Cutting Edge PowerPoint For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

Book Description

Use these great ideas to help you make your point

Create PowerPoint presentations with Flash(r) movies, Excel(r) charts, and more

Okay, you've PowerPointed before, right? And you knew there must be more cool things you could do? Here they are! This handy guide gives you pointers on what makes a powerful presentation, tips on using the right formats and templates, and directions for dressing up text, wowing 'em with color, adding action, and much more.

Discover how to
* Tweak and streamline PowerPoint
* Get the most from color
* Avoid amateur mistakes
* Use shapes, fills, and 3D effects
* Add photos, soundtracks, and DVD video
* Deliver your presentation with punch

Customer Reviews:

A Great Investment.......2007-02-05

I use this book two ways.

Whenever I start a new presentation, I scan it for ideas on how to keep my presentations fresh. I particularly like the color plates in the middle of the book for guiding my color related design decisions, and the host of other design related tips.

Also, whenever I run into a technical problem that I can't easily resolve myself, I check the book and the answer is usually there.

Get the book, you won't be disappointed.

Too much "for dummies," not enough "cutting edge".......2006-06-26

This is a good book for people with basic PowerPoint skills. It covers useful skills that people who do PowerPoint regularly should know. These skills include:

* how to use drawing tools

* how to use auto shapes, how to fill them with colors or textures, how to precisely position them and rotate them

* how to add lines and points

* how to create your own slide masters, title masters, and templates

* how to insert audio and video clips, and what formats work best with powerpoint

* how to insert links to other slides in your presentation, other files on your computer, or websites

* how to add shadows and customize their appearance

* working with textboxes

* how to incorporate Microsoft WordArt

* how to save your presentation in html format for posting on the web

* introduction to various programs that integrate with PowerPoint, some of which are built in to Microsoft Office (such as Microsoft Graph and Equation Editor)

* how to rip tracks off of music CDs to play during your presentation

However, I consider it an intermediate level book, not "cutting edge." Any intermediate user will already know most of these skills and can figure out the rest very easily, without purchasing this book.

If you are already pretty good with PowerPoint, please browse a copy of this book at your local bookstore before buying to make sure the level is appropriate for you.

I give this book 4 stars, but am subtracting one because the title is false advertising.

The PowerPoint Novel.......2006-06-15

Well, to start with this book does not have any dry or boring moments. It's a rollercoaster of PowerPoint info presented typically well in the Dummies style, and it's got lots of pepper and spice on the way to keep your PowerPoints looking awesome. In fact, even when the book is not with you in front of a computer, you'll still love reading it. I should know because I read it on a long airplane journey. And now when I'm not in front of the book, I still recollect the great advice when I'm doing my PowerPoints. It's like yes, this is what Bajaj said in the book! If you can read just one chapter, read the chapter on Color. That itself is worth the cost of this book.

What I Wish EVERY Presenter Knew!.......2006-05-20

So you've been doing PowerPoint for years now. So you've even done your own custom templates. Now it's time to take your PowerPoint game to the next level. Cutting Edge PowerPoint for Dummies was written by Geetesh Bajaj, a Microsoft PowerPoint MVP. That means that, while he doesn't actually work for Microsoft, he knows enough about PowerPoint that Microsoft tells people with questions to talk to him, and people like him. He's got the credentials to do this book.

And this isn't a basic PowerPoint book. Bajaj assumes that you know your way around the software, and that you've got a basic understanding of computers. You won't find any tips on formatting text here (try the other PowerPoint book I reviewed for the basics). What you will find are plenty of tips for spicing up your presentations.

One of the things I notice most often in PowerPoint presentations is that the people designing them have no concept of what color combinations look good. Bajaj discusses contrasting colors, and how to use color combinations to make text stand out and be easier to read. Color plates located in the center of the book help to emphasize his point. If more people would pay attention to this simple tip, PowerPoint presentations would be far less painful to view.

Bajaj then gives tips on enhancing presentations with the use of various forms of media -- video, audio, charts and diagrams, and animations including Flash -- in PowerPoint. He cautions the designer that overuse can be a bad thing, but shows how to make the best use of each of these features to create impressive PowerPoint slide shows.

Probably the most valuable part of the book is the CD-ROM that comes with it. Bajaj has included several programs that are designed to enhance PowerPoint, and are referred to in the book. My favorite so far has been SmartDraw 7, which I've used to create tables and charts that PowerPoint's included application couldn't do. You will also find all the examples that Bajaj uses in the book, including backgrounds, slide templates, and Flash animation samples. I've only just started to scratch the surface of what's on this CD, but PowerPoint power-users will find these resources invaluable.

There are a lot of people who need Cutting Edge PowerPoint for Dummies - we all know one or two. Unfortunately, some of them won't buy it for themselves. Be a good friend and buy it for them. They will thank you, and the people who have to sit through their presentations will really thank you.

Excellent book, even if you are not a "dummy".......2006-03-29

The author of this book sent me a sample chapter to include at my website and I was so intrigued by it, I decided to read the whole book, and was very impressed.

Do yourself a favor and forget the "dummy" in the title. This book offers great insight into some of the not-so-obvious workarounds that can be used to get the most out of your presentations. So, it's not only helpful to people who are newer to PowerPoint, but also includes lots of goodies for the advanced PowerPoint user. I learned lots of ways to fine tune stuff that I've had to take outside of the program before to get the result I wanted. Geetesh shows lots of alternative ways to get the job done within the program.

And, the texture files and other great stuff included on the CD are fantastic. The CD, itself, is worth the cost of the book.

If you want to see a sample of the AutoShapes chapter, the full chapter is here at my website:

http://personal-computer-tutor.com/geetesh/cepptfull01.html

I believe you will agree with me and follow-up on this sample tutorial by buying the full book ... and I doubt you will be disapppointed. This is a much-needed guide into some of PowerPoint's secrets.

Linda Johnson
Linda's Computer Stop

Average customer rating:

Good start for new comic drawers
Cutting Edge Not Deep Enough
Drawing Cutting Edge Comics
Good! A must have Reference Material.
Great!!

Drawing Cutting Edge Comics
Christopher Hart
Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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

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ASIN: 0823023974

Customer Reviews:

Good start for new comic drawers.......2007-09-18

The clear examples make the starting drawings easy to start. The book as a whole is a little more advanced for me as I am only a beginner, but will come in very handy once I get in more practice.

Cutting Edge Not Deep Enough.......2007-08-18

Although Hart's talented, his book will not improve beginners' skills because he does not fully develop each section. Cutting Edge needs to be twice its size to cover its topics. A person can spend years getting anatomy down. I had hoped for more step-by-step methods to his style, but Hart jumps from A to Z, expecting the reader to understand the huge gap inbetween. Get drawing experience before reading this, or you'll be disappointed.

Drawing Cutting Edge Comics.......2007-07-24

Awesome book you can learn alot from this book even if you are a beginner

Good! A must have Reference Material........2007-04-07

The book breaks down information in a very organized manner.

Here you learn step by step on how you draw the human figure from simple forms then placing the muscles or details on top of them.

The book teaches you drawing faces, arms, legs, chest, eyes, shadows and different types of muscle types (normal to extreme). Also gives you tips about coloring and the animation and comic industry.

Great!!.......2007-01-16

This is a great item to get into my collection. Definately a buy that is well worth it.

Cutting Edge Photo Cropping for Scrapbooks

Average customer rating:

Better Pages from Better Cropping!
Great Photo Cropping Ideas
Cutting Edge Photo Cropping for Scrapbooks
Great ideas to liven up scrapbook pages!
Another great buy

Cutting Edge Photo Cropping for Scrapbooks
Memory Makers Books
Manufacturer: Memory Makers Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Darkroom & Processing | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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Memory Makers Creative Photo Cropping for Scrapbooks: Steps for Turning Your Photos into Works of Art (Memory Makers)
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Sandi Genovese's Three-Dimensional Scrapbooks: Techniques for Building Texture and Style into Your Pages
Scrapbook Embellishments (Master Series)

ASIN: 1892127245

Book Description

You asked for it and you got it! Memory Makers has outdone themselves with this sequel to their best-selling book, Creative Photo Cropping, including brand new techniques for turning photos into gorgeous works of art.

Learn innovative ideas for cropping photos into borders, quilt and stained glass designs, mosaics and collages. Discover fresh techniques for framing, slicing, weaving, cutting, punching, piercing, tearing photos and more. Plus tips on how to utilize more of your scrapbook tools to create uniquely cropped photos. Techniques run the gamut, from basic to advanced, with something new for everyone!

Customer Reviews:

Better Pages from Better Cropping!.......2007-08-30

I didn't think that Memory Makers would be able to top the original book, "Memory Makers Creative Photo Cropping for Scrapbooks", but they did with this book! Instead of presenting the first book with some slight modifications, Memory Makers generated all new cropping ideas and examples. Both of these books will be of value to anyone who scrapbooks. I guarantee that this is not the same old scrapbook publication.

Great Photo Cropping Ideas.......2007-08-03

So many wonderful and useful cropping ideas. I've tried them and my scrapbook pages are too good to be true. These unusual crops truly made my pages a work of art.

Cutting Edge Photo Cropping for Scrapbooks.......2007-03-09

What an awesome book for a remarkably awesome price

Great ideas to liven up scrapbook pages!.......2007-01-09

This is a book provides new ideas for cropping to enhance your scrapbooks. The page descriptions are clear and easy to understand. This is a good book for the intermediate scrapbooker.

Another great buy.......2006-09-11

As always with these kinds of books - another great read and guide for scrapbookers!

Drawing Cutting Edge Fusion: American Comics with a Manga Influence

Average customer rating:

A fun book for fans of both
christopher hart does it again!
Good book
Excellent way to learn about the fusion drawingstyle ..
Good Art Book, Few Caveats

Drawing Cutting Edge Fusion: American Comics with a Manga Influence
Christopher Hart
Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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

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Drawing Dynamic Comics

ASIN: 0823001601

Book Description

•Third title in the fabulously popular Cutting Edge series—more than 1000,000 sold

•Ideas and inspiration for fans of manga and American-style comics

Christopher Hart is the top-selling cartoon and drawing author of all time

American comics once dominated the world. Now the balance of power is changing, as anime (Japanese animation) and manga (Japanese comics) have exploded into the mainstream of American culture. Drawing Cutting Edge Fusion is the first-ever tutorial that shows how to draw American-style comics with a manga influence. With this book, artists learn to assimilate Japanese aesthetics into new-look comics: how to turn supermuscular bodies leaner and more athletic; how to make facial features more angular and elegant; how to draw hair in up-to-the-minute spiked or long styles. This dynamic fusion of cultures brings together exciting storytelling ande sophisticated design. Now artists can capture the best of East and West with Drawing Cutting Edge Fusion.

Customer Reviews:

A fun book for fans of both.......2007-08-24

For starters, this is written by Christopher Hart, so it's probably one of your best options if you are interested in the subject of the book...

This book is great for fans of both manga and graphic novels; it goes into how the two genres differ (fusion vs graphic novel) and also the different styles in the fusion style (cartoon vs comic). Also gives huge amounts of character concepts and ideas; a fantastic buy for those who like both styles (not recommended for those who are fans of one and hate the other)

christopher hart does it again!.......2007-08-24

Like all of Christopher Hart's "cutting edge" comic and other cartooning instruction books, "Cutting Edge Fusion" is clear, concise, informative, and just plain enjoyable..i personally own several of his books, and every one of them has helped me fine-tune my artistic abilities and keep up with the changing styles of modern cartoons and comic styles...this book, like all his others, are well worth every penny!

Good book.......2006-10-27

This is the better of the Hart books: good solid information into a genre of comics/animation full of mis-conceptions.

I personally think Fusion style marries the best of these two styles. Anyone wanted to create a comic would be wise to adopt THIS style and make it your own.

As with most of the Chris Hart books the sections on who how construct panels and tell stories w/ pictures is EXTREME helpful.

Excellent way to learn about the fusion drawingstyle .........2006-03-23

Pro- looks cool, great illustrations, clearly written, basically has the stuff I was looking for. Excellent addition to my other books, most of which are from Christopher Hart, and this one is as good as he usually makes them. Excellent way to learn about the fusion drawingstyle .

Con- I want more, what else can i say?

Cheers

Good Art Book, Few Caveats.......2006-03-05

Chris Hart's books are hit or miss, but this is one of his better ones. If you're interested in drawing "Fusion Style" comics, a style pioneered by Rob Liefeld than this book is for you. Like most Hart books, this book is filled by illustrations from various artists with Hart providing an occasional illustration. While I like his books, I find Hart's style is poor. Thankfully, illustrations drawn by the author are kept to a minimum.

The Good: Some good fusion style faces. From all angles this time. Thanks! More turnarounds including 'generic ones.' Excellent

The bad: Why oh why did hart have to draw the muscle charts? This illustration is very poor, and one of the worst in the book. Also, whoever drew the female figure on page 29, did not draw it in fusion style. Pages 22-33 were really bad, and just did not do the book justice. Since these were key proportion illos I was disappointed.

Overall, if drawing "Fusion" is your bag, you can't go wrong with adding this to your collection.

Edge City: A Comic Strip Collection by Terry and Patty LaBan

Average customer rating:

Juppie family fun
Edge City

Edge City: A Comic Strip Collection by Terry and Patty LaBan
Terry LaBan , and Patty LaBan
Manufacturer: Andrews McMeel Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0740763563

Book Description

Terry and Patty LaBan are the husband-and-wife team behind Edge City-a smart, insightful cartoon chronicling the mile-a-minute lives of the Ardin family. With two kids, two careers, two cats, and several computers, the Ardin family epitomizes our decentralized, high-tech world where everything is literally a click away-everything but the time to enjoy a peaceful moment.

The first book collection of Edge City introduces readers to husband, father, weekend rocker, and busy courier service owner Len and his constantly self-improving wife Abby, whose titles include professional therapist, mom to children Colin and Carly, and daughter to active older adults Morris and Edna. Edge City is nationally syndicated to papers ranging from the Chicago Sun-Times and the Philadelphia Inquirer to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and Houston Chronicle.

Customer Reviews:

Juppie family fun.......2007-09-15

Jewish urban professionals - a modern family in a modern city, with typical modern problems: the perils of being self-employed, raising kids these days, bemoaning what's happened to rock-n-roll.

Abby is a psychotherapist, sharing an office with several eccentrics. Len and his business partner Rajiv, who is Indian-American (and still single, horrors!), run a delivery business. Carly and Colin go to school, play sports, and want more electronic gadgets. There are lots of contemporary comic strips about families; the twists in this one compared to, say, "Zits" or "Rose is Rose" or "For Better or Worse," include (among other things) the occupations, the family being specifically Jewish, and Len's hobby of playing in a garage band. These elements allow for jokes that other strips don't have.

Some of the plot lines in this collection include: the family's internet connection being down; the giant fuss over who in the extended family does the Passover Seder; Len's purchase of a taxidermy woodchuck playing the banjo; and a Led Zeppelin tribute band.

Edge City.......2007-05-14

This is a great comic strip -- fun, easy to relate to. I really enjoyed the collection.

New Design: Paris: The Edge of Graphic Design

Average customer rating:

Would not recommend

New Design: Paris: The Edge of Graphic Design

Manufacturer: Rockport Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1564965600

Book Description

The New Design series celebrates some of the finest new graphic design talents each featured city has to offer. This city-by-city tour is the insider's guide to dozens of design firms that are making an impact on the industry.

Selected by designers for designers, the work in these pages reveals what makes graphic design tick in the city of Paris. Fresh, new, and filled with vitality, this is a valuable collection for all design enthusiasts; from advertising and media aficionados, to artists, educators, students, and all those with a strong interest in contemporary graphic design.

Customer Reviews:

Would not recommend.......2006-07-28

I work as a teacher at a small Bay Area school and I was looking for an eye-catching tool for my students to learn about the world of graphic design. They are young and somewhat impressionable.

Suffice to say this book is not it. The style of writing is boring and the pace tepid. I also purchased Mr. Gomez's other graphic design book and found the content to be similar.

Average customer rating:

Impressif!

At the Edge of Art
Joline Blais , and Jon Ippolito
Manufacturer: Thames & Hudson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0500238227

Book Description

A dizzying array of artworks by over fifty creators, illustrated in a dynamic design that challenges conventional art publications.

Desktop computer technology and the Internet have opened up new possibilities for artistic creation, distribution, and appreciation. But in addition to projects that might conventionally be described as new-media art, there is now a wide spectrum of work—unclassified until this book—by practitioners not normally thought of as "artists." Engineers, software programmers, biologists, and architects, among others, are producing work on the Internet that can only be described as "art." Or can it?

As rapid technological and scientific advances raise new cultural, ethical, and moral issues, while the white walls of the conventional museum or gallery seem to be straitjacketing cultural development, Joline Blais and Jon Ippolito confront our definition of art. The book explores six strands of creation:

• Code as Muse: new artistic possibilities opened up by computer programming
• Deep Play: new narrative forms and aesthetics of computer games
• Autobotography: the rise of Webcam-based performance art
• Designing Politics: seemingly real Web sites, used to subvert commercial and political enterprise
• Preserving Artificial Life: a new biology established via human-engineered viruses and other digital life-forms
• Reweaving Community: the emergence of an online art world whose fugitive existence resists definition.

Over 350 color illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

Impressif!.......2007-04-05

Worthy of its name, At The Edge of Art does its share of risk-taking. It is a serious offering that fills a void in the theory and contemporary history of digital, networked practices and approaches. Simply put, this book is intellectual. It is ethical in its approach, communicating an obvious care and concern about there being a space for vital cultural works and workers who "hack" at the accelerating technological spectacle. (I have ordered the book as the required text for my digital theory and practice classes.)

Covering the New Yorker: Cutting-Edge Covers from a Literary Institution

Average customer rating:

the most important one is missing...
A family heirloom
A fitting supplement to The Complete Book of Covers of NYer
"Magazines Are All About Aspirations." -- Francoise Mouly

Covering the New Yorker: Cutting-Edge Covers from a Literary Institution
Francoise Mouly , and Lawrence Weschler
Manufacturer: Abbeville Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Complete Book Of Covers From The New Yorker: 1925-1989

ASIN: 0789206579

Book Description

For seventy-five years The New Yorker has been entertaining and enlightening its loyal readers (two-thirds of whom live outside the city). Its peerless covers--created by a large stable of extraordinarliy talented artists and cartoonists--have mirrored the magazine's feisty spirit from the beginning, becoming even more pungently topical in recent years. No noteworthy subject or scandal has escaped their scrutiny, from Broadway flappers and the eternal Eustace Tilley to dishonest pols and the gigahertz speed of contemporary life. Inexhaustibly varied in mood and style, the covers are united by their visual sophistication, their imaginative wit, and their high pleasure-giving quotient.

This stylish compendium presents not only the best of The New Yorker's covers--selected by art editor Francoise Mouly and organized into such classic themes as The Big City, Arts and Music, and The Buzz-- but also a behind-the-scenes peek at the sketches that lead up to them, as well as a look at the controversy that sometimes follows in their wake. A "Conversation" between Ms. Mouly and Lawrence Weschler--a noted New Yorker writer and art critic--illuminates the history of the magazine's covers and how they have changed over the past decade. In addition, several "Sketchbooks" highlight the work of especially evocative cover artists, including Sempe, Spiegelman, and Steinberg, these portfolios are complemented by six detachable full-size covers, suitable for framing, bound into the back of the book.

Customer Reviews:

the most important one is missing..........2003-04-22

this book is really well done, apart from the fact that there are a lot of covers shown from saul steinberg, but his MOST IMPORTANT one, the view from 9th ave westwards, is missing. this is a clear draw back of this book, and hence, since it's title is "cutting-edge covers", i think it only deseverves two stars.

A family heirloom.......2001-03-24

I,m very much an avid fan and collector of New Yorker cartoon and illustrator art. Whilst this may bias my opinion it also, I think, makes me nerdishly critical. However, I have been completely won over by the beauty of this book. The quality of the reproduction is first class. It does focus on the 90s covers. However, I now have a renewed respect for Tina Brown et al for introducing a sharper commentry edge to the cover. I also like the rather individualistic choice of covers and the personal perspective of Francoise Mouly. I think we can allow her a little bias towards Art Speigelman - her partner (also he did after all produce the most profound cartoon book of all time in Maus). This is one of those books which raises a paradox - it will be thumbed through by old and young alike. There will be debates around its coffee table home about the relevant merits of this cover or that. But it is also a book which its owner (me!) wants to keep in pristine condition. A family heirloom indeed.

A fitting supplement to The Complete Book of Covers of NYer.......2001-01-21

This is a fitting supplement to the granddaddy of New Yorker cover books: The Complete Book of Covers of the New Yorker, put out by Knopf, which covers the NYer through 1989. This new volume mostly includes covers from the 90s, and many of the reproductions are big, sharp, and colorful. Covers are often grouped thematically (say, New Years covers), which lets you ponder the NYer's evolving style over the decades. There's even a section with a half dozen pull out covers, suitable for framing.

Some quibbles: editor Francoise Mouly is a bit precious in her introduction and conversation with Lawrence Weschler. Her take on the history of the NYer is a bit off in places; the book omits listing the arrival of EB White and Katherine White in its timeline(!), and she gives perhaps too much play to her husband/artist Art Spiegelman. One interesting aside, noted by others who have this volume: the old covers (mostly from the 30s) that she prints side-by-side with the work she commissioned in the 90s is almost always superior to these newer covers. A few new artists, such as Sempe and Spiegelman stand out; but most run a distant second to the likes of Arno, Thurber, and Steig from an earlier era. --robert luhn

"Magazines Are All About Aspirations." -- Francoise Mouly.......2000-11-04

This book deserves more than five stars. It's wonderful!

This beautiful volume would be rewarding simply as art. Realizing its connection to The New Yorker makes it seem both more familiar and more interesting.

Francoise Mouly, art editor since 1993, has done a remarkable job of improving the covers during her tenure and has used that same remarkable eye to select these covers from all of the New Yorker's 75 years, as well. The book is greatly enriched by her introduction, and a conversation with Lawrence Weschler, who is a New Yorker writer. You will also enjoy "sketchbook" features on the artists Sempe, Spiegelman and Steinberg. You will be further rewarded with 6 ready-to-frame prints of covers. What a great deal! I encourage you to buy a copy for yourself, and as a gift for everyone you know who loves The New Yorker.

Magazine covers have enormous impact on whether we buy or read a particular issue. Princess Diana would draw more people to the inside of a book than anyone else in history. If you are The New Yorker, what kind of covers suit best? This remarkable collection of 75 years worth of covers will undoubtedly change your mind about what a cover can and should be. To me, these covers are a more profound communication at many levels than what I see on Time, Newsweek, People or Fortune.

I have a somewhat unusual background for reviewing this book. I have often done assignments for magazines to help them determine a policy for selecting their covers. This perspective made me appreciate this book in unusual ways that I would like to share with you.

Magazine publishers want covers that sell, but they also don't want to spend much money. Editors want covers to convey their vision of the editorial content. That sets off an institutional dynamic that normally results in dramatic photography of the familiar in new settings on covers, but kept within a tiny budget.

The most expensive and difficult (and dangerous) route is to feature original art on the cover. The New Yorker started with and has maintained that approach to its identity, which makes it special -- even if the art itself was not as remarkable as it is. The fact that the covers work so well both aesthetically and commerically is a great accomplishment that we should all honor.

The cover for the book is aptly chosen. This "effete looking dandy" has graced the covers almost every February for the 75 years of the magazine's existence, beginning with the first issue. In fact, the image is so familiar that many will swear that it is always on the cover. You will enjoy the satires of this cover that are in the book. This image also sets a tone for The New Yorker that connects us both to the magazine and our reactions to it.

As Ms. Mouly points out, "You can't judge a book by its cover." A magazine's " . . . personality is defined by its cover, and the rest of the magazine has to stand behind it." If you are like me, what will impress you is how much richer, deeper, and more interesting the covers are under Ms. Mouly's editorship. One of my favorites is "Life at the Top" by Eric Drooker in 1994. This features men and women standing near the tops of skyscrapers on very thin stilts looking harried and concerned.

Perhaps no magazine's cover has ever made fun of the elite in such a consistent and effective way as has The New Yorker. There were several covers that were new to me that really made an impression in this way. One was of Monica Lewinsky as Mona Lisa. That image connects to so many levels of L'Affaire Lewsinsky that they are almost inexpressable, yet there they all are in one glance. "Putting drawings on the cover . . . keeps artists at the center of the cultural dialogue . . . where they should be."

You will also see many controversial covers such as the famous one from 1993 which had a Jewish Hassidic male kissing a black woman.

The covers are loosely organized into sections: The Big City, Catching the Moment, A Year at The New Yorker, The Arts, Sports, and The Timeless Moment. Most of my favorite covers were in the sections on The Big City, Mother's Day, Taxes, Christmas, and Sports. One of my other favorites has a lone cyclist in the Tour de France trailing the pack by a wide margin in he beautiful French countryside while everyone else is bunched together. How wonderful!

After you have finished enjoying these wonderful images and the commentaries on them, I suggest that you think about where else art would make a more profound part of our dialogue. How about Presidential debates about the candidates' favorite artists and paintings or sculptures? Or having fine art on packages of the products we buy and use to help indicate their quality and contents? Or stand-up comedians doing routines about art displayed on easels?

Let art lead your mind everywhere!

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic.......2002-04-23

Winnowill is at her worst and Rayek is shockingly (almost endearingly) vulnerable as the target of her latest manipulation. So our arrogant SharpDark Highthing desires not only power beyond his wildest dreams, he wants to be loved...

True to the original quest, the book is packed with dramatics: the reunion of Dewshine and Scouter, Two-Edge's confrontation with Clearbrook, Tyldak being noble, a last minute rescue from a soul-brother, Leetah grappling with Cutter's mortality, elfin homocide, and the final destruction of Blue Mountain.

Of course, its always refreshing when an under-exposed character finally gets his chance to save the day. Go Dart! AOOOOYAAAH! ^_~ My only quarrel is with Aroree, who has been reduced to a powerless, doe-eyed victim whose only hobby seems to be stalking Skywise.

Great book.......1999-07-03

Fantastic pictures. Tells of how the wolfriders escape from Blue Mountain(again)and more.

Uncovers a lot of hidden secrets of Two-Edge, and of Willow........1998-09-08

This book is great, because it uncovers the truth about Two-Edg's birth and childhood. Also it gives more description on how Winllow used to be, before she became evil. For the first time you se what Two-Edg's father looked like. I rcomend this book to big Elf Quest fans every where.

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