Abbeville Press

21st century house.

Architecture journalist Bell takes readers on a visual tour of 55 homes that exemplify the cutting edge of modern design. These dwellings range from tiny prefabricated units to a 25,000-square-foot mansion that re-imagines Frank Lloyd Wright's classic prairie style on a massive scale. All were designed, commenced, or completed within the past four years. The volume is illustrated throughout with architectural drawings and color photographs of interiors and exteriors. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Artists' self-portraits.

Calabrese, who teaches art and semiotics at the U. of Siena, Italy, contemplates the topic of portraits in this beautifully illustrated, oversize (11.25x13 inches) volume. The text is arranged thematically, rather than chronologically, with a somewhat stronger emphasis on the works of Old Masters, though examples from later periods are included throughout. The chapter themes include self-portrait as historical figure, the mirror, self-portrait as sign of celebrity, self-portrait of women, and the artist as technician. Name index only. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)