Archive for February, 2010
Books on American Photography, Daguerreotypes and Tintypes in the 1800s
In February 2010, our affiliate the American Philosophical Society (APS) hosted a lecture on early American portraits in the form of silhouettes, miniatures and early photographs called daguerreotypes. We offer two books on the topic:
Tintype in America, 1856-1880
by Janice G. Schimmelman
American Philosophical Society Transaction 97-2, 2007
(Paperback, 270 pages, $29.00)
A history of the ferrotype or tintype in American photography, from its origin in the 1850s until 1880.
Read more >>
American Photographic Patents 1840-1880:
The Daguerreotype and Wet Plate Era
by Janice G. Schimmelman
(Carl Mautz Publications, 2002, Paperback, 119 pages, $25.00)
Identifies all of the nearly 1,000 United States patents related to photography during the Wet Plate Era. Read more >>
Weekly Book Special for Winter Olympics: Ice Skating School
February 22nd-28th Weekly Half-Off Book Special
To commemorate the Winter Olympics, we are offering a wonderful illustrated book about ice skating. This week’s special is:
Ice Skating School
Written by Naia Bray-Moffatt, Photographs by David Handley
(Hardcover, 47 pages, 2004, $20.00)
This enchanting guide to the world of figure skating follows a class of young skaters from their first steps on the ice to the thrilling moment they take part in a performance.
Aspiring skaters will be introduced to the basic movements and techniques involved in skating, as they learn how to move forwards and backwards, and to jump, spin and turn.
Young readers will see how much fun skating can be, as well as the hard work and dedication needed to succeed.
My favorite scene is when Lilly and James learn how to jump on the ice
(click the image to enlarge):
“Lilly, a cherubic skater, guides children through the stages of training as she helps a younger friend at her first lesson,” writes Jennifer Mattson on Booklist. “[She also] practices with her own class (which includes two enthusiastic boys); receives a tutorial from an older student; and, finally, performs in her own end-of-session show.”
This book has been made with the help of students from The School of Figure Skating, Lee Valley Ice Centre, Leyton and The Ice Rink, Alexandra Palace, both in London, U.K.
Acclaimed children’s photographer David Handley‘s shot the stunningly crisp full-color photos. Naia Bray-Moffatt, who has also authored “Ballet School” and “I Love Gymnastics,” wrote the lively text. Together they inspire young readers everywhere to turn their dreams of ice skating into reality.
Weekly Book Special: Boy Who Looked Like Lincoln, by Mike Reiss and David Catrow
To commemorate President’s Day, we are offering a wonderful children’s book about a boy who bore a close resemblance to our 16th President. This week’s special is:
Written by Mike Reiss, Illustrated by David Catrow
(Hardcover, 29 pages, 2003, $11.00)
Life isn’t easy for Benjy. He looks just like Abraham Lincoln — right down to the wart and beard. He receives stovepipe hats for every birthday and has to play Lincoln in every school play — whether he’s part of the story or not. The teasing never stops.
But then he spends a summer at Camp What-cha-ma-call-it — for Kids Who Look Like Things! There, among kids who look like frogs, toasters and even the backside of a horse, Benjy learns some important lessons about himself — and the things that truly make a person special.
My favorite scene is when Benjy has to play Lincoln in every school play:
Author Mike Reiss, who writes for The Simpsons and illustrator David Catrow have created a wonderfully hysterical fable that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt a little different.
This book is a staff favorite at President Lincoln’s Cottage in Washington D.C. Venus Musgrove, a grad student in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Hamline University, recently named David Catrow her “Illustrator of the Week.”
Educator Kim Taylor writes on her blog: “This would be a great book to read aloud. The pictures are very colorful and full of lots of detail. This would be a great way to teach students a lesson about being proud of who they are and knowing what makes them special.”
Weekly Book Special: New York Artist Keith Haring’s Books Dogs and Babies
February 8th-14th Weekly Book Special
Next week marks the 20th anniversary of the death of legendary New York artist and social activist Keith Haring. Haring’s style of simple outline drawing combined Disney cartoons and the sophisticated “primitivism” of artists such as Pierre Alechinsky and Jean Dubuffet.
In the 1970s-1980s, Haring was swept into New York’s Downtown culture of Punk and New Wave music, and he translated the street culture into his art. His art continues to inspire people today. This week’s specials are two of his small format books. These books are in perfect condition. We ship in 24 hours.
Dogs
by Keith Haring (Hardcover, 68 pages, 2000, $13.00)
The dogs in the art of Keith Haring are anthropomorphic: dancing, laughing, ogling and showing off — they were on occasion an alter-ego of sorts. Here paired with quotes from Haring’s journals, we can see in these drawings the joy and inspiration he found in his friends. These drawings provide a touching and funny counterpoint to his more monumental work.
Babies
by Keith Haring (Hardcover, 64 pages, 2000, $13.00)
Keith Haring loved children and treasured their purity and innocence. The “radiant baby” was a signature images and appeared in many incarnations in his work: pregnant women dancing giddily, babies with halo and wings, cradled mother’s arms or playing with their dad. Matched with insightful entries from his writings, these joyful drawings continue to entertain, inspire and provoke.
Dogs and Babies
Purchase these books together for $26 combined:
Weekly Book Special: Love Almanac, the Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift
February 1st-7th Weekly Book Special
It’s February and love is in the air. Valentine’s Day will be here in a few days, and if you’re like us then you still haven’t found the perfect gift for that special someone. But stop, here’s a splendid gift that you can share with your sweetheart. This week’s special is:
The Love Almanac
Edited by Katrina Fried and Lena Tabori
(Hardcover, 240 pages, 2003, $10.00)
Welcome to the ultimate source of entertainment, information and inspiration on matters of the heart. Full of romance and whimsy, this jam-packed volume is divided into 5 themed chapters.
Each chapter is brimming with a combination of poetry, literary excerpts, letters, history, trivia, advice, top ten lists, humor, games, crafts, activities, songs, resources and recipes.
My favorite excerpt is Professor Cupid’s fun facts (click to enlarge):
Filled with more than 200 charming vintage illustrations and postcard art, this delightful book is a beautiful celebration of romance, passion and friendship. With pages edged in silver, this is the perfect gift for a sweetheart, spouse or a friend still looking for love.
English teacher Caterina Anna lists Love Almanac among her Top 100 books. Canadian blogger “Silverlotus” calls Love Almanac a “cute book…full of poems, recipes and stories about love.”
Purchase this book for $10 (list price $25):
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