Customer Reviews:
Monsters Of Stone.......2006-04-06
Gargoyles in their manifold glory, from the small, twisted and misshapen, to the majestic and terrible, this coffee table collection of the rooftop monsters of New York is highlighted by text composed by none other than Stephen King. A lovely and atmospheric gathering of these sculpted nightmares, captured at varying angles and conditions of shadow, light, and sometimes in the rain, deftly calculated to heighten the effect of staring these treasures almost in the eye. I find a lot of meaning in this book, too, because, knowing how much I love old stone sculptures and gargoyles and the like, my grandfather gave it to me as a gift while I was home on spring break from college in the year 2000, and it was the last time I ever got to visit him.
Did not catch the many-century old value of these gargoyles.......2001-08-10
This is a coffee table book. But it does not have to be bad. The pictures, by f-stop Fitzgerald, of those gargoyles are interesting, some of them very original, but the introductory text, by Stephen King, is definitely too long for what it has to tell. The only idea of some value is that these gargoyles, and yet some of them are not gargoyles, are alive. Fine. And then what ? Why are they ugly, though some of them are not ? What is their symbolical value on twentieth century houses or buildings in New York or Chicago ? This is not answered.
Originally those gargoyles, a long time ago indeed, were there to protect the buildings they were sitting on, many churches among others, by fending off the real devils and monsters they were supposed to represent, and people believed these monsters and devils did exist in those days. That was the first function. The second function was to teach people (essentially on church porches or inside churches, and they were not gargoyles any more) the dangers of sinning, the devils that were waiting for us or the suffering we may be condemned to. That was a pedagogical function. They were thus alive because they represented some faith, some belief that gave them life.
With the passing away of religion as the center of our life, these values have disappeared, and yet they survive in a less religious value. These gargoyles, these monsters, who are not always monsters, protect our homes against the outside world that is dangerous or against our fears they are supposed to keep out. Pedagogically, they do not teach us religion anymore but they have taken over an artistic value. They have become a decoration, and they are intended to be monstrous or frightening. They are supposed to be a way the people in the house tell us to stay away, they are like shouts from those people directed at us to frighten us away, most of them. But they also have another value. They are references to classical gods, to natural elements, to cultural characters that only exist in our literatures or mythologies. Then they become some kind of showing off ordered by the owner to decorate his or her house to show everyone he or she has some culture : here Jove or Zeus, here Neptune or some Sun-God (p. 121), etc.
What would have been interesting, would have been the following questions. Why are some not frightening at all (p. 116, 86, 78), and why are some not looking at us at all (p. 117) ? Why are some not Christian at all, not western at all ? A Chinese one for instance page 110, if it is Chinese. And finally why are so many just plain nice and friendly, like page 90, or some kind of clown like page 115 ? They probably represent the fantasms, fears, likes and desires of the owners, builders, artists, but they cannot be reduced to nightmares in the sky. They are interesting declarations someone we donýt even know is throwing at us with the hope we may understand, appreciate or like them. In other words they are not cathartic. They are a discourse directed at us and we are supposed to understand it.
Dr Jacques COULARDEAU, Paris Universities II and IX.
Gargoyles up close & personal.......2000-11-19
This coffee table book is long out of print, but well worth my years of searching! F-stop Fitgerald's photographs capture the true essence of the Grotesque in their natural habitat and illustrate how Mother Nature and Father Time enliven the personalities of these strange creatures rather than detract from them.
Stephen King's essay is entertaining and true to his genre, but don't expect any historical information here. It is purely a showcase for the photographs and that is enough!
Photography, gothic architecture and King...........2000-05-05
I'm surprised to read that this is a hard-to-find book; I still occasionally find copies of it in the bargain bins of large booksellers. That will probably change now that the paperback version is being released.
I really like this book. The photos are simple, but they capture the beauty and mystique of gargoyle images throughout New York and other American cities. I must admit, I bought this bargain book because Stephen King's name was on the cover and because I thought it was a quirky addition to my book collection. However, once I brought it home and started flipping through the pages, I was captivated by the grainy, sometimes eerie images. King's words add some interesting views and anecdotes, but the book stands alone just on Fitzgerald's photos. Some of the gargoyles are menacing, some are macabre, some are playful and some are downright comical. All of them attest to the creativity and imagination of their creators.
This hardcover, 128-page (or so) volume would be right at home on your coffee table (it's an awkward size to try to squeeze into most standard bookshelves). King's writing shares page space for about 35 pages; the book is focused on the pics (as it should be). It's not for everyone; if you don't like "picture books" then stay away. But if you like interesting photos capturing a unique subject, and/or if you are at all a Stephen King fan, this is one to bring home.
good for more than a name.......2000-03-31
personally, i don't even like steven king. actually, i hate his writing. he's a feminist with no talent.
however, despite adding his drivel to these pages, the book is excellent. i enjoy just sitting down and flipping through the wonderful photographs.
a must for any gargoyle lover.
Book Description
"AA-Not the Only Way" responds to the growing demand from recovery experts, U.S. court rulings, problem drinkers and drug addicts for a global resource directory of alternative treatments. While everyone has heard of Alcoholics Anonymous and other twelve-step programs that suport millions of people each year with addiction, they are not the only effective programs available.
Melanie Solomon's book compares and contrasts many different self-help programs so the client can better choose which one best suits his or her needs, as well as contact information for licensed professionals and treatment facilities throughout the U.S. and abroad. "This book is ideal for any addiction professional's waiting room, treatment process, or as an integral part of the client's continuing care plan." (NAADAC-The Association for Addiction Professionals).
"AA-Not the Only Way fills an important niche in the recovery literature. It offers a compact but wide-ranging guide to addiction support and treatment options. The author's recovery story will also be an inspiration to those who find themselves battling a one-size-fits-all system that is supposed to be helping them." (Dr. Tom Horvath, President of SMART Recovery).
Customer Reviews:
AA: Not the Only Way--Your One Stop Resource Guide to 12-Step Alternatives.......2007-07-16
AA Not the Only Way is a resource for those seeking addiction counselling. Everyone has heard of AA but this type of program quite simply does not work for everyone. The author has personal experience in this situation. She tried AA and like many people when she kept relapsing she blamed herself for somehow failing the program. This pattern changed when the author found a program that suited her needs and specific issues.
Since AA does not suit everyone's needs and because most people don't realize that they have other options, the author has compiled information on alternate programs. Some programs require total abstinence and others look to teach moderation. There are also programs specifically tailored for women or specifically for men. The overlying philosophy, background, and contact information is included for each of these programs. Lists of licensed professionals, treatment centers, and other useful resources are also included.
yet another victory against 12-Stepism.......2007-05-13
Kuddos to Ms Solomon for helping break us out of this religious tyranny. A much needed resource guide
to other approaches to alcoholism and addiction. My impression is that AA is just about the best recovery
program the 12th century has to offer. It is time to get into reality based programs with some scientific
basis as opposed to this faith based psycho-christian nonsense.
Useful reference.......2007-03-03
Reviewed by Louise Landeta for Reader Views (2/07)
The author's main point is that there are many other programs and approaches to dealing with addictive behaviors besides Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and its twelve steps; yet the alternatives, while perhaps known within the recovery community, are not widely made known or available. She contends that AA is not as effective as most people think--her statistics are quite dismal, and some of the other programs have much more success. Mainly, Ms. Solomon wants to drive home the fact that while AA might be good for some people, and she has nothing against it, there are numerous other approaches that are effective as well. People are diverse and need diverse approaches to fit their individual needs.
Ms. Solomon shares the pitfalls of her own journey with addictive substances and her attempts to find help and support through AA to no avail, even though her own father was quite successful with the program. Her inability to recover through AA was a source of great sadness for her until she came to realize that lots of other people fail to recover through it as well. It was only through her own unrelenting search for alternatives that she found other programs and eventually something that worked for her.
The author is a good writer--her verbiage and syntax are on par, she provides data to back up her contentions, the content is well-organized and she cites her sources.
The basic theme in her thesis is that not everyone accepts the concept of a higher power and the basic assumption that they are helpless in the face of addiction. I believe this is a valid point. My only suggestion is that she seems to soft pedal this. I would be more comfortable if she would come right out with it--don't skirt around it. Be right up front with it.
I was interested in reviewing "AA Not the Only Way" because my work as a chaplain brings me into contact with various types of addicts. It will remain in my library as a useful future resource. I give it an A for all of the reasons cited above.
AA not the only way.......2006-07-21
Always good to be open to all choices.
Very detailed and helpful.
An invaluable and one-of-a-kind resource. Don't miss out!.......2006-05-08
Solomon has made a critical contribution to the world of addiction treatment. AA has cornered the market, but for a myriad of different reasons, a "one size fits all" approach doesn't actually fit every problem drinker or alcoholic. In straightforward language, Solomon provides guidance on alternative philosophies and where to go to find practitioners of these therapies.
Solomon has a personal interest in alcoholism treatment, and her book opens with a compelling first person confessional, followed by a brief chapter providing basic statistics about alcoholism treatments and success rates. The majority of the book is devoted to a break-down of different self-help groups, including their philosophy, meeting structure, history, and links to further information. The groups covered include six abstinence-based models (including SMART Recovery and Rational Recovery), two moderation-based approaches (including Moderation Management), two self-help groups designed especially for women, along with the school of harm-reduction therapy.
One could spend hours looking through the wealth of resources, websites, books, and media articles that Solomon provides in the concluding chapters. She also has state-by-state listings of SMART-based professionals, moderation-friendly professionals, and treatment centers that offer choices beyond the standard 12-step approach.
Bravo Melanie! You've taken your experience and produced an invaluable resource for many lost souls.
Solomon provides a comprehensive guide to AA alternatives, one of which is Moderation Management. For anyone interested in seriously pursuing an AA alternative, purchase Solomon's guide and pair it with the excellent workbook entitled "Responsible Drinking." Neither is a substitute for the other, and they make an excellent pair.
Book Description
Mothers today must raise girls in a vastly different environment than they themselevs experienced. In this practical book, Dr. Ann Caron first discusses what is happening to girls' bodies and minds in this maturating period and then raises issues that affect mothers and daughters daily: trust, dependency, sex, peers and friends, competition, alcohol and drugs, discipline, and much more.
Customer Reviews:
Helpful book for moms of teens.......2001-06-05
A good jumping off point for moms searching for a way to relate to their daughters. No earth shattering information but it is concrete with useful suggestions. Would recommend it to someone looking for much needed advice. The most helpful aspect of the book is it's description of adolescence as a developmental stage. It normalizes what many go through as their daughters begin to separate from the family in a sometimes overwhelming way.
I Highly Suggest This Book For Dads of Adolescent Girls Too.......1999-12-16
I bought this book several years ago when my daughter was 12 and I've read and reread it many times since. It's one of the few books on teenage girls I have read that is written to teach both parent/adult and child about the stress and strain of adolescence. The information in the book is applicable to "fathers" as well. Now that my daughter is seventeen, I'm convinced that she would behave in exactly the same manner if she had been raised by her father alone. With this in mind, I encourage Dads to read this book, too.
This book helped me tremendously to understand my 12 yr girl.......1999-07-26
I didn't want this book to end. It was so insight ful, helped me to think before I speak to my 12 yr old girl. I'm trying to apply the concept of no negative feed back, even in the face of the "7th grade uglies". I wish she had written more on this subject. I'm about to read "Strong Mothers, Strong Sons" for my 18 and 12 year old sons.
Customer Reviews:
Enchanting.......2007-08-14
This is an illustrative epic that I can't help but pick up again and again. Mr. Wise's sharp eye for unique and colorful scenes is easy to appreciate, even for a photography neophyte like me. Mr. Wise's photo essay reveals an adventurous soul that is willing to go the distance in sharing a dream!
This book is fantastic........2005-08-30
These photos are amazing. Marc Wise has immersed himself in the trucker lifestyle by taking a job as one, and the works show this intimacy he shares with the subject while maintaining an objective viewpoint. Highly recommended for people who appreciate the works of photographers like Stephen Shore and William Eggleston.
Captures the mood.......2002-10-25
If you are looking for a trucking book with lots of pictures of trucks, this is not for you, however if you want a photographic pictorial book which captures the mood of truckstops and the variety of patrons who frequent them, this is a worthwhile addition to your library.
A great pictorial work.......1997-08-30
This book truley captures the life of an average
truck driver. It shows the experiences of the road and best of all the truck stops. The truck stops are wonderfully photographed.
Customer Reviews:
I read a lot of books - this was one of them........2004-02-13
When I was trying to give up smoking I read a lot of books. this was one of them. this was one of the beter ones. The one that did it for me though was The Voice of Tobacco. Good book, great idea, stopped me and made me laugh as well.
Average customer rating:
|
You Can Stop Stuttering
Martin F. Schwartz , and
Grady L. Carter
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General
| Biographies & Memoirs
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Neuropsychology
| Psychology & Counseling
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General
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Internal Medicine
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| Urology
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Feel the Fear . . . and Do It Anyway (r)
ASIN: 0060155256 |
Book Description
The Mighty Fallen is a beautiful, evocative presentation of more than 150 never-before-seen photographs of the nation's greatest monuments and war memorials, along with text that describes the memorials and tells their stories. This extraordinary collection calls attention to the power of memory and the ways in which we immortalize people and events. As Larry Bond notes in the Introduction, "Memories of a war or battle are unpleasant, but few veterans would want them erased." This book is a unique tribute to veterans and a commemoration of some of the most significant conflicts in our history.
Most battlefields leave little record of the historic confrontations that occurred there. Those who fought in epic struggles want us to remember not just the outcome, but the cost of victory and those who paid the price for the freedoms we enjoy today. Memories fade, so we raise monuments of stone and bronze to carry their message of sacrifice through the centuries.
The Iwo Jima Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC are instantly recognizable, but there are monuments all over North America honoring more than 300 years of military service. The Mighty Fallen shows you hundreds of monuments, memorials, and statues conveying the message their designers wanted you to hear—these are more than just a date and location.
Average customer rating:
- The First Step
- If you enjoy the architecture and art of churches. . .
|
Pillars of the Almighty
Ken Follett
Manufacturer: William Morrow & Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
British
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
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| 18th Century
| 19th Century
| 20th Century
| Classics
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The Pillars of the Earth
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Eye of The Needle
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A Place Called Freedom
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Night Over Water
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On Wings of Eagles
ASIN: 0688128122 |
Customer Reviews:
The First Step.......2007-08-29
Ken Follet's work, "Pillars of the Earth" is an epic tale which I have read through at least a dozen times. Through each read characters came to life in a new way, emphasizing Follet's portrayal of the cyclical path we all follow and the paths that have never been trodden.
From my first read through "Pillars of the Almighty" I was immediately aware of new dimensions of Follet's epic that I had never thought to contemplate. The beauty captured by Fitzgerald's camera will give any fan of Follet a new perspective on a tale they know well. For those who have not yet read "Pillars of the Earth", this book is the introduction and guide into Tom and Jack's world of 12th century England that any fan of history, architecture or art is sure to treasure.
If you enjoy the architecture and art of churches. . ........2003-02-17
If you enjoy the architecture and art of churches, you will love this book. This anthology is the perfect coffee table book for everyone. The images are stunning and captivating.
Books:
- On the Hunt: How to Wake Up Washington and Win the War on Terror
- Open My Eyes, Lord: A Practical Guide to Angelic Visitations and Heavenly Experiences
- Pawnee Bill's Historic Wild West: A Photo Documentary of the 1900-1905 Show Tours
- Philadelphia Chickens
- Principles and Practice of Mechanical Ventilation, 2nd Edition
- Privacy Crisis: Identity Theft Prevention Plan and Guide to Anonymous Living
- Professional Ajax, 2nd Edition (Programmer to Programmer)
- Rabbit Ears Treasury of Tall Tales: Volume One: Davy Crockett, Rip Van Winkle, Johnny Appleseed, Paul Bunyan (Rabbit Ears)
- Reality Checks: Teaching Reading Comprehension With Nonfiction, K-5
- Richard Diamond, Private Detective
Books Index
Books Home
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- Introduction to Elementary Particles
- Imperial Life in the Emerald City: Inside Iraq's Green Zone
- Out on the Deep Blue: True Stories of Daring, Persistence, and Survival from the Nation's Most Dange
- Europe's Experimental Union: Rethinking Integration
- Saint Lucia Business Law Handbook
Cycle of the Werewolf (Signet)
The Colorado Kid (Hard Case Crime)
American Gargoyles: Spirits in Stone
Holy Terrors: Gargoyles on Medieval Buildings
Dark Visions
