There's a Dolphin in the Grand Canal

Book Description

Nothing ever happens in Venice. At least that's how Luca feels as he spends his summer vacation bored and unhappy in his family's café. Then one day he spies something wonderful in the Grand Canal: a dolphin. Can it be? It is! Luca hops on the dolphin's back and is treated to an unbelievable ride high above the Bridge of Sighs, past a surprised gondolier, and right over the heads of his disbelieving parents.

Customer Reviews:

Great Book for Kids Traveling to Italy.......2007-08-16

I bought this book for my 3 year old daughter before our recent trip to Venice. I read it to her before we went and she enjoyed it. But, I must say it wasn't until after our trip that and she saw the sights in Venice that she was absolutely thrilled with it. This book is great! It gives you visuals of how Venice actually is. I know I will be reading this book to her for years to come. It will be a great way to rememmber our trip.

Wonderful story with lovely pictures of Venice Italy.......2007-06-11

A short story about an Italian boy who befriended a Dolphin who took him for a ride around the Venetian Canals. Lovely drawings of Venice Landmarks. The story is funny for me and preschoolers and pre-k, probably for older kids too. I lent it to a friend who's a pre-k teacher and her class enjoyed it tremendously.

Average customer rating:

The perfect Souvenir of Venice
The Outer and Inner Grandeur of The Grand Canal of Venice
Loved it!

Grand Canal
Umberto Franzoi
Manufacturer: Vendome Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Reference | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0865651485

Book Description

It is the most dazzling avenue in Europe-and can only be traveled by boat. Here is everything you want to know about the Grand Canal of Venice; the central reference point of a magnificent city. All of Venice's history is here, and no number of trips along the Canal's sinuous course diminishes its fascination.

This beautiful book is the first ever devoted exclusively to the great thoroughfare. Panoramic views record every building on both banks, and a fascinating text describes the architecture and history of each. Readers will see everything from the most famous palaces to the least known and most private houses. And thanks to the author's expert introduction, they will get a fresh interpretation of the Canal's meaning to both Venetians and visitors.

For all those who have visited-or intend to visit-Venice, The Grand Canal will be a cherished possession.

Customer Reviews:

The perfect Souvenir of Venice.......2007-05-25

For anyone who has ever traveled down the Grand Canal on the Vapporetto #1 or #82 this will bring back a world of memories. It is beautifully photographed and is very informative. You can go back throuth your photos of Venice and identify and caption may of them. It even helped in locating non existing places like the Palazzo that collapsed in the film Casino Royal (It was superimposed over a recess in the buildings near the Ca DaMosto)
It is a great reference before and after a trip to Venice, and the photographs of the buildings are better than any you could take on your own. I would have given this book a rating of 5 stars but the text was written by an Italian who could have been a little more fluent in English.

The Outer and Inner Grandeur of The Grand Canal of Venice.......2005-11-16

Venice, the floating or the sinking city depending on perception, more than any other city in the world is a bastion of mystery, intrigue, and incomparable richness in history, architecture, and art. Beloved and written about by some of our greatest minds (Shakespeare, Henry James, Thomas Mann, Harold Brodkey, John Berendt to name but a few) Venice is a city that captures the spirit and heart with the first approach - and that approach includes the vistas from the Grand Canal that serves as the main thoroughfare of the city.

Umberto Franzoi's introductory comments for this journey are warmly informative and seductive, blending history with architecture with the special façades that line the banks and invite the visits to the interiors not open to the public eye. In photographs by Mark Smith of brilliant color each element on both banks of the Canal is addressed, noting the history of the reasons for the special architectural details, the families that either built or now live in each palace and grand home, the gondola dockings, the watermarks that time has etched on the faces.

But then we are graciously taken inside these magnificent buildings with sumptuous photographs of interiors, passageways, court gardens, the art and frescoes - all the details that before this fine book have only been the stuff of dreams (or the occasional movie sets as in 'Wings of the Dove'). These are treasure troves of art and antiques and mystery and beauty.

For everyone who either longs to return or plans for a visit to Serenissima, this book is a must. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, November 05

Loved it!.......2000-03-20

This book really shows off the beauty of the Grand Canal with all of it's palaces and other buildings. One really gets the feeling of what life was like back during the height of the Serenissima. The interior shots are stunning. And the information given for each building is fascinating. Even the non-descript houses and buildings get page time... A great book.

Dublin: The City Within the Grand and Royal Canals and the Circular Road, with the Phoenix Park (Pevsner Architectural Guides)

Average customer rating:

Dublin: The City Within the Grand and Royal Canals and the Circular Road, with the Phoenix Park (Pevsner Architectural Guides)
Christine Casey
Manufacturer: Yale University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

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Look Inside Travel Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

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ASIN: 0300109237

Book Description

In this uniquely comprehensive guide to the buildings of central Dublin, the city’s churches, public buildings, and streets are described for every district in lively detail. The entire area within the canals is covered as well, along with the Phoenix Park. Illustrations include numerous maps, plans, and new color photographs.
Dublin’s grand eighteenth-century set-pieces—Custom House, Four Courts, Bank of Ireland—are offset by a graceful Georgian cityscape, much of which remains intact. Rich and varied house interiors are also treated in full, many for the first time. The book features civic and commercial Victorian architecture, post-war buildings, and the buildings of a new generation of Irish architects. Two fine Gothic cathedrals remain from the medieval city, the full history of which is traced in an introduction to the volume.
For all who share an interest in the fabric of Dublin—architect or historian, tourist or armchair traveller—this is the essential work.

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A Painter With Words!
A MINI TREASURE
Venice, art, and being as only Mark Doty can illuminate

Seeing Venice: Bellotto's Grand Canal
Mark Doty
Manufacturer: Getty Trust Publications: J. Paul Getty Museum
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | History & Criticism | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Criticism | History & Criticism | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Painting | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Artists, A-Z | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0892366583

Book Description

Bernardo Bellotto's magnificent View of the Grand Canal provides a rich visual record of life in eighteenth-century Venice. This painting--one of the most popular in the Getty Museum--is so sweeping in its scope and so detailed that it requires repeated viewings to take in its portrait of
daily life in Venice in the 1780s.

This small book presents Bellotto's great painting in a series of beautiful details that allow the reader to examine the painting closely and enjoy the colorful and busy goings-on of Venetian life captured so unforgettably by Bellotto. The book jacket unfolds to become a small poster of the painting
in its entirety. Accompanying these delightful images is a lyrical essay by noted American poet Mark Doty. Together, Bellotto's painting and Doty's prose make for an unforgettable encounter with the art and life of Venice.

Customer Reviews:

A Painter With Words!.......2003-10-21

Everything that Mark Doty touches turns to something beautiful, whether he is writing poetry or writing about art as SEEING VENICE illustrates. This tiny book would make a wonderful gift to lovers of Venice, art, poetry, Mark Doty or all of the above. In a brief essay, Mr. Doty illuminates Bernardo Bellotto's (1722-1780) Venetian painting "Grand Canal" completed when the artist was all of 19.

What I find so wonderful about this little treasure is that Mr. Doty writes straightforward, unpretentious prose about a beautiful painting; and, as always, he convinces me that he is accurate in what he says. He apparently does what a lot of us do not-- he simply looks closely at a work of art and makes sensible observations. For example, in this painting he is not sure whether the season is spring or autumn since the artist doesn't indicate a time. "Spring, fall? No way to distinguish, not in this landscape. Do the clouds promise whether to come, or speak of turbulence passed? These boatmen, of course, would know precisely how to read them."

Not content just to explicate, Mr. Doty compares the isolation of the figures here with the works of Edward Hopper. He also contrasts Venice with modern New York City and quotes both the writers Henry James and John Ruskin. James on Venice: "Of all the cities in the world it is the easiest to visit without going there." Mr. Doty concludes that the painting is about time and makes a good argument for this premise.

The book contains 20 or 30 closeup photographs of various details from the painting as well as a large complete picture that folds out for a better view.

Mr. Doty is one of our treasures.I'd love to see him write an entire book on painting.

A MINI TREASURE.......2002-12-11

"Seeing Venice" - just the title is inviting. Who would not want to see this incomparable city, whether for the first time or again and again?

Mark Doty, poet and National Book Critics Circle Award winner, presents the Getty Museum's "View of the Grand Canal" in a lyrical essay accompanied by intriguing details from the painting. Doty calls our attention to various aspects of this masterpiece - water, sky and shadows.

He also focuses on other artists and writers who have been attracted by this mystical city - Henry James, Tintoretto, and the Brownings.

An especially treasured gift, the jacket of this small (approx. 5" by 5") book unfolds to a miniature poster of the painting, which is an outstanding item in the Getty's collection.

Bellotto, the painter, was a nephew of Canaletto and recognized for his idealized views of Venice. This particular painting measures over 4 feet by 7 feet, and limns a cross-section of Venetian society engaged in daily business.

Whether afficionados of Italy or not "Seeing Venice" is a mini treasure.

- Gail Cooke

Venice, art, and being as only Mark Doty can illuminate.......2002-11-06

SEEING VENICE is a truly appropriate title for this small gem of a book that celebrates the presence of the Bellotto 18th Century painting 'View of the Grand Canal' which graces the collection of the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. As in his earlier book STILL LIFE WITH OYSTERS AND LEMON Mark Doty writes succinct conversations with us about just looking at this elegant painting. His intensely poetic vision accompanies us through the various aspects of not only the painting but of the history of Venice. He reminds us that Venice is essentially a relic from the past, loved by writers, painters, composers, and visitors. Why is it so universally loved? 'Part of the world's love for this place must have to do with the fact that it has always seemed ephemeral, doomed. Might the whole city drift away? Certainly it might go under.' Taking us on a visual journey of every aspect of the painting (reflections, the boats, the people, the domes, the endless vista into space, etc.), Doty pauses to remind us how we in this country treat historical buildings and places differently. 'We like our evidence of time at a distance: quaint, pickled in resin or amber. We don't want it near our bodies.' Poignant food for thought.

Book Description

This tour of Venice in CD-ROM format is the most extensive guide ever to the sites covered. A Venice Orientation Tour introduces the viewer/reader to the city at large. There is interesting and complete coverage of the three great basilicas of Venice: St. Mark's, Giovanni e Paolo, and the Frari church. The history of Venice is told through its art and architecture.

Customer Reviews:

Museum Planet Venice, Vol. II.......2003-10-06

Museum Planet's incomparable "talking book" guides to Venice are the next best thing to being there, offering a beautiful visual tour through hundreds of color photos, a knowledgable guide, in depth histories of the monuments. The best possible preparation for a trip to Venice, and a welcome review later, when the magnificent sites of Venice can be brought to life again.

Average customer rating:

Molto Disappointed.
Venice Panorama
Behind the Façades of the Grand Canal in Venice

Venice: The Grand Canal
Daniele Resini
Manufacturer: Grafiche Vianello Srl
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 8872001668

Customer Reviews:

Molto Disappointed........2007-01-17

Before you buy this, note something very important: it is NOT a book, and it is NOT a book of panoramic photos of the Grand Canal! I just opened mine, and sadly, it's a foldout of the entire Grand Canal. You just keep unfolding and unfolding. And while it certainly shows you every location along the canal, you can't flip through it page by page. I think I'm going to return mine. Buyer beware!

Venice Panorama.......2006-03-19

If you have ever been to Venice or contemplate going, this panorama of the Grand Canal is a beautiful reminder or a great advanced organizer.

Behind the Façades of the Grand Canal in Venice.......2005-11-14

If you have ever glided through the Grand Canal of Venice either on vaporetto or gondola and wondered just what each mysterious façade contained, historically and culturally, then this magnificent 'book' is definitely for your attention. The unique format allows viewing the unlimited perusal of the scope of buildings that receive the kiss of the lapping waters created by the water traffic along the romantic Grand Canal.

Unfolding to a very long length the photograph is a scan of the entire canal without the distortion of an awkward normal camera lens. The result is a head-on portrait of each of the palaces/homes/buildings in that glorious array of Venetian colors, and below each building on the slow gaze passing is the name and a bit of information about that building (family/dates/other tidbits.

Not meant to be a definitive discussion of The Grand Canal (that is available in another volume), this foldout book by Daniele Resini is more for the eye than the mind and as such it succeeds to entice, or to simply as memory visions of Venice for the lonely traveler.
Highly recommended. Grady Harp, November 05

Average customer rating:

Fine literature for the here and now.
where has this book been hiding?

By the Grand Canal: A Novel
William Riviere
Manufacturer: Grove Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0802142389

Book Description

In the immediate aftermath of World War I, Hugh Thurne, a British diplomat involved in the peace negotiations, decides to flee to his second home in Venice rather than return to his wife and the charade of his marriage in London. Although profoundly disturbed about the long-term prospects for peace, he has faith in the city's power to raise his spirits. Hugh eagerly looks forward to visits with his old friends Giacomo and Valentina Venier in their dilapidated palazzo on the Grand Canal; to dallying with a young opera singer, Emanuela; and to the arrival of Violet Mancroft, the widow of his best friend lost in the war. What he does not anticipate is the shadow lying over the Venier family's future. Nor has he reckoned with the vagaries of his own human heart. Evoking the beauty of Venice, By the Grand Canal is a novel about premonition for the future and the war it portends, about death and memory, and also about an unexpected love between two old friends.

Customer Reviews:

Fine literature for the here and now........2007-01-30

Another reviewer has done an excellent job of explaining the fundamentals of William Riviere's remarkable work. I wish to add my vote to recommend By the Grand Canal as a work of great modern literature, full of subtle shades of meaning and emotion. The writing itself is beautiful, reminiscent of Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited. Characters are fully developed and real, as is the time and place which they inhabit. Yes, you can smell the fetid canals and decaying palaces of early 20th Century Venice in nearly every scene. Moreover, the impact of a most horrible war, vile and nearly meaningless, shadows over the entire progress of events. Through analysis of past and present, an epiphany of future is revealed, and despite hopes to the contrary, not a peaceful and promising future. What is really important? How many wars have really been necessary? Some to be sure, but in retrospect, not many. The deaths of uncounted multitudes amounted to little but their crying for remembrance and warnings of the future.

where has this book been hiding?.......2006-05-07

I can't believe I'm the first reviewer or that I found this in the shelves at my local bookstore by accident. Sometimes you get lucky. This is a gem of a novel set in Venice at the end of the First World War. The story centers around three friends and their families. Hugh is a British diplomat, Giacomo is a Venetian lawyer, and Philip, a landowner and politician in England, was killed in the last days of the war in Mesopotamia (read Iraq). The themes running throughout are love, death and the meaning of time as it relates to the first two. The author evokes the period in effective ways; not just descriptions of fashions or cars, but in what life was like then. Hugh struggles with depression, for which there was no effective medical treatment. He fights to understand his mood changes. Giacomo has had a heart attack and appears to suffer from congestive heart failure. Today, much could be done. Then, nothing. Giacomo seems like a man today in his late eighties, but in reality he is fifty. In those days that was old. There is discussion of the African colonies and the atrocities seen by a cousin of the family while serving there. The "war to end all wars" devastated ordinary people. Venice is full of maimed beggars on church steps who are war veterans. The terrible situation of war widows left with no means is illustrated by Donatella, a relative of Giacomo's housekeeper. The older generation hopes their children will have a brighter future in the 1920s and beyond. The readers know that Mussolini and Hitler are lurking around the corner and that an even worse war is already in the making. The book seems to say that happiness is always temporary, it comes to an end. On the other hand, as some of the characters find out, happiness in the past also remains with you.

This book takes you to Venice and keeps you there until the last page. It was a pleasure to read and a beautiful, thoughtful story.

Average customer rating:

The Grand Union Canal Walk
C. Holmes
Manufacturer: Cicerone Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Walking | Hiking & Camping | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1852842067

Average customer rating:

An Atmospheric But Slow Moving Novel Set in Venice

By the Grand Canal
William Riviere
Manufacturer: Sceptre
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Book Description

By the Grand Canal is an exquisite novel redolent of Venice and the haze of WWI from William Rivière, the author of the award-winning Kate Caterina. In the aftermath of the First World War, Hugh Thurne, a British diplomat involved in the peace negotiations, finds solace in his rented palazzo in Venice rather than returning to his wife and the charade of his marriage in London. Although profoundly disturbed about the long-term prospects for peace, he has faith in the city's power to raise his spirits. Hugh eagerly looks forward to visits with his old friends Giacomo and Valentina Venier in their dilapidated palazzo on the Grand Canal; to dallying with a young opera singer, Emanuela; and to the arrival of Violet Mancroft, the widow of his best friend lost in the war. What he does not anticipate is the shadow lying over the Venier family's future. Nor has he reckoned with the vagaries of his own human heart. Evoking the beauty of Venice, this is a novel about premonition for the future and the war it portends, about death and memory, and also about an unexpected love between two old friends.

Customer Reviews:

An Atmospheric But Slow Moving Novel Set in Venice.......2005-09-07

The scene is Venice, 1919 at the end of World War I. English diplomat and man about town, Hugh Thurne arrives in Venice to contemplate his dying marriage and his future. There he socializes with old friends Giacomo and Valentina Venier and their two teenage children. Giacomo, whose roots in Venice go back centuries is dying. His finances are in decline and he is struggling to maintain his parental palazzo. Into this mix comes the beautiful Violet Mancroft, recently widowed when her husband was killed in the war, and her teenage son. Her deceased husband, Phillip was a close friend of both Hugh and Giacomo who are both godfathers to her son Robert. These friends have invited Violet to Venice to console and help her. Nothing much happens in the novel other then lunches, dinners and gondola rides. The author leads us to believe that a romance may develop between Hugh and Violet, but nothing happens. The most that happens in this novel is a nascent romance between Robert and Giacomo's daughter. The characters do a lot of reflecting upon their lives. If plot is important to you don't bother with this book. The pace is languid. But if you are a lover of Venice the atmospheric elements of the novel may appeal to you. Otherwise this book is much ado about absolutely nothing.

Average customer rating:

Grand Canal of China
Lyn Harrington
Manufacturer: Bailey Bros.& Swinfen Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Ferries | Transportation | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0561002169

Book Description

Manga is the hottest segment of today's comic-book market, and this book shows preteen and teen fans exactly how to re-create this popular Japanese drawing style. Readers will find everything they need to sketch their favorite characters and scenes, including: -Simple step-by-step instruction -Drawing basics such as shading, perspective and foreshortening -Sidebars on Japanese terms, traditions and character types -Quick tips for having fun and improving your work

Whether they want to explore visual storytelling or just draw cool characters, young beginners will be drawn to this guide's dynamic design and color. It captures all the excitement of manga--from pretty girls and rebellious heroes to space pirates and giant robots!

Customer Reviews:

Good Drawing Book.......2007-04-17

In this book you learn how to draw the japanese version of comic art manga. one thing i have to say is that this is a bit more of a cartoony version of manga. You still learn a lot of drawing techniques and its still a good book, but whats on the cover is what you learn how to draw. if you would like to draw advanced manga i suggest the complete idiots guide to manga. anyways over good book.

Manga Madness.......2007-04-01

I'll start off by saying this: don't be deceived by the cartoony cover. It's actually probably the best HTDM (How to Draw Manga) book I own. It teaches you everything from the origin of manga, to backgrounds, different coloring methods, chibis, robots, comics, and, of course, the basics of drawing characters.

Pages 6-7 cover the tools of drawing manga. It explains what kind of paper you need (size and such), what kind of pencils are best, what kind of eraser is best, and much more.

Page 8 explains anime/manga related terms, and even the origin of manga itself. The terms covered are anime, bishoujo, bishounen, chibi, doujinshi, kawaii, manga, otaku, RPG, shoujo, and shounen.

Page 9 gives illustrations of the eight step process the pros use to create manga. They include brainstorming, writing the script and drawing a rough layout, penciling (which, as a side note, I found was misspelled in the book), lettering, inking, lettering, erasing, coloring, and (finally) publishing.

Page 10 discusses the basic elements of manga style. This has a quick explanation of how hair, mouths, and noses or manga characters differ from that of standard American comic books.

Page 11 tells the origin and differences of shounen and shoujo. In case you didn't know, shoujo (as quoted from page 8)"refers to comics aimed at young males", and shoujo "refers to comics aimed at young girls".

Pages 12-15 point out some basic elements of heroes and villains. The heroes include "the dashing hero", "the magical girl", "the rebellious hero", "the big guy", "the kid", and "the mascot". The villains include "the big bad", "the evil queen", "the fallen hero", and "mindless goons".

Pages 16-17 basically explain that everything drawn is a collection of basic shapes. It also gives you a few examples of three-dimensional figures.

Page 18 is very helpful. It explains about light sources, and how shadows work.

Page 19 discusses and gives examples of the difference between soft shading and cel shading.

Pages 20-21 show the difference between coloring in markers, colored pencils, watercolors, acrylic on acetate, and computer coloring. I found these two pages to be quite helpful.

Pages 22-23 cover manga eyes. It shows the difference between male and female eyes, and shows you the steps of drawing both. Personally, I wish they had more examples on faces instead of simply drawn directly onto the page.

Pages 24-25 explain hair styles. These pages are incredibly informative! It gives you a color chart that includes several colors and what the typical personality is for its wearer (for example, blue = youthful, energetic, cool and introverted; red = energetic, good fighter, outspoken, stubborn and strong-willed.) and a picture of several styles and the typical personality of its wearer (long, straight hair: Traditional and down-to-earth; spiky: Energetic and youthful; ponytails: Cute, energetic, and a little ditzy.)

Pages 26-31 demonstrate how to draw faces facing forward, to the side, and even a three-quarter view.

Pages 32-33 have a list of emotions and a small example. The list is large and includes twenty-one emotions. They are pleased, laughing, happy, joyous, embarrassed, confused, sleepy, sly, pouting, bored, annoyed, angry, enraged, shocked, terrified, worried, crying, bawling, blubbering, yawning, and smug.

Pages 34-36 break down proportions for the adult male and female, the teenaged male and female, the young female and male, the chibi male and female, and one super-deformed female. I was quite pleased to see children who weren't chibis. Most How-To-Draw books only include how to draw chibi children. And best of all, no nudity!

Pages 37-38 explain a little bit about poses. This section is very short compared to most HTDM and quite uninformative.

Page 39 also isn't very helpful. It explains a bit about foreshortening.

Page 40 gives fantastic demonstrations of hands, as well as a great measurement tip.

Page 41 is great for drawing feet. It shows a few different poses, and even a foot in a high heel shoe.

Pages 42-43 focus on clothing. Page 42 centers on the flow and detail of clothing; while page 43 reminds you of the manga-specific clothing, such as kimonos, samurai armor, and the oh-so popular school uniforms. This page also has an example of two styles of uniforms for both girls and boys. I find myself referring to this section often.

Pages 44-85 include an example of many different characters as well as some tips and characteristics. The characters include the mischievous chibi, dashing hero, magical girl, rebellious hero, the kid (shounen), girls (shoujo), the big guy, the mascot, fallen hero, evil queen, the big bad, mindless goons, unstoppable fiend, fantasy warrior, elf princess warrior, martial artists, cat girl, android boy, Victorian rose (bishoujo), school girl (bishoujo), Victorian gentleman (bishounen), hipster student, skate girl (shounen youth), cyberpunk kid (shounen youth), space hero, space pirate, mecha, humanoid robot, and the crab robot. Most of them include a drawing in both colored pencil and computer colored.

Pages 86-87 give some interesting tips on martial art moves and battles.

Pages 88-89 remind you to consider the weight of weapons in your drawings. For being the weapons section, it isn't elaborate as most HTDM.

Pages 90-93 show examples of different actions and explains some important details such as what a character does when he/she jumps.

Pages 94-97 aren't necessarily for beginners. These pages are very, very helpful for hard core manga artists. These two pages cover the basics of linear perspective, and drawing figure in perspective. They go into amazing detail and explanation.

Pages 90-105 list some very helpful tips of drawing backgrounds and such. The examples include city buildings, the fantasy castle, the space station, and the traditional Japanese home.

Pages 106-113 show you how to draw vehicles. In order, the examples included are a jumbo jet (simple sketch only), old car (simple sketch only), sporty car, flying car, sky cycle, good-guy space fighter, pirate space fighter, good-guy spaceship, and pirate spaceship.

Pages 114-121 are about the design of a manga page. Now, the comics aren't good at all, but the pointers are. This includes the basic elements of a manga page (basically defining and giving examples of speed lines, bold lettering, narrative captions, and such), planning a comic page (teaching smooth transition of text), designing dynamic panels (different "camera" angles), basic panel shots (mostly different panel sizes), and pacing and panel flow (great tips on how to set up an interesting and sensible panel).

Page 122 defines the different kinds of word balloons and shows some lettering options.

Page 123 discusses sound effects. This page also includes sound effects in both English and Japanese. This page is also great to refer to when you'd like to see the meaning of a Japanese sound effect while reading manga.

Page 124 covers features commonly found in manga, such as speed lines, the big head yell, and falling cherry blossoms.

And finally...

Page 126 summarizes "the business of making manga". This covers six steps of drawing manga professionally.
Step One: Know your strength and weaknesses
Step Two: Meet people and get feedback
Step Three: Promote your work
Step Four: Be persistent
Step Five: Keep Learning
Step Six: Stick with it

Thanks for reading my (incredibly long) review!

Cool book!.......2007-03-17

This book is really neat, especially if you want to draw stories that have to do with superheroes and villians. The drawings are really cool, and it tells you the common things included in many hero mangas (very helpful if you are looking to make your own manga story).

Average customer rating:

Manga Monster Madness
David Okum
Manufacturer: Impact
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 158180606X

Book Description

Tweens and teens will love drawing the outrageous monsters lurking in Manga Monster Madness. There's no need to fear putting pencil on paper with:

-50 easy-to-follow lessons for drawing everything from aliens and mutants to the supernatural -Tips and advice on drawing basics like color theory, shading, and anatomy -Fun sidebars listing each monster's name, origin and legend

Book Description

The perfect guide for manga fans ages 11-16, as well as anyone looking to explore the world's most popular art style, Manga Fantasy Madness provides essential instruction for drawing a wide variety of fantasy characters and settings. This reference:

-Features over 50 easy-to-follow dynamic demonstrations using pencil, colored pencil, and markers

-Includes hundreds of action-packed illustrations of popular manga fantasy characters--knights, wizards, elves, princesses, and more--for easy reference and idea generation

-Shares added instruction on shapes and 3-D forms, as well as shading, coloring, and anatomy

The fourth manga book from popular author David Okum, this guide presents invaluable step-by-step instruction in the popular style for fans of all ages.

Customer Reviews:

A book that has trouble deciding.......2006-12-25

This book has trouble deciding whether it wants to teach basic artistic technicalities or just be a genre sourcebood with some how-to-draw guidance for intermediate artists. So many books flub this choice completely, this one doesn't do too bad a job. Again a good sourcebook for someone who wants the genre archetypes layed out simply with some advice on drawing them. But little else. Would be good for the reccomended younger reader.

Average customer rating:

Manga Madness
David Okum
Manufacturer: Tandem Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Cartooning | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Manga | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1417745673

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