Arts and Culture

Tattooing is a very old and spiritually respected art form that has existed in many different cultures around the world. After many centuries of not being practiced in Europe, tattooing was re-introduced to the Western world through the inhabitants of the Pacific Ocean. Beginnning in the 16th century, European explorers came across many people who practiced tattooing as an integral part of their c

Instructive text and 275 color photos guide readers through all the necessary steps to create natural looking garden pools and swimming ponds. Imagine paradise in your own garden–a combination of bathing pleasure with the possibility of observing nature and recreation. A comprehensive guide to get to what you have dreamed about and how you can contribute directly to the project. For garden ponds,

A rare opportunity to appreciate the incomparable beauty of Brazil’s women in the equally striking environs of this tropical paradise. Photographer Joaquim Nabuco’s collection of nude art photos creates a lush, whimsical, and sensual landscape that revolves around the feminine, exotic, and vibrant character of these women. From beaches, forests, mountains, and rivers to Brazil’s big cities and his

Tour sixteen beautifully restored homes built and decorated in the Arts and Crafts style, an early twentieth century movement to counter the increasing urbanization and mechanization of human life. Nearly 300 color photos detail links between nature and human skill, and capture architectural elements of the Arts and Crafts bungalow. This book is a must have for Arts and Crafts followers and ideal

What is burlesque? Who better to ask than burlesque performers themselves? With this question in mind, the author traveled over 14,000 miles across the United States visiting today’s burlesque performers, photographing them in their homes, and asking them: “What does burlesque mean to you?” Their answers and 104 accompanying portraits may surprise you. For these performers, burlesque is so many th

The artwork of over 50 contemporary mosaic artists reveals the diversity of materials used and forms created in this ever-growing field. From small pieces of glass, stone, pebbles, ceramics, found objects, and other materials known as tesserae, these artists “paint” images of great intricacy and stunning beauty. In skilled hands, these small angular bits of material form works of art that are fill

One of the distinguishing features of the World War II German Army uniform is the use of shoulder straps and boards to denote rank, branch of service, and in some cases the assigned unit right down to the company. This heavily illustrated book covers construction methods, material, types and styles of embroidery and metal devices, as well as the identification of branch and unit. Detailed charts a

Photographer Joaquim Nabuco has found art in the architecture, interiors, and landscapes designed by his fellow Brazilians. Through more than 160 large, lively images, Nabuco welcomes you on a journey to see more than 15 properties, including log homes in the mountains of Rio de Janeiro, beach houses in the resort towns of Búzios and Angra dos Reis, vast gardens on farm estates, restaurants, hotel

Alfa Romeo, one of the most famous and renowned carmakers in automobile history, celebrates 100 years of innovation. This fascinating history documents the Milanese automaker, from the exciting racing and sports cars of the twenties and thirties to the equally advanced and sporty sedans, coupes, and convertibles of the fifties and sixties to the present-day range of technically evolved, innovative

That dream car of all dream cars, the Mercedes-Benz, is presented here in full glory through 285 images. What were the qualities that made them icons of all auto building? Beginning in the pioneer days with the 35 HP model of 1901 through the top-rank sports cars of the 1920s and 1930s, the gullwing-door 300 SL and the legendary "Uhlenhaut Coupe" of the 1950s, and the C 111, with its Wankel engine

Painted Alive is the first collection of bodypainted images by New Orleans artist Craig Tracy. With his masterful approach to this ancient and ephemeral art, Tracy has found the perfect way to passionately express his creativity. More than sixty transformative and intimately provocative works reveal Tracy's vision, which ranges from realistic to conceptual and surreal. In addition to the vibrant f

No other graffiti crew from New York City's graffiti heyday conjures up more images of angel dust-smoking, beer-drinking, "crazy white boys," than the Bronx-born-and-bred writing group Morris Park Crew (MPC). This official history of the crew tells the stories behind the group with never-before-published photos, oral histories from MPC members, and details on the 2009-2010 MPC revival. Starting in

Assembled for the first time are all the Star Wars toys from that galaxy far, far away. This edition focuses solely on the toys, with the thorough text and exhaustive listings dedicated to the documentation and appraisal of generations of favorites from around the globe. Over 8,600 color photos, many not seen in any other publication, help to decipher finds from the common to the rare and exotic a

Raised as a Quaker in Eastern Pennsylvania, designer and sculptor Paul Evans is known for his highly unusual and yet completely functional furniture designs. Evans produced more than a dozen lines of furniture and countless design variations during his thirty-year career as a mid- to late 20th century artist and designer. Regardless of his materials, whether metal, wood, or even cardboard, his wor

Can there be more than one reality at a time, and can we experience them both? These were the questions that led photographer and former psychology professor Allan I. Teger to create this collection of black and white Bodyscapes®. At first glance, Bodyscapes appear to be landscapes; a second look shows that they are in fact nude bodies with small toys and miniatures set on them. Spanning a 35-year

Simply opening these covers commits you to being dazzled by 100 of the UK's top "writers" and street artists, immersing yourself in the styles, past and present, which make UK street art great. Upon its arrival in the UK from New York in the 1980s, graffiti rapidly spread across the island, infecting the youth like a stylistic virus. Out of the early days came names that would become part of UK wr

Here is the first book to cover all aspects of Native American equine tack/equipment as a single subject. It focuses on the equipment used by 19th century tribal men and women of North America. The dominant role of horses in these peoples' lives was reflected in the beautiful, practical, and artistic accoutrements made to decorate their prestigious and powerful animals. With informative text and o

Sarah Coventry became a household word by selling beautiful, inexpensive, costume jewelry direct to the consumer and remained in fashion for more than 60 years. This in-depth look at the history of their designs contains more than 1,000 color images and engaging text. It begins with the unsigned years of 1949-1963, covers the cardex years of 1954-1965, includes the catalog years of 1966-1984, and

Accessories are part of the great fashion family of various pieces and adornments that complete a man's, woman's, or child’s outfit. From shoes and hats to purses, each one fulfills a specific function that can be ornamental, protective, or functional in nature, but they are all considered “finishing touches” for the overall look. Through color photos and illustrations, sketches, and text, various

Head back to paradise with another tantalizing collection of images from Brazilian photographer Joaquim Nabuco. In more than 150 color and black and white images, the stunning women of Brazil grace equally beautiful tropical landscapes, including locations with mountains, jungles, beaches, and historical sites. There are even photographs that couple models with Brazil's indigenous wildlife like ja