This is really one of the most unusual Kachina art books out there. Besides the exquisite photography of Gene Balzer, Theda Bassman delves into how the new carvers who adapted to all wood carving feel about their craft and what it means to them to be a carver. One gets a real sense that the artists themselves come alive and in this way, bring their art alive. They demonstrate a trust in talking with Ms. Bassman, who has a long history of working in the Southwest Indian contemporary art world. In this way, this book transcends the typical art book.

I Dreamed I Had a Girl in My Pocket is one of the best non-fiction works that I have picked up in recent memory. It was so wonderful it made me cry at its beauty.
Ms. Ewald traveled to India to a remote village where foreigners are few and far between. There, she took photos of the children of the village, many of whom are either untouchables or close to it, and illustrated their pictures with stories and anecdotes.
What I was struck most by was the way in which the children learned photography and took their own pictures (included) and the dignity it brought to their lives. It saddened me to read some of the essays and learn about the vioelnce and loss that these young people have faced and hope that through Ms. Ewald's tutelage, that some, or at least one, will be able to break the cycle of poverty that they are in.
I am quite sure that every child she met will never forget her kindness and attention. She also includes her photos of the area, but it is the direct images with the children that are haunting my heart.

I read this book and i really enjoy it. In the end i was crying, for the story was so good.

This is an amazing document. It preserves hundreds of colorful posters used in India to teach children about health, history, animals, and good manners. All done in an array of amazing primitive styles. It's a source book that every artist and illustrator should own. Big and glossy.

Geeti Sen is the preeminent art critic in India today. Her perceptions are always on target and very keen. She makes artists' careers and is has a way of spotting artists before they become well-known. An excellent book.

i like cheese it tastes good

and mints, thats the stuff

woman- why you gotta waste my flava like dat?

This book is an exploration of 16th century Mughal paintings that include musicians and instruments. Much of the book is devoted to explaining the stories behind the paintings, starting with who was Akbar the Great? Wade elucidates the history of Akbar's family, and how they came to rule India. She relates the chronicles to scenes depicted in specific historical paintings. Each of the paintings includes musicians in some form, and Wade describes in detail the instruments that the musicians are playing and the reason for their inclusion in the work. The paintings themselves are exquisite, with 165 plates reproduced in black and white and 20 in full color. The book also includes family trees of the Mughals, maps, and a glossary of musical terms.

Although the book is extraordinarily well done, it wasn't quite what I was looking for. From the title of the book, I had expected Wade to focus the text on the music of the Mughals rather than on their general history. I had expected more of the book to consider questions such as which instruments were played in Mughal times, how the instruments changed from then until now, and more generally, how much we can learn about the history of music by examining contemporary visual art works. Nevertheless, the book exemplifies excellent scholarship and it is, in itself, a magnificent work of art.

How children are effected by the commercials? What kind of advertisements do children like? Which ages are more effected ? How parents react to their children's requirements? Do commercials create a standard consuming profile to children?

Collingham's incisive study focuses on the bodily practices of British men and women of the Raj: their diets, diseases, physical relationships with their servants, etc. She brings a fresh perspective to the study of the complexities of power in British colonial history. A compelling book, both entertaining and learned.

As someone who lives and works in New Delhi, I've often thought that Raj Path (the Central Vista) reminded me of Washington DC and Paris, and now my suspicions have been confirmed thanks to Volwahsen. I've been to most of the prominent buildings built by the British in New Delhi and the author does them justice. The book is beautifully illustrated and supported by numerous maps and photos. The text is well-written and knowledgable.

My only criticism (a minor one) is that Volwahsen at times assumes that the reader has more than a general knowledge of architecture. For example, he frequently refers to the "stupa" without ever really defining it (a sort of Buddhist roof style). I would have added an appendix with a listing of architectual terms used along with definitions and context.

This should not detract from anyone's decision to read Volwahsen's work, however, as he has done a masterful job. I heartily recommend this book.