makes it better. Highly recommended for those looking at techniques in computer animation. Its even got facial expressions =)

Good starter book.......2002-07-12

This book was very useful in teaching myself to make and animate 3D characters. The step-by-step direction are truely useful. The image details don't always match the the written directions and leave a bit to be desired, but it isn't really a hendrince.

Essential reading.......2002-01-20

The book focuses on character modelling (from the basics of modelling to the setup of the skeleton system) and takes time to explore the concepts of timing, anticipation.

It is written in a software independent way and adds a lot of pictures. You will need to have a decent understanding of your own software of choice, but that's what manuals are for...

It was my first real course on character modelling and I learned a lot about it. Not for the real pro's but for anyone who likes to get started or get past the intermediate level.

Hands On Practice Book.......2001-12-15

This book is written without any one software package in mind. Study this book, don't just read it. You need to apply these principals to really get what the author is saying. I think if you got this and tried reading it once by the fireplace (and not by the workstation) you would get bored/lost. So, it helps to already be pretty familiar with a software package before you get this book.

Average customer rating:

nice introduction
Poorly produced, rushed to market
This book is Terrible!
A great book for beginners

Essential Renderman Fast
Ian Stephenson
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Rendering & Ray Tracing | Graphic Design | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Design | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Programming | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Software | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Cinematography | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Arts & Photography | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Computers & Internet | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Entertainment | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

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

Arts & Photography | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Computers & Internet | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Entertainment | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1852336080

Book Description

RenderMan has long been associated with top-end film production and is an essential tool for creating many of the effects and images in recent animated films (such as Final Fantasy, Monsters, Inc., Stuart Little, Pearl Harbour and Dinosaur). RenderMan is widely available and, with the demand for higher quality images, is now used by computer-based artists at all levels of the graphics industry. Essential RenderMan fast is a practical introduction to producing images using a RenderMan renderer, and getting the most from RenderMan. You will gain access to the power of RenderMan, which has previously only been available to the elite of the Computer Graphics community! With plenty of illustrations and hands-on examples, Ian Stephenson: gives an overview of RenderMan.- explains how scenes are described.- illustrates (among other things) how to create surfaces; colour; lighting; shadows; and depth of field, using RIB and the C API.- introduces the techniques involved in creating and applying textures and shading. Additional material is available from the Essential series website: http://www.essential-series.com

Customer Reviews:

nice introduction.......2004-10-26

Gets you started with a lots of short examples. After reading this you'll probably want Advanced RenderMan, but this is a far easier introduction to the RenderMan world.

Poorly produced, rushed to market.......2004-06-18

This book should have never been published in such
haste. The author lightly grazes on important topics,
offering just tidbits but nothing significant. Very few people
use the C API, I don't see any point in wasting space on this.
The images are terrible, lack detail, hard-to-follow and most are in black and white. The 'Suggested Activities', 'Summary'
and 'Related Commands' sections at the end of each chapter are a joke and are merely page fillers. Surprising that Springer-Verlag would let such a low quality publication slip through.

This book is Terrible!.......2004-05-12

This book is terrible. It tells you how to do the easy things, but nothing more. For harder things, it constantly tells you what is possible to do, but not how to actually do it. I would definately pick up a copy of "Advanced Renderman" or "The Renderman Companion" instead of this book! If you have any graphics programming experience, this book will not help you.

A great book for beginners.......2003-06-18

Start learning Renderman with this book, its up to date and you can really get going with the information you learn. It has many simple examples you can test and modify yourself including simple RIB scenes, C Api and Shading Language. If you don't know anything about Renderman and want to start learning, this book is for you.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books