DK Publishing, Inc.
The book of photography, rev. ed.
How one sees a given subject and uses composition and techniques to produce a permanent image is more crucial than the particular equipment used, according to this leading British photographer. In this update of The Photographer's Handbook (1994), expanded to include advances in digital cameras and image manipulation tools, Hedgecoe blends artistic and technical advice on taking better pictures of subjects from architecture to nudes. Comparative examples illustrate how to achieve different effects. The 9.25 x11 inchesguide includes a glossary. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Buy, keep or sell?
This well-illustrated "insider's guide to identifying trash, treasure, or tomorrow's antiques" offers specific tips and value ranges in chapters focusing on a subject area (e.g., vintage toys), particular manufacturer's product (Mattel's Barbie dolls), style (modern design), or era (the 1960s). Produced in conjunction with the Price Guide Company, the guide includes a glossary and extensive list of resources. Miller is co-founder of Miller's Antiques Price List. Hill is affiliated with Price Guide Company, a trading website, and the BBC version of Antiques Roadshow. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Furniture.
The heart of this reference work for collectors and designers lies in the photos — some of which were assembled from hundreds of museum and image resources, while others were prepared just for this volume and depict items held by dealers, auction houses, and private collectors. The pages are well designed, gracefully melding explanatory text and extensive captions with large and small images, all of which are clear presentations of furniture pieces or details of style, against a white background. Arrangement is in chronological sections, beginning with ancient times and progressing through 1970 onward. End matter includes a visual dictionary of furniture terms, relevant addresses, dealer codes, a bibliography, and a glossary. To prepare this reference DK Publishing joined forces with The Price Guide Company (UK), enlisting the efforts of antique expert/author Judith Miller and bringing together text from five contributors; the monumental task of assembling the images must have fallen to a corps of assistants. The book measures 10x12 inches. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Photography.
Featuring a wealth of examples in b&w and color, this accessible guide provides broad coverage of film-based and digital photography. The volume opens with a gallery of works by important photographers such as Ansel Adams and Annie Leibovitz, followed by an overview of the history of the medium. The remaining chapters deal with the practical side of taking successful photographs, addressing such topics as working with light, adjusting sharpness, and creating a portfolio. Ang taught photography as a university professor for more than 12 years. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Tribal art.
This guide to tribal art is aimed at collectors and contains many color photos, price guides, and tips on what characteristics to look for when buying and selling. Organized by geographic area in Africa, Oceania, and the Americas, the book provides an overview of each culture and its history, maps of tribal areas, lists of key tribes, and profiles of art-producing countries. Each chapter shows many items, such as masks, figures, fertility dolls, drums, and bowls from auction houses (referenced at the end of the book), with descriptions and prices. There is no bibliography. Miller contributes to many magazines and has written many books on antiques and interiors. Philip Keith and Jim Haas, associated with an auctioneers company, also contributed to the volume. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
