Art Architecture Photography Books

Anyone looking to get into this wonderful hobby need look no further to get started than this book. It's written in a clear, direct prose that is simultaneously useful and humorous, loaded with great information that every newbie to Urb-Exing should know. The stories that occur every section or so of the authors experiences while exploring are not only entertaining, but useful examples of experience for your own explorative endeavors. Ninjalicious (RIP, he will be missed!) is a professional of the highest caliber not just in the field of Urb-Exing, but also in the field of writing. Not only can this book serve as a lucid introduction for many people interested in the hobby, but unlike most hobby books, it somehow manages to be interesting even to people who aren't that all excited about the hobby! I showed it to several of my friends who'd never even heard of Urb-Ex, and in 4/5 cases it was highly successful in getting them interested, much moreso than my own lame explanations and discussions have been. A must read for novices and experts on Urb-Ex alike!

I was a friend of Ninjalicious. We are from the same area, and had discovered eachother, because we were 'in the same line of work' so to speak. But I admire his creativity, not just in the exploration we shared, but in his ability to put it to ink, and share with others. A skill I have never had. Also, when I first met Ninj', and shared my story with him. How I not only explored, but often in my travels, I have made home in some abandoned buildings, he quikly humbled himself, that he was just in it for the 'sport', and opologized if he seemed like what he was doing was wrong at all. Not at all. Much respect for Ninjalicious. I am sad I will not get the chance to see you again my brother. Maybe on the other side. Farewell and rest in Peace.

I was surprised with how well this was written and put together. The picture of the book led me to believe that it was a large clumsy paperback (like another book on urban exploration I have). I was pleasantly surprised that this was not the case. It was very tastefully done, and with more information and insight than I had hoped for.
Ninj was very well read and created a gripping, easy and fun to read handbook on this hobby.
HIGHLY RECCOMENDED for anyone interested in urban exploration: from the curious to the expert, you need this book in your library.

This book was fantastic, in every aspect!

It offers groves of sound advice and knowledge on the subject, and urban explorers ranging from enthusiasts to experts will definitely take many good things with them from this book. Not only are the how-to portions fantastic, the stories, anecdotes, and philosophical bits contained within are a treat to read, too. This book is simply THE urban exploration book.

A definite buy for anyone interested in urban exploration, architectural/urban history, or just a great read.

For anyone in the "Urban Exploration" scene, the name Ninjalicious is almost legendary. Not that he was one of the first to explore tunnels and old buildings, but he was one of the first to really achieve some level of fame for doing so. So the source for this information is more than credible.

If you are a veteran explorer, this book probably will not tell you much you don't already know. If you are just beginning to explore, this may be a helpful guide, but you'd be better off finding experienced people and going with them. A little experience and a good amount of common sense should see you through.

That said, I still would recommend this book to any active or armchair explorer. The author's humor makes reading this book a joy and the personal stories he includes are highly entertaining. So if nothing else, read it for fun. Plus, you never know. There may be a gem or 2 of wisdom in there for even the most veteran explorer.

Of all the publications I've looked at for the newcomer
endeavoring to get seriously acquainted with digital
photography, this one book is by far the best!

This book was very helpful in learning the basics for me as a novice. I would suggest the following order for a novice:
1. "The Joy of digital photography" by Jeff Wignall
2. "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson
3. "The digital photography book" by Scott Kelby

This book is an enjoyable read for sure. Mr. Wignall's humor and lighthearted style of writing lightens up a subject that can get rather technical. While you don't want to get a book that is a dry as a text book, I suspect that you do want to actually learn something when buying books in this topic area.

As far as what you will learn and how useful this book will be depends on what you want to gain in knowledge. I found this book to be a general overview of digital cameras; digital point and shoot as well as dSLRs, their functions, some basic photography concepts and photo editing.

A multitude of topics are touched on in this book and the author tries to cover a little of everything. Too little on too many different subjects to be of much practical use.

If you are using a P&S a lot of the book doesn't really apply to you and is therefore not very useful. Most of what is covered regarding digital P&S cameras is done for you automatically, or you can either figure out on your own after taking a few pictures or you can learn in the manual.

If you are new to using an dSLR, there is not enough info to actually learn anything. The photos are beautiful but no info such as aperture or shutter speed is included. And as I stated before, there are many nice intros on many useful subjects but they are just that, intros.

If you are just starting your journey into the world of photography with a dSLR I suggest starting with the following three books in addition to your camera manual:

Understanding Exposure and Learning to See Creatively by Bryan Peterson

and the Magic Lantern book written for your particular camera.

This is the book I bought for a friend who is just getting serious about digital SLR photography. Wignall covers all the basics and some intermediate stuff with obvious enthusiasm, and he knows his stuff. Maybe he tries a little too hard to be funny here and there, but not teeth-gnashingly so. Pleasing design, good choice of sample pictures, high print quality, not too geeky.

Jeff Wignall writes about photography with a passion that's both entertaining and insightful. Everyone from novices and seasoned pros will enjoy his writing. Not only is this book perfect for anyone making the transition from film to digital photography, but Jeff explains things so clearly that it's also the essential reference for those picking up a camera for the very first time.

ITALIA: THE ART OF LIVING ITALIAN STYLE is a title that may be misleading. This is not a 'decorator's source book' (though it certainly is an indispensable resource of information for any designer of interiors or exteriors!): this is a book rich in the Italian ambience that marries a respect of history in all forms while providing some of the finest photographs of a wide vista of Italian towns and gardens and homes. It is unique in its approach and a most rewarding read as well as a picture tour through Italy.

Edmund Howard utilizes the gifts of photographer Oliver Benn in partnering this leisurely journey through all parts of Italy.The writing and the visuals are equal in quality and when paired as they are here they are inimitable. Howard divides the book into chapters: 'Towns and Landscapes' surveys the various regions from the north (Venice) through Tuscany to the south with Rome and Sicily; 'Architecture' details the forms or buildings as they have developed through centuries; 'Interiors' span the humble with the grand; 'Gardens' are explored in all varieties. Then Howard and Benn swoop down on a chapter titled 'Details': here Doors and Windows, Frescoes, Fountains, Colors, Stonework, and Mosaics are scrutinized with word and image, a point where the reader gains more information about the Italian style than in any other source.

Realizing that the book will seduce many to visit the land of all this beauty, the book closes with a 'Visitor's Guide' which succinctly outlines the most interesting places to see in all of the Italian and Sicilian towns, villages and cities surveyed in this book. This is a photographic feast and a completely entertaining and readable as well as informative book. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, January 06

This book is a great combination of pictures and info. A picture book with beautiful photos and very informative stories on the Hearst Castle, Mr Hearst himself, and architect Julia Morgan. Replete with extensive footnotes and background facts.

I read it once before a recent visit to the Hearst castle, and I am going through it again to reminisce over the wonderful architecture and art treasures at this magical place, captured here in a wonderful book.

I enjoyed this book, and the details of his life relating to the building of this wonderful American treasure. I wish there had been more photos showing the details of the fine art and antiques collected from Europe early in this past century. Also it would have been worthwhile to show much more and better photos of the architectural elements of stone moulding, stucco detail, doors, tiles, ceilings, floor designs and iron work.

I actually bought this for a gift for my neighbor,she had been looking for it for a while and she was very excited and said the pictures inside were fantastic.

Hearst castle is just an amazing tribute to one man's enormous ego. I am glad that it is preserved as a set piece for Hearst, for that is what he intended all along. This book captures the signifigance of the estate, the images are well concieved, though not as crisp as expected, and the text is informative. This certainly is not the definitive book on Hearst Castle, but it is well worth the purchace none the less. If you have any interest in Hearst Castle, or gilded age extravagance in general, then i cant imagine you being disappointed in this book.

Fantastic book exceptional pictures and loaded with written details. Usually in a book like this you get one or the other here you get both! A must read and viewed book,a bit spendy but worth every cent!

Some art is ephemeral and I find that sad. I suspect that Abby Banks does too. Punk House provides a window into a world that most people will never see in person -- in many ways as mysterious and remote as the Serengeti. Photography is all about access and Ms. Banks was able to get access to 42 homes across the country populated by a an insular and distinct group of people. Her photos are stark and beautiful, the layout simple and attractive -- and the result is all visual, as thick as a Sears catalog. The sad thing about Punk House is that most of these places probably won't exist next year -- it is an ephemeral culture. In photographing them, Ms. Banks has saved some bit of what they were in a style true to the subjects, with great care, and with obvious love. Punk House would have made an incredible zine but it would have been impossible to produce.

You'll be hard pressed to find a real negative reaction to this book. Even supposed "critiques" such as the previous review admit that the content of the book is amazing. This alone should suffice as reason to buy the book. As to the allegations stated under the heading "What We Do Is Secret: For a Reason" I have every reason to believe that they are almost totally unfounded. Having known the author throughout the process of traveling and collecting photographs for the book, I can safely attest that she did everything under the sun to obtain permission from the subjects (a process that took months) and approached the topic with utmost sincerity.
A recent book tour (that took the author through many anarchist book stores,house shows, and food not bombs feedings) revealed how many people were not only satisfied with the work but also grateful that someone had taken the time and labor to document punk house culture in a tasteful and nonexploitive manner.
If this book has truly made a lot of people angry, I certainly haven't met them. Nor have I come across any "Beware of Corporate Zinester" bulletins. Perhaps its because most people who've read the book recognize it for what it is; an honest portrait of a unique cultural lifestyle. My guess is that these people have learned enough from 8 years of Karl Rove than to rely on unfounded accusations and "facts by implication".
Don't Believe the Hype!!! The book is the Real Deal!!!

It seems this book has made a lot of people pretty angry. I lived at one of the houses in this book and nobody remembers actually giving permission to use these images in this coffee table book. People, places, and works of art all are printed without giving any context, attribution, or discription. And, of course, it doesn't help matters that it was published by a for-profit corporate publisher. If my housemates had known this, they probably would have not only shown the author the door, but also most likely wheatpasted some sort of "Watch-Out For This Corporate Fake Zinester" flyers all around town like Abby Banks was some sort of convicted sex offender or something. Probably not deservered, but that's what would have happened....

Other people who had their houses featured in this book have expressed similar concerns/feelings/resentments. In fact, some of these people are quite pissed. I suggest you don't bring this topic up at a house show, food not bombs feeding, or the anarachist book fair.

I know getting release forms might not be very punk and maybe not getting permission is actually more anarchy than I'm used to. But I doubt the publisher has the same views on their intellectual property. (I just checked... they require you get their written permission before using the images they own. So much for the golden rule...)

However, despite all that, I bought this book and think it's pretty good. I don't even mind that a picture of me (a picture of a picture, actually. Taken in my kitchen when I wasn't home...) is in it and nobody asked if that was alright. Image quality could be a little better on some of the photos, but the book works as a whole, especially capturing the empheral feel of the punk house moment/movement.

Or something like that. Er, I mean, whatever.

I don't usually write reviews on Amazon, but I wanted to say something about this book.
I found Punk House to be one of the most beautiful, colorful depictions of punk life that I've seen outside of the zine world. Living in and visiting some of these houses, they certainly don't feel as vibrantly alive as Abby Banks' photography makes them appear. I was looking over one photo of dirty dishes with a vegan cookbook,mostly torn apart from overuse, and it made me fall in love with the punks again (not that I ever fell out of love, but like you would a lover who you see in a new light after years of relationship).
So much heart is captured in this book, and so much life. Fleeting life.
It says somewhere in these pages that 90% of the houses photographed are now gone. Maybe not the house itself, but the people inside and what made it a punk house in the first place-punks.
So few think to document their lives, thinking that they'll remember or that there will always be time to take pictures. Then, as the years go by, they find that they'd wished they'd at least had a few momentos of a time gone by. Abby Banks took the pictures for us and presented them in a tasteful manner, with permission of those featured, that captures an ongoing moment, a piece of our history, and a slice of life that is usually marginalized at best.
Punks don't need to see their pictures in print to know they matter. But it doesn't hurt sometimes. Hassled by the power structures that make our lives somewhat on the fringe, we need few reminders that much about our way of life is fleeting.
I lived in one of the houses featured in this book and had no fewer than 50 roommates over 8 years (not including a dozen or so dogs, 4 cats, mice (some as pets and some living in the walls). Some of the people who lived in our house are in other countries now, some became ex-punks before our eyes, some moved on to other houses, and others simply moved on with their lives. Memories are good, but photos are more clear.
However, few took pictures or thought much about the unique moment they were living in. That's why Abby Banks' book is so important. It's somewhere between a yearbook, anthropological study, and a beautifully illustrated history book.
Everyone I have talked to, including many of those that were featured in this book that live in the houses featured, had nothing but praise for this work.
Criticism from within the elite statospheres of anarcho-punk are certain to come, mainly because of how professional this book looks and because it documents something that some may feel protective of. But I have to say that the professional feel takes little away from how beautiful these photos are. It is not overdone and feels mostly like it was made by punks, which is was. While feeling protective of our culture is understandable, I feel that the fact that Banks documented a piece of our history is worth the very slight "intrusion" into our dirty laundry (literally) to show us realistically portrayed in all of our beauty.
We're smart, well read, active, and political. All of that is captured here. From the books we're reading to the people we're seeing. And, not to mention, we look good! No use shying away from it. Punk, not only are good people (as Thurston Moore says in his introduction), but we look good. From the dirtiest crust lord to the musician with guitar, we look good.
This book is a celebration of punk culture for once done by a punk. Not by some corporate jerk trying to make a buck off of us, or some has been aged ex-punk who happened to have glory years at the right time-later to become an accountant and come back to punk when it's profitable. This done by a punk, of punks, and inside their homes. I think that means a lot.
I highly recommend Punk House to punks and those interested in our culture. Abby Banks Rules!
Stay punk.

Abbie Banks came to my house and took photos of it and put it in the book she is the real deal. She did her dishes when she stayed over and even helped cook. Oi!

If you'd like to have a book itself, that's fine. But if you, like me, want to have a costome cover, it is not available after January 2007. So you can not get the cover...It should be noted, so it deserve just 1 star.

We were aware of the content prior to ordering, so we knew what we were getting. However, two of the four covers were torn. Since all were for gifts, we were disappointed that they were damaged.

EXCELLENT!!! I ordered several 24/7 books new and used.
Then ordered covers from the 24/7 web site with pictures of family members.
Many with old candid long forgotten pictures.
These were given to family members from Coast to Coast. Even though
I wasn't with my family for the holidays I was a hit at every gathering.
For the uniqueness and the thoughtfulness of the Gift..

This is an amazing book. It captures America at its finest and also not-so finest, but thats America for you. "They" say a picture says 1,000 words but there are so many pictures in this book that capture life at its fullest and these pictures say a million words. I rented the book from the library for the longest time and kept renewing it because I enjoyed looking at it so often, and finally I bought my own- and several others like Missouri 24/7, California 24/7, florida 24/7... etc. This is something that should be sitting on your coffee table, or at least something you look through once.

Very happy with the book itself. However, I am disappointed I was not notified prior to purchasing TWO for Christmas presents that you can no longer personalize the front cover. It should be noted for all customers to see. Also, never heard back from the company when I emailed my disappointment.

I am an illustrator and when I got this book I was hoping to learn from it. In my opinion this book is about a few has-beens giving their opinion on their own jobs. Boring!

There is a lot of artsy fartsy talk that only someone who doesnt live in the real world could understand. The kind of talk im talking about is like "The plastic bag flying in the wind is beautiful". pfft.

The entire book is made up of articles written by various established illustrators. I found the sections on art direction and education extremely interesting. Included are sample course syllabii which is helpful if you are teaching illustration courses.

The part that I had a problem (maybe that's too strong a word) with was the section on the state of the illustration market today. To me, it came off as old time illustrators whining and pining for the good old days, you know before the computer when one could make a decent living as an illustrator. It wasn't terribly encouraging to new comers which I think is too bad. I rather felt like they were telling me not to waste my time, that there was no room in the industry for me. In the end, it just made me more determined to succeed despite (or in spite) of their views. All in all, it is a thought provoking book, whether you agree with their view point or not, and it's guaranteed to start some interesting dialog with your illustrator friends.

Heller and Arisman are two School of Visual Arts (NY) professors who have achieved much in their careers. The conversation/interview between them is the strongest, most educational and most inspiring part of the book.

Brad Holland writes a detailed (but dry) description of the history of stock houses, the direction they are moving in now and how that relates to working artists.
Educational.

A very large portion of the book is a collection of art excercises useful to teachers creating curriculum or artists without the ability to direct themselves in the production of work. I found this area to be mildly interesting, but quite useless to me as an illustrator.

Teachers often tend to create excercises they would do very well themselves, but don't necessarily draw out the uniqueness of the individuals they are teaching. Success as an artist is following your own values of what a successful peice of art or illustration is.

I would have liked to read the perspectives of a more varied cross section of artists in addition to the New York city old guard. There is so much innovation happening in this field. To bemoan the fact that things aren't what they were, shows a lack of awareness of what the younger generation of artists do. Jump fences.

"I design my students to destroy me."
John Maeda of MIT Media Lab

"You are the next Picassos."
Sheridan College Faculty addressing the class in my foundation year 5 years ago.

My first thought when I really got into this book was "finally. An outlook on the career of an illustrator neither negative nor overly optimistic, but realistic and helpful." Being an illustration major I have several misconceptions about the field of illustration that were cleared up pretty quickly. I found the interview with Thomas Woodruff particularly insightful in the case of the illustration as low art issue, and I laughed my head off at Brad Holland's satirical lesson on art terminology. My advice is to buy this book not to decide whether or not illustration is the path for you, but to make sure you have a grasp on what you're getting into.

The book does have some insights into human anatomy, however it is all bland with no feel for it.
Most importantly it concentrates more into male anatomy and not give you a healthy dose of the female anatomy as well.
As a male artist, studying my own body will be more educational than this book.

this book is not helpful to anyone who is a serious artist. if you want to get good at drawing, want to learn more about anatomy, get an anatomy book. this book is suited for people who don't really care about anatomy, and just want to know enough to scrape by.
I did not like this book.

The drawings are wayyyyy old school. Nothing like the comic book looks yyou see now. It reminds me of that old school superman show where he jumps on a trampoline and then flies into the air. So for the guys body it's very old school western muscular (so not very. not much of a six pack and stuff)

i would have loved this book if he had used the drawing style of some of his other books!

This books has a very specific function, and is not for everyone. I would reccomend this book for any casual artists who want to draw cartoon or comic-book / manga style art, and need to reference a basic anatmony.

This books is NOT for people who want to do realistic art. This books is NOT for someone who wants to draw a specfic style of art (i.e. how to draw manga). This books is NOT for people who needs to learn how to draw from the ground up.

This books is best suited to casual artiststs / fan artists who already have an idea of how to draw, and already have their own style, but need a reference for simplified anatomy seen in comic books and manga.

I admit this book is a lot better than I thought it would be.
I'm glad I didn't pay the nay sayers any mind.
Though I have decent drawing skills not good enough to be considered a master but not a beginner either.

I still think in order to improve your Artistic understanding of anatomy this book is a good start in the right direction though I still recommend you draw people who are willing to model for you or take a life drawing class if you are of age.

i loved modern glamour but domicilium decoratus is my favorite. physically,the book is well made, the photos are simply beautiful. every single page is a pleasure - the colors, the details, the objects...are just mouthwatering and they were all put together in a thoughtful way with taste, style, design sensibility, intelligence and humor. i have to disagree with reviewers who dislike kelly's ball gowns and prentending to be domestic.... i especially love those photos as they inject great humor and great joy of life into this book(whether it was intended or not). with almost no text, the pictures in this book worths a million words.

Brilliant display of Kelly Wearstler's style and aesthetic put to work in her own personal space. I am always fascinated to see inside designers'(that I like) homes. This one is really interesting and fanciful. Wearstler also enjoys shoving herself into the pictures which I think is fun. She is beautiful and obviously loves to dress up and glam it on. How can you not love her?

I loved her first book and was excited to receive the second but I was very disappointed. I quickly sold it. When the first book had various ideas, this one only shows a few rooms from her own estate. The house is set up to sell her as a decorator and she poses in various gowns on every 10th page. Sort of blah.

While I very much enjoyed Miss Wearstler's first book, I found Domicilium Decoratus to be borderline obnoxious. Rather than show great decorating, the book focused mainly on close up shots of objects in her house that took up the whole page.In addition, I feel that as the viewer of the book I do not need to see fifteen entire pages of Miss Wearstler dressed in ball gowns pretending to be domestic.

I loved modern glamour.
Kelly Wearstler's sleek design is truly inspirational,
but this new book takes you to places one can only dream of-
bold, dramatic, luxurious, and exotic is the only way to
describe her ever evolving style. At first I was a little shocked
because it wasn't the glamourous 3 color minimalism I was expecting,- but after studying the pages over and over for the past few weeks I see how brilliant she truly is, and why she is one of the most progressive, sought after designers today.