The Cat's Meow: Purr-fect Quilts for Cat Lovers, 10th Anniversary Special Edition
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • good book of cat patterns
  • I love quilts. I love cats. But this is a coffee table quilting design book.
  • great ideas
  • Great book for quilters who love cats!
  • cats, cats, cats
The Cat's Meow: Purr-fect Quilts for Cat Lovers, 10th Anniversary Special Edition
Janet Kime
Manufacturer: Martingale and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Quilts & QuiltingQuilts & Quilting | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1564775674

Book Description

Ten years later, quilters who fancy felines still love The Cat's Meow! This special 10th anniversary edition features Janet Kime's popular litter of cat quilt patterns, plus one dog quilt. Now in full color!

• Nineteen adorable projects include "Cowboy Cats," "Santa Claws Is Coming to Town," and "Fish Dreams"

• Use easy rotary cutting, speed piecing, and appliqué

• Creative fabric choices range from snappy polka dots and plaids to dreamy pastels and lace

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars good book of cat patterns.......2007-09-28

This is a great book for cat lovers if you are looking for whimsical patterns not realistic patterns. I especially like the tesselation patterns.

4 out of 5 stars I love quilts. I love cats. But this is a coffee table quilting design book........2006-02-13

I'm sure that you have a few cookbooks in your collection that you enjoy, but for some reason you never do get around to cooking from them. Maybe the ingredients are hard to get, or you have a simpler recipe in another cookbook. There's nothing wrong with those cookbooks; they're fun, pretty, inspirational. It's just a reading-cookbook rather than a regular instruction book.

To my surprise, that's how I feel about Cat's Meow: Purr-fect Quilts for Cat Lovers. As a devoted cat person, and an enthusiastic (if not anywhere near expert) quilter, I had hoped to find several quilts that would let me indulge in more than one of my passions. However, every time I flip through the pages of this book... well, I end up cooking something else for dinner, so to speak.

I'm not completely sure why; perhaps it's because the designs expect you to use a lot of scraps (I'm not a scrap quilter), or they're just an eensy bit too cutesy. It might also be that, to my mild surprise, none of the designs are suited to use all the kitty fabrics that I've been collecting. Probably, the main reason that I haven't felt compelled to use any of these designs is that the instructions aren't completely clear; it doesn't give me a sense of confidence that this will come together sensibly.

I don't dislike the book; it deserves its 4 stars, and I've no intention of giving it away. On the other hand, I'm not worrying that I'll wear out the book's binding.

5 out of 5 stars great ideas.......2005-09-05

Clear instructions and great ideas. I used the idea of matching cats and spools, but changed it to dogs and bones.

5 out of 5 stars Great book for quilters who love cats!.......2002-11-19

This book is SO CUTE! Even if you don't make a quilt from it, it makes you feel good just looking through it. The colors are happy and the patterns aren't hard. Good instructions and designs and inspiration from Janet Kime! It's one of my top five favorite quilt books--I love it!

4 out of 5 stars cats, cats, cats.......2000-12-19

this is the best book for the cat lover. I even found a pattern inside for dogs. My mother and I worked on these projects together. we have created numerous pillows, and wall hangings useing this book.
Purr-fect Places to Stay: Bed & Breakfasts, Country Inns, and Hotels with Resident Cats
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A one-of-a-kind guidebook for cat fanciers.
Purr-fect Places to Stay: Bed & Breakfasts, Country Inns, and Hotels with Resident Cats
Susan Bard Hall
Manufacturer: Letters Etcetera.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Bed & BreakfastBed & Breakfast | Food & Lodging | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books
Hotels & InnsHotels & Inns | Food & Lodging | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books
Travel with PetsTravel with Pets | Specialty Travel | Travel | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0966698908

Book Description

A directory of quaint bed & breakfasts, intimate country inns, and luxury hotels with "resident cats" -- cats that reside there full-time -- has been written by free-lance writer Susan Bard Hall, who has authored hundreds of articles on hotels, travel destinations, and cats.

Entitled, Purr-fect Places to Stay: Bed & Breakfasts, Country Inns, and Hotels with Resident Cats, this directory is believed to be the first ever to focus exclusively on lodging properties in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom with resident cats.

This book is divided into geographic regions of the United States (Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Northwest, and West), Canada, and the United Kingdom. Within each section are those bed & breakfasts, country inns, and hotels located in the states in those regions. At least two pages is devoted to each property, including a colorful and touching vignette about each resident cat; detailed description of the b & b, inn, or hotel pointing out what makes it unique, as well as nearby attractions, activities, and recreational activities; and a separate section containing contact information (address, telephone number, FAX number, e-mail address, web site), room descriptions, rates, and amenities.

Hall said the impetus for the book came from her own travel experiences.

"I met my first 'resident cat' while vacationing at a resort in Florida," Hall recalled. "Petting her, if only for a few minutes, really helped fill the void of leaving my cat at home while I was away."

After meeting resident cats at other lodging properties during her travels, Hall knew a market niche existed for a directory that would focus exclusively on bed & breakfasts, country inns, and hotels with resident cats.

"Having observed firsthand the interaction between guests and resident cats, I knew there were other leisure and business traelers who would prefer to stay at a property where they can pet, talk to, and occasionally cuddle someone else's feline in order to help reduce the withdrawal pangs and fill the void of leaving their own cat companion when traveling," Hall said.

With 59 million cats as pets in the United States, this directory is expected to be a helpful and sought-after resource for traveling cat-lovers. Spending time at a property with a resident cat also is a refreshing change of pace for cat fanciers everywhere who, for whatever reason, can't have or don't want their own pet, but would love to spend some quality time with a cat when they're away from home. It also makes the "purr-fect" gift.

Resident cats are a win-win-win for the lodging properties, their guests, and of course, the cats. Bed & breakfasts, country inns, and hotels with resident cats seem cozier and more home-like, which can be a welcome change for travelers who spend several nights away from home and their loved ones.

And these cats, many of which were former strays or shelter cats, receive the attention and affection of property owners and employees, not to mention the often unsolicited, but not unwanted, belly, chin and head rubs from guests.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A one-of-a-kind guidebook for cat fanciers........2000-05-04

Purr-Fect Places To Stay is a comprehensive directory of friendly country inns, intimate bed & breakfasts, and luxury hotels with resident cats and suited for the traveler who appreciate what cats have to offer. A unique and informative guide, author Susan Hall provides the traveling cat fancier with a one-of-a-kind, highly recommended guidebook that will be much appreciated by those with a penchant for feline company at the end of a weary day's journeying.
Purr-Fect Dishes: Whisker-Licking and Nutritious Recipes for Your Favorite Feline
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Purr-Fect Dishes: Whisker-Licking and Nutritious Recipes for Your Favorite Feline
    Teri Goodman
    Manufacturer: Hearst Books
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

    Care & HealthCare & Health | Cats | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    ReferenceReference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
    ASIN: 0688128130
    Sassy Cats: Purr-fect Craft Projects
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Inspiring
    • Fresh, creative and user-friendly instructions!
    • Comments from the author
    • Disappointing!
    • Sassy Cats
    Sassy Cats: Purr-fect Craft Projects
    Sheila Haynes Rauen
    Manufacturer: Martingale and Company
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    GeneralGeneral | Cats | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    Quilts & QuiltingQuilts & Quilting | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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    4. The Cat's Meow: Purr-fect Quilts for Cat Lovers, 10th Anniversary Special Edition The Cat's Meow: Purr-fect Quilts for Cat Lovers, 10th Anniversary Special Edition
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    ASIN: 1564773280

    Book Description

    These refreshingly uncommon cat designs are simple to make, fun to display, and will add a whimsical mood to any room! Appliquéd quilts, cat-shaped pillows, wall hangings, embellished glassware, and floor cloths are just a few of the 15 projects sure to captivate you--and even your cat.

    · Fresh, easy decorating projects for the home and gift giving that speak to the craze for "anything cats"

    · A mix of unique and truly "sassy" cat faces that will delight any cat lover

    · Clearly illustrated, step-by-step instructions for each project mean that even beginners will find success in any project they choose to make

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Inspiring.......2006-04-03

    Ms. Rauen's deeply felt ideas about creativity are inspiring. Her warmth and romance with art and life are evident. I especially enjoyed her thoughts on getting rid of negativity, and "filling up". The well organized projects are a lot of fun. I look forward to more of her titles.

    5 out of 5 stars Fresh, creative and user-friendly instructions!.......2005-07-09

    I have both this book and "Cats in Hats" book and they are both invaluable resources for painting on wood, fabric, umbrellas, tile, as well as quilting, free-motion machine embroidery...well, you get the picture! A variety of approaches to fundamentally adorable designs add to the value of this book.

    Clear and helpful directions and a sense of relaxed playfulness make this book a welcome addition to my art room library.

    Kathleen

    5 out of 5 stars Comments from the author.......2003-06-12

    "Sassy Cats" was not intended to be just a quilt book. The title is "Sassy Cats - Purrfect Crafts Projects". It has 15 projects for everything from silk painting, painting on wood, canvas, glass, and ceramics to applique, quilting, and free motion embroidery. As the author, I have been very pleased with the response and the feedback. In the book, I recommend that people play around with the designs, enlarging and reducing them for their specific project ideas. One fan even hooked one of the designs as a wool purse. Most of the designs lend themselves very well to be used as applique projects for quilting. Many of the painted projects were created in applique for HGTV's "Simply Quilts" television show with Alex Anderson. I'm sorry that the reviewer Lamkay thought it was just a quilt book. I do feel that based on her misunderstanding, her review is unfair and damaging to me. Thank you. Sheila Rauen

    1 out of 5 stars Disappointing!.......2002-05-14

    I expected a quilt book and received a paint on silk book. If you like to paint on silk, buy it. If you expect patterns for quilting, forget it!

    5 out of 5 stars Sassy Cats.......2001-02-01

    Anyone who crafts and loves cats will love this book! I first saw the author on Carol Duvall and knew that I had to try what she was demonstrating that day - a painted cat looking in a fishbowl. And when I found out she had written this book, I immediately went looking for it. You will NOT be disappointed. All of her projects have easy to follow instructions and they can also be used for any medium you want to try, be it painting, quilting, applique, etc. Her cat pictures are darling and my two (Mad Max and Maisie) already have their requests in to me! The only problem you'll have is trying to decide which one to do first!
    How to Have Purr-Fect Faith: Even at a Cat Show
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • A Fantastic Book
    • Inspirational!
    • A moving and emotional narrative
    • Very inspiring reading
    • What a book! Couldn't put it down once I started!
    How to Have Purr-Fect Faith: Even at a Cat Show
    Laura K. Thomas
    Manufacturer: Abiding Books
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    GeneralGeneral | Christian Living | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    ASIN: 097442840X

    Book Description

    What's How to Have Purr-fect Faith About?

    How is it possible to trust God when the only thing in sight is the impossible? How to Have Purr-fect Faith answers that question. As readers follow Laura on her yearlong quest, they'll discover that God has a plan for each one of us and that our hopes and dreams are very much a part of His plan. They'll discover that their dream is God's dream for them as well! In this book, readers will learn how to:

    • seek God's will and walk in His ways
    • pour out their needs and desires to God
    • trust that God will handle their problems in His way and in His time.
    • have perfect faith in God even in times of setbacks and sorrow

    How to Have Purr-fect Faith will help readers get beyond their fears to God—the one who gave them their dream and the one who can make it come true.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars A Fantastic Book.......2007-04-25

    Words cannot describe how much I loved this book. I laughed and I cried. This is written about Laura's walk with God and how show she incorporated her faith in cat shows. Very thought provoking. This is great for new or non-christians. Long time Christians will enjoy this book as well. Just have faith!!!

    5 out of 5 stars Inspirational!.......2004-08-25

    I loved, loved this book! So will you! Tender, funny, inspiring....enjoy it!

    5 out of 5 stars A moving and emotional narrative .......2004-08-10

    How To Have Purr-Fect Faith is a Christian testimonial from an expert in breeding, raising, and showing award-winning Persian cats. Expressing the author's reflections on what it truly means to have faith in God's unconditional love, and His involvement in everything His creations do, even the daily events of a cat show, How To Have Purr-Fect Faith is a bountiful expression of warmth, spirit, and abiding love. A moving and emotional narrative reflecting the author's deep conviction.

    5 out of 5 stars Very inspiring reading.......2004-06-23

    Purr-fect Faith is a wonderful story of Laura's journey of faith as told through her campaign with a national winning cat.
    Her writing is interesting and captivating for all persons and was an inspiration to me.
    I highly recommend this book.

    5 out of 5 stars What a book! Couldn't put it down once I started!.......2004-06-20

    This book is super. I have read it twice and will read it several more times. The way it is written is just great. Laura has written it in such a way that you want to read it through as soon as you start reading.I found myself not being able to put it down the first time,and just had to read it all the way through,and was glad I did. What an inspiration Laura is for us fellow christian cat fanciers! This book will sell, no doubt. Way to go Laura,for writing down what God had on your heart,and having the Purrfect Faith to go through with it!!
    Cats Are Purr-fect
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • MORE PURR-FECTION
    Cats Are Purr-fect
    Bob Walker , and Frances Mooney
    Manufacturer: Andrews McMeel Publishing
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

    GeneralGeneral | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
    PhotojournalismPhotojournalism | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
    EssaysEssays | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Cats | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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    5. Animal House Style: Designing a Home to Share With Your Pets Animal House Style: Designing a Home to Share With Your Pets

    ASIN: 0740722441

    Book Description

    Following the fabulous success of The Cats House, Cats Into Everything, and Crazy Cats, Bob Walker and Frances Mooney once again delight cat lovers with the latest colorful addition to The Cats' House phenomenon. With a warmth and humor that can only come from sharing their home with 12 (!) cats, Walker and Mooney catch feline housemates at their cat best. Paired with clever captions set in bright, whimsical type, each of the purrsonality-filled photographs portrays the uniquely feline qualities that inspire our devotion to these enigmatic creatures. Have you noticed how cats are always ready to be admired, how they can lick anything, or how they proudly share the catch of the day? Walker has, and his memorable photography allows him to share the best of his cats with us. This charming album celebrates the myriad reasons cats are our cherished companions.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars MORE PURR-FECTION.......2007-01-20

    As an unabashed fan of Walker and co-writer Frances Mooney's books, I won't mince words -- this book is pure fun for cat lovers. RUN AND BUY IT! In the style of THE CATS' HOUSE and subsequent offerings, CATS ARE PURR-FECT continues the colorful, original photos, fun graphics, and personal accounts of the Walker/Mooney household's feline (and canine) residents. Be forewarned: These books are addictive! They make wonderful gifts for cat-loving friends and relatives, and great coffee-table conversation pieces.
    The Purr-fect Crime (Batman)
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      The Purr-fect Crime (Batman)
      Golden Books
      Manufacturer: Golden Books
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

      Popular CulturePopular Culture | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
      BatmanBatman | Favorite Characters | Series | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
      BatmanBatman | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
      Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy BooksLook Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
      ASIN: 0307126218
      Release Date: 1991-03-01
      A Purr-fect Valentine
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        A Purr-fect Valentine
        Salina Yoon
        Manufacturer: Price Stern Sloan
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Board book

        FictionFiction | Cats | Animals | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
        FictionFiction | Pets | Animals | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Holidays & Festivals | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
        Valentine's DayValentine's Day | Holidays & Festivals | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
        FictionFiction | Cats | Animals | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
        FictionFiction | Pets | Animals | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Baby-3 | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Literature | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Holidays & Festivals | People & Places | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
        Valentine's DayValentine's Day | Holidays & Festivals | People & Places | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
        All 4-for-3 DealsAll 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
        ASIN: 0843120061
        Release Date: 2006-12-28

        Book Description

        A little girl snips and pastes, colors and draws, adds ribbons and bows . . .while her kitty curiously watches in the background . Finally it is revealed she's made a sweet valentine for her most cherished friend, her kitty . With shiny foiled tabbed hearts and bright illustrations, this book will warm everyone's heart .
        A Cat Named Fat: And Other Purr-Fect Rhymes For Fun Times
        Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
        • sure to make a child laugh and smile
        • A Cat Named Fat
        A Cat Named Fat: And Other Purr-Fect Rhymes For Fun Times
        Marie Gebel
        Manufacturer: AuthorHouse
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback

        GeneralGeneral | Poetry | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
        ASIN: 1420871463

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars sure to make a child laugh and smile.......2007-10-03

        Fed up with morbid nursery rhymes, Marie Gebel tickled her tongue with new poetry for the youngest of people and published it. "A Cat Named Fat" is a delightful book to read aloud to a child, complete with colorful artwork and memorable thoughts.

        Kids love rhythm and rhyme yet new poetry for very young children is sometimes hard to come by. Marie Gebel offers such delights as A Cat Named Fat about a feline who grows into his name, and Jack and the Mirror in which young Jack plays and waves to his friend inside...a game almost all babies play. Her poems are based on things a young child knows about, like love, Santa Claus, birthdays, and butterflies, Mom, and the magical moon. These happy poems are sure to make a child laugh and smile. An early exposure to poetry may infect a child's life, for life, and such a chance is one we all must take.

        Simple and sweet, this collection is one that will likely be read over and over again. Even the youngest of listeners will be enticed by the beat of the spoken words and the vivid illustrations. In time, adults will be listening to the same poems being read back to them by kids who have developed a love for verse...all thanks to "A Cat Named Fat" and Marie Gebel of course.

        5 out of 5 stars A Cat Named Fat.......2007-08-28

        A Cat Named Fat is a rhyming good time! This collection of poetry is made specifically for young children. The flowing rhythm, great rhymes, and puny humor make the pieces fun to read. Young children will want parents to read their favorites over and over again. Slightly older children will quickly start singing or repeating these poems endlessly.

        Parents will like A Cat Named Fat for a number of reasons. Sometimes it's hard to find good poems for young children. This book gives young children an opportunity to see poetry as fun, something creative. Many of these poems even contain a moral or a piece of information that the child can take away with them. But perhaps my favorite part of this book is that the rhymes naturally help with the reading process. The pieces are extremely easy to memorize, so little ones can follow the words as they recite their favorites. Making learning to read and reading poetry fun.
        The Cat Who Loved Christmas and Other "Purr-fect" Wintry Tales
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          The Cat Who Loved Christmas and Other "Purr-fect" Wintry Tales

          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Paperback
          ASIN: B000FIS9NM

          Blackmark
          Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
          • An Interesting Experiment by a Comics Grandmaster!
          • Ahead of its time...
          • Graphic story-telling at its best!
          • The first, and still the best of it's kind
          Blackmark
          Gil Kane
          Manufacturer: Fantagraphics Books
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Paperback

          GeneralGeneral | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
          GeneralGeneral | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
          FantagraphicsFantagraphics | Publishers | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
          ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
          GeneralGeneral | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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          1. Star Hawks The Complete Series Star Hawks The Complete Series
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          ASIN: 1560974567

          Book Description

          The groundbreaking paperback sees print for the first time in 25 years, with a never-before-published second volume by the late artist.

          In 1974, Gil Kane created Blackmark as a paperback series for Bantam Books. Kane was a comics artist specializing in super-heroes who had drawn every major character from Superman to Spider-Man. Blackmark was his attempt to go "independent" and create a series which he would own and whose creative direction he could control. The first volume of this sword & sorcery/heroic fantasy narrative, designed and published in the paperback format, has been out of print for over 25 years, and the completed second volume was never published. Fantagraphics Books is proud to collect both volumes in a single trade book format, larger than the original paperback size to better showcase Kane's elegant art.

          Customer Reviews:

          4 out of 5 stars An Interesting Experiment by a Comics Grandmaster!.......2005-08-01

          Gil Kane's "Blackmark" (with a writing assist by the incomparable Archie Goodwin over Kane's plots) is certainly an interesting reading experience. It, along with Will Eisner's "A Contract With God" are the two main competitors that each claim to be the first ever graphic novel. In this case, "Blackmark" is something of a hybrid, a half-comic, half-prose novel in paperback format (at least originally, as this anniversary collection is in a slightly larger manga-sized format, actually).

          The story is fairly mainstream sword-and-sorcery stuff, set in a post-apocalyptic world where sorcery rules and science is held in disdain and fear (Incidentally, "Blackmark" must have unconsciously influenced Jack Kirby when he designed for the "Thundarr the Barbarian" animated show in the eighties). This collection is in two parts, collecting the two "Blackmark" novels, the second of which never saw print in this form.

          The format is at times a bit cumbersome, but other times it works very well. Kane's art doesn't quite get the presentation I personally feel it deserves, but it was the artist himself who subjected his work to paperback-sized print, so if it suited him, then fine. Goodwin's script sticks to the conventions of the genre and breaks no new ground. I suppose the purpose of "Blackmark" was, in fact, to bring comics to the mainstream, not to go beyond. Just telling a prose-novel story in a pseudo-comics presentation was ground-breaking in 1974.

          The story is much like other sword and socery stories, fluctuating between mature themes and classic, all-ages adventure fare. The fight scenes are very effective both because of Goodwin's narration and Kane's stellar art. Speaking of mature themes, there are a few sexual overtones. Early in the story, a female character is raped, but the presentation is very oblique and conservative, so it should not offend. Also, there is one nude scene late in the book, though the nature of the scene and Kane's art itself makes it devoid of titilation.

          RECOMMENDED.

          5 out of 5 stars Ahead of its time..........2003-05-08

          I first read Gil Kane's BLACKMARK in the early 1970s, when I was in my early teens, and even then I was blown away by its innovative style. Kane is one of the masters of the comic book medium, but with BLACKMARK he created what was essentially the first "graphic novel", intended for more mature, sophisticated readers. There have been hundreds (perhaps even thousands) of graphic novels since, and some of more recent vintage look more polished and smooth. Certainly BLACKMARK, like any "first" shows its age in places, but it is still powerful stuff. Kane draws on all sorts of Arthurian and German/Norse mythology, and his arena looks decidedly Roman, but it is all a metaphor with the graphic impact of Tolkein. It is also quite violent, often sexy, and even fun.

          It is unfortunate that Kane's BLACKMARK experiment failed to attract the commercial attention it deserved. Poor sales due to slipshod distribution and the inability of retailers to comprehend what was being attempted, brought Kane's BLACKMARK up a bit short. Still, it was a pioneering effort, well ahead of its time, and it opened many doors to the future...

          5 out of 5 stars Graphic story-telling at its best!.......2002-07-06

          One of the best, at his best, not constrained by the baggage that comes with corporate icons, or fanboy continuity.

          A true graphic "novel."

          Gil Kane is one of the greatest story-tellers to ever put pencil to bristol board, truly a must have for anyone who appreciates the medium.

          5 out of 5 stars The first, and still the best of it's kind.......2002-03-12

          The first thing to note is that this is not just a glorified kid's comic. In fact it was not created with kids in mind at all but adults who wanted to grow out of comics or adults who never cared for comics. It was a sad day when Gil Kane passed away two years ago. Besides the original Blackmark novel that was released in 1971 his career never amounted to his own expectations. Even "His Name is Savage" was a disappointment due to low distribution. Gil did not want to be known simply as a good comic artist and sequential storyteller. Well, at long last, both of the only Blackmark stories written and drawn have been collected into one trade paperback volume for the first time in the story's history. In the magazine reprints these stories were cut up to add more volume to the pages and bring down the page count. There were also mediocre bits of fill-in art provided by Gil in an attempt to hold the sequences together. Now this wonderful science fantasy graphic novel has been collected to show just how far Gil Kane was ahead of his time. The story and illustrations work seamlessly to tell the epic tale of one man's rise to power, and the challenges he faces trying to unite a world now torn apart by a cataclysmic war and the following, ruthless, feudalism maintained by selfish lords and wandering bands of warriors who maintain a stranglehold on the surviving population. This is a powerful story by Gil Kane who provides the art and the story concept which was scripted by the late and incredibly talented Archie Goodwin. Archie was the early editor of Warren publications, Marvel's Epic line editor, and finally DC's Batman writer/editor. Together (though Archie was brought in pretty late) these two men made a sincere effort to elevate the comic format beyond it monthly serial, soap opera continuity as well as bringing the graphic elements up to be compared with best of the golden age of magazine illustration. Sadly, this effort, released in 1971, while not entirely overlooked, was ignored by many due to the lack of promotion within the industry and outside of mainstream comics. The first half of this current book was released as a standard format paperback. It was an odd duck with no real place on the book rack or the book store and wasn't easily catagorized. Like most things wonderfully unique, the people responsible for getting the news out just didn't get it. Now the old book is a collectable. This collection, the very first real graphic novel, is back in the book market. It is a beautiful hybrid of graphics and prose. The story is a mix of various legends from the immaculate conception to the Arthurian myths all bound together in a world forced to reverting to desperate survial. The characters are human, not superheroic. The setting is exotic and dangerous. The world is looking for an opportuity and Blackmark may be it's last. Gil Kane's angular, lean and powerful art is perfectly suited to this story. Please, don't miss this opportunity to enjoy a gorgeous book and a glimpse of what sequential storytelling can be.
          Blackmark
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Blackmark
            Gil Kane
            Manufacturer: Bantam S5871: New York, NY
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Mass Market Paperback

            GeneralGeneral | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
            ASIN: B000E3WHL8

            Product Description

            Early graphic novel, intended to be the first in a series featuring Blackmark in the primitive world of the future.
            Blackmark
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              Blackmark
              Gil Kane
              Manufacturer: Bantam Books
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Paperback
              ASIN: B000NR7RJM
              An unfair blackmark; Barbara Amiel is beautiful, rich and brainy. Is that why we hate her?(Focus): An article from: Winnipeg Free Press
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                An unfair blackmark; Barbara Amiel is beautiful, rich and brainy. Is that why we hate her?(Focus): An article from: Winnipeg Free Press
                Gale Reference Team
                Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Digital
                ASIN: B000MX6SLU
                Release Date: 2007-01-23

                Book Description

                This digital document is an article from Winnipeg Free Press, published by Thomson Gale on January 21, 2007. The length of the article is 850 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

                Citation Details
                Title: An unfair blackmark; Barbara Amiel is beautiful, rich and brainy. Is that why we hate her?(Focus)
                Author: Gale Reference Team
                Publication: Winnipeg Free Press (Magazine/Journal)
                Date: January 21, 2007
                Publisher: Thomson Gale
                Page: b5

                Distributed by Thomson Gale

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                9. The Way of Chinese Painting: Its Ideas and Technique
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