Arts and Culture

In this collection of works by more than 25 contemporary ice artists, discover a fascinating art medium defined by its ephemeral nature. Merging creativity and engineering, today’s ice artist can create incredibly complex artwork, featured here in more than 150 photos. Ice sculpting's history and impact are described by champion sculptor James Stugart, including events such as the ice festival in

One of the most important shoe designers of the mid- to late twentieth century, Arsho Baghsarian spent more than four decades working behind the scenes for prestigious companies with men's names on the label, including Christian Dior, Andrew Geller, I. Miller, and Stuart Weitzman, as well as Shoe Biz. Her creative genius is illustrated in this photographic collection of full-page sketches, prototy

The age of the metrosexual is over. Dead and buried. In places as diverse as Seattle, Los Angeles, Austin, Richmond, Miami, and Charleston, modern American men are ushering in a new golden age of hirsute pursuits. Denouncing the baby-smooth standard that society has set, men from around the world are reembracing their face in its most natural state. A select group of these well-whiskered men and t

The climate is changing, and so must domestic architecture. Premium materials—brick, stone, wood—and timeless designused to be the key to building homes that would last for generations.But a warming planet, coupled with severe weather events, has changedthe equation and raised the stakes, sometimes literally. Aimed at homeowners, architects, and builders, this book presents sixteen innovative home

This artistic, inspirationalguide to wearable art shows you how to nuno-felt patterns and texturesinto luxurious fabrics like georgette, chiffon, and silk, then designgarments to feature them. Using only hand friction, soap, and water, bond wool and silkfibers together to create lightweight, one-of-a-kind clothing andaccessories. Fashion designer Jenny Hill's striking, comfortablehigh-end garments

At once an examination of gender ideology in the Third Reich, a history of women in uniform as photographic theme, and an analysis of the functions of wartime photography, The Woman in My Uniform compiles  original Third Reich photos of German women wearing men's military uniforms—often their husband's, boyfriend's, or family member's—nearly all never before published. Photography, especially port

A celebration of the wildest and weirdest that action cinema has to offer, the hosts of the Really Awful Movies podcast take you on a fun-filled pilgrimage through the nuttiest movies in the genre. Traversing both decades and continents, these 100 titles reach beyond the typical patron saints of action, giving unsung genre heroes like Vic Diaz, Reb Brown, and Godfrey Ho their due. Our intrepid hos

This lavishly illustrated and authoritative book presents the secret history of Stasi and Warsaw Pact subminiature spy cameras used during the Cold War. It is a history that could have been written only through the collaboration of veteran Stasi technical intelligence officers and the world's foremost historians on Cold War spy cameras and tradecraft. With more than 450 photographs, the book revea

A complex and contradictory graffiti culture has been brewing over the last few decades in one of the least expected settings—China’s capital. Through an unparalleled collection of one local photographer’s images, as well as interviews with 25 prolific artists, see how Beijing has developed its graffiti movement against the backdrop of the once-secluded nation’s rise to global economic might. Whil

Every person who owns a pinball machine, or who is thinking of buying one, will find a wealth of valuable information and step-by-step help in this thorough, updated manual. For electromechanical and electronic machines: choosing and buying a pinball machine; different types and vintages of machines; components and features; setup and game adjustments; how to maintain, clean, and service your mach

The Vickers Armstrong Wellington, affectionately dubbed the “Wimpy” after the hamburger-scoffing cartoon character, lays claim to two distinctions within RAF WWII annals. The first related to its geodetic structure, with a cloth covering that proved to be superior to previous designs for surviving battle damage. Second, the aircraft was destined to remain on the front line with Bomber Command thro

Temporary natural arrangements have captivated people across the world. Learn how a professional artist creates these outdoor installations, and get inspired to create your own with a detailed look at the outdoor world of artist James Brunt. Brunt makes art that works with the environment while not changing it or having a permanent impact on the world in which he creates. Whether on a beach or in

In many ways, the M26 Pershing was the most advanced and most powerful tank fielded by the US military during the Second World War. The prototype T26 "heavy" tank design was developed to answer the threat of the German Panther and Tiger tanks. Unfortunately for US Army tankers, the T26 tank wasn't ready for field use until 1945. The T26, specifically the E3 variant, was adopted and standardized as

Reborn in 1951, the Myasishchev design bureau made its mark by creating the M-4 strategic bomber. Yet, this subsonic aircraft was soon made obsolescent by supersonic fighter technology—any new strategic bomber would need supersonic performance to avoid being intercepted. Hence in 1952, Myasishchev started work on supersonic bomber projects, which led to the M-50 of 1955. Designed for sustained sup

Do you love the look of fancy letters but think they are too hard to draw? Think again! Everyone’s favorite art teacher, Mrs. Arnold, is back with another super-fun guide that breaks popular art techniques down into bite-sized lessons. In this newest book, Mrs. Arnold will teach you how to draw 18 different alphabet styles! Trust her—you can do it! The book is conveniently organized into three mai

Reveals the contemporary art phenomenon of disrupted realism through the paintings of 43 artists at its core.

Profoundly shaped by the events, forces, and overflow of today's disjointed, social-media-heavy life, these artists' paintings are “disrupted” stylistically, thematically, or sometimes both.

A comprehensive how-to reference that teaches wet textile surface design techniques for making custom cloth.

Learn surface design for textiles, to create rich and personally expressive fabric surfaces. Projects by expert Susan Brandeis (author of the bestselling The Intentional Thread) help a range of levels--beginners to r

Visit the glamorous past to peek into the future. Forget the crystal ball – try the silver screen! This shimmering deck will beckon you back to a time of dazzling stars, glimmering boudoirs, and overflowing champagne. And hey: if your cards ain´t looking so swell – just turn on one of your favorite flicks and audition for a better fate tomorrow.

Recent homes by California's KAA Design celebrate modern living, blending indoors and outdoors with craftsmanship and eco-friendly features. Inspired by Rudolf Schindler, their designs in CA, NV, and CO integrate geothermal and solar systems, offering multiple views for daydreaming.

The behind-the-scenes story of the iconic film, featuring new interviews with the cast and crew. An unflinching confrontation of humanity’s dark side, Brian De Palma’s crime drama film Scarface gave rise to a cultural revolution upon its release in 1983. Its impact was unprecedented, making globe-spanning waves as a defining portrait of the gritty Miami street life. From Al Pacino’s masterful cha