Book Description
The second edition of this popular introduction to the classical underpinnings of the mathematics behind finance continues to combine sound mathematical principles with economic applications. Concentrating on the probabilistic theory of continuous arbitrage pricing of financial derivatives, including stochastic optimal control theory and Merton's fund separation theory, the book is designed for graduate students and combines necessary mathematical background with a solid economic focus. It includes a solved example for every new technique presented, contains numerous exercises, and suggests further reading in each chapter. In this substantially extended new edition Bjork has added separate and complete chapters on measure theory, probability theory, Girsanov transformations, LIBOR and swap market models, and martingale representations, providing two full treatments of arbitrage pricing: the classical delta-hedging and the modern martingales. More advanced areas of study are clearly marked to help students and teachers use the book as it suits their needs.
Customer Reviews:
Nicely Prepared Intermediate-Level Treatment.......2005-05-06
The author has put together an excellent text that will take readers of an elementary text like Hull's "Options, Futures and Other Derivatives" to the next level. In the author's treatment, the power of stochastic calculus is brought to bear on the options pricing problem from the point of view of modern martingale theory, if not the complete mathematical rigor needed to establish all the results.
The text contains 26 chapters and 3 appendices. There is simply too much here to give a blow-by-blow account. So I'll try to hit the highlights.
The author gives intuitive definitions of some of the more heavy concepts from measure theory/Lebesgue integration, measure-theoretic probability theory and basic stochastic analysis. For the rigor, one need only look to the appendices, but the treatment is intuitive enough that can still follow along with only the occasionally glance to the back of the book.
Readers of Hull's text will find the first couple of chapters quite familiar, but starting in Chapter 4, stochastic integrals are (somewhat) formally introduced, along with the multi-dimensional version of Ito's change of variable rule. This is not overkill as the development of multi-factor term structure models later in the book benefits from this early development.
We note that these formulas are stated without proof, although they are motivated intuitively.
In the next chapter, stochastic differential equations are introduced and the Feynman-Kac representation is established as a nice application of Ito's rule. The chapter winds up with an intuitive treatment of Kolmogorov's forward & backward equations.
For the remainder of the first half of the text, readers of Hull will feel themselves in quite familiar territory, as the author develops the solution for the options pricing problem, studies the Greek letters and establishes parity using the now classical approach.
The second half of the text delves into martingale methods for mathematical finance. As a consequence, the sophistication level jumps considerably. The reader is well-advised to get the basic analytical toolkit in hand before delving too far into the second half of the book. I recommend Rudin's "Real and Complex Analysis" 3rd edition.
Heavy machinery is pulled in from functional analysis to establish the first and second fundamental theorems of mathematical finance. Without some basic understanding of Hilbert and Banach space theory, the reader will understand very little of this treatment.
The next highlight is the Girsanov Theorem. The author actual provides a proof in the scalar case, and presents (without proof) the Novikov condition to test when the Girsanov transformation is indeed a martingale (so the theorem holds). As a nice application, the Black-Scholes theory is revisted and re-established via these martingale results.
Another highlight is the study of the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman model for stochastic control, along with a small catalogue of cases under which the HJB equations can be solved. As a nice application, Merton's mutual fund theorem is established.
The last several chapters of the book deal with martingale methods for term structure models. There is a nice survey and study of the 1-factor short rate models before loading up and doing the k-factor model framework of Heath-Jarrow-Morton.
The martingale setting makes for a very rigorous treatment.
The book ends with a really nice treatment of the Libor Market and Swap Market Models. Pure finance students may feel that the mathematics at the end unnecessarily overwhelms the intuition, but students of mathematical finance will appreciate the analytical treatment and may even feel inspired to implement their own LMM.
There are a ton of terrific exercises at the end of each chapter. The exercises really solidify the understanding of the presentation and they make great technical interview questions as well.
intuitive introduction to option pricing.......2004-11-10
I agree with several reviewers above that the book is written in a style very helpful for students to understand the material.
It doesn't contain a lot of small details of financial markets like Hull's book, but the approach is very systematic. The derivations of formula for Barrier options is a nice example, Hull only lists a set of formula. The focus is on the theory, not on the practice. (No numerical method in the book). Bjork's book is very valuable for a student with very good math skills but want to learn the reasoning style for option pricing. It is a quick and enjoyable read.
A huge plus side of the book is to describe strategy before writing down all the proofs. This helps greatly. It can be contrasted with Duffie's book "Dynamic Asset Pricing Theory", which is written like a dry math book (well, I have to admit that Duffie's book is not an intro book)
Only thing I can think of that can be improved is typo in the book, too many wrong formula, especially in the second half of the book, luckily enough, they are obviously wrong so that one can still understand the topics. I also find that using SEK and mentioning street name of Britain are amusing for a student in U.S.
Hell, I should have rated it 5 stars!.......2002-05-26
If you're going to be introduced to Derivatives pricing and Quantitative finance in continuous time, you need some basics in probability theory, an elementary introduction to stochastic calculus and you need "bjork". It tells you the equation and how to understand it.
It's the best source for a complete understanding of the basics of arbitrage free pricing in continuous time; whether it's in complete or incomplete markets.
The best feature of this book is how the author invariably provides an "intuitive interpretation or explanation" to convey critical concepts. {Things like market price of risk in the context of interest rate modelling, change of measure etc...}
Why I rated the book 4 instead of 5?
I will not forgive "Tomas bjork" not to have covered the Libor Market Model; it's "THE" model and therefore should be covered in great details by any book of this calibre. A new edition of this book with the libor market model is needed.
Having said that, the coverage he gives to the popular short rate models is worth every read!
Guy,
Msc Financial Engineering at ISMA Center, Reading - UK.
Good introductory book.......2002-05-25
It is a good book to read as an introduction to the field. The author is successful in conveying the intuition behind the models instead of striving for complete mathematical rigor. I recommend this book if you want to quickly get acquainted with derivatives pricing but are a bit afraid of the higher math seen in other books.
An FE Bible.......2001-11-08
The central text for IOE 552(financial Engineering I) at the University of Michigan. Halfway through the course and I really understand the application of Ito's Lemma and the Feynman-Kac stochastic representation theorem. This book has just the right mixture of narative story telling, and mathematical rigor. The derivations are accessible to those with a semester of advanced calculus and a semester of probability. Over and over, Bjork shows that the secret of success in Financial Engineering is "RAIL" which stands for the "Relentless Application of Ito's Lemma".
Book Description
Linnea has visited Claude Monet's garden! In Paris, she got to see many of his actual paintings. Now she understands what it means for a painter to be called an Impressionist. This innovative art book for children contains full-color photos of many of Monet's famous paintings.
Customer Reviews:
Delightful.......2007-10-19
This is a delightful living book. An opportunity to learn a lot about Monet, his work and his life while enjoying a beautifully told story.
Been there myself!.......2007-02-16
Fabulous book about places I have visited and loved -- I actually
know Michelle who owns the Hotel Esmerelda (she will autograph my
copy of book), and have spent many happy hours in the bookstore
around the corner (never go to Paris without visiting it), and
of course, Monet's art and home are the pinnacle. A wonderful
and inspirational book for all!
A Trip into the creative capacity and vision of an artist through the eyes of innocent wonder.......2006-09-05
In 1988 I begged my Principal(I was a teacher in the Salinas valley) to purchase a set of this book.I taught in the "middle of nowhere " that now holds a good chunk of my heart. This was the time of teaching through literature sets, wholly in love with language, and inspiring children by creating together environments to make meaning and to find "context" for learning.It was a time to motivate lives. Toni Ungs, my then Principal, turned to me and replied, no, that I would be the "only teacher" on site who would use the set. And so it goes in teaching, yet another opportunity denied by those thinking within their prodigious logic systems.
So... I bought the set out of pocket as I do most everything, a teacher tale for another time I spend thousands each year to do what matters. This book is just a delight for students. A young, girl, Linnea and her elder neighbor embark on a trip together to see Monet's Gardens.They live in Europe and this book offers a glimpse into another world for the children. Both share a love of the actual plants/flowers/gardens Monet painted, the artist, the paintings and after planning their trip together we in turn share their gentle journey as they go see the L'Orangrie/Paris and head to the gardens. Since I've had the pleasure of those places and share the love of Monet...it's a book that I share every spring with my classes. I choose to teach Monet in the spring when "what so soon will wake and grow , utterly unlike the snow" thoughts crowd my imagination. I am fortunate in that we have a TV and I bought a DVD player to share the DVD of this book.(among other things) The DVD's as good if not better than the book. I have a pop out book of his garden and a book from a Monet Retrospective I went to in New York in my teens to supplement the images and students seem as captivated as the rest of us in these experiments in light. The notion of a "series", of the way light, time, weather affect the same image are very fascinating things for my students.Then we paint. Of course I embed this in my talking of Paris, reading Madeline, trying to teach a bit of the French, and our sharing baguettes, cheese, Napoleons and a petit four or two. My first grade enjoys my attempts at cultural contexts and bringing into their lives a notion of great artists. I can confess here on this site, I suppose, that it's heady stuff to bring Monet, Picasso and the world of art to students.First grade allows you the kind of "you heard it here first" honor. I'm all the more brilliant in their eyes for it. Of course it connects them to much larger contexts and from time to time these are revealed in the year when my class screams out "Monet" at an assembly or "Beethoven, "Ode to Joy" "or somehow lets the school collective know we are up to something in room 10. And that something includes learning about a little girl that ventures to a hotel with her neighbor and picnics on the grounds of Monet's gardens and sees for herself the beauty of his creation from the world of nature. Now that's a sweet confession to share with Amazon readers. Choose this book for a child, you'll be glad you did.
Monet's Garden.......2005-06-17
I absolutely LOVED this book when I was younger. So, if you're having doubts about your child liking it, I wouldn't...I had the doll of Linnea and I carried it around with me everywhere...and I also brought the book everywhere I could as well.
B e a u t i f u l.......2003-11-15
Linnea, a young Swedish girl has developed quite a friendship with the elderly Mr. Bloom, her upstairs neighbor. Mr. Bloom is a retired gardener who is the proud owner of a lovely book about the great French artist, Claude Monet. After hours and hours of studying Monet and his life, the pair begin the ultimate adventure: a trip to Paris, and where it all began! Linnea and Mr. Bloom visit the Marmottan museum to observe the many paintings of Monet. They study his artwork and how the genius painted. They learn about other Impressionist artists--many who were great friends of Monet. Eventually the young child and elderly gentleman make the ultimate trek to Giverny, where Monet lived and painted.
This book could almost be a 'fun' textbook. The artwork, both of the author's and of Monet's is absolutely exquisite. Becoming familiar with Monet's life and his paintings become a marvelous art history lesson. As an adult, I not enjoyed reading this lovely book but I learned a lot. In fact, a few days after reading LINNEA in Monet's Garden I was watching a Sex in the City episode where Charlotte was showing a group of people one of Monet's 'lily' murals. Being familiar with that painting because of this book was an exciting moment for me!
Book Description
An intimate look at one of the most creative artists at work today.
When it comes to making music, Björk needs no introduction. She has always been at the vanguard, exploding convention and leading her listeners down the uncharted paths of a haunting and harmonic trip through sound. Last year, she starred in Lars von Trier's acclaimed Dancer in the Dark, and took home the coveted Best Actress award at Cannes. A true artist whose work has consistently transcended creative and geographic borders, Björk turns every medium she touches to gold.
Her next project is a gorgeously produced, stunningly beautiful collection of photographs and text that is being published simultaneously around the world. Designed by Björk and m/m, the celebrated Paris design firm that has already collaborated Balenciaga, Visionaire, and Yohji Yamamoto, the book boasts contributions from the world's top photographers, fashion designers and video makers as well as original writing and artwork by Björk herself.
A breathtaking photographic odyssey through Björk's career, a stunning visual and literary companion to one of the most original performers of our time, Björk promises to be like no book you've ever seen. Coinciding with the release of her new album, Vespertine, and the supporting tour, this book is a must-have for Björk's admirers as well as anyone craving a touch of beauty for their bookshelf.
Customer Reviews:
A worthy experiment from the most unique celebrity I know of........2005-07-12
Björk is as unique as a person can be, yet still be famous. She is like pure imagination, with barely any reality. I'm exagerating, of course, but she is an ultimately original creature with seemingly endless curiosty in everything.
She has a noble idea behind this book. Many celebrities aline themselves with other famous people in their collaborations. That's 'the thing done'. But Björk has seen past that, and realized that collaborating with like-minded individuals makes alot more sense. Even so, her abilty to organize her ideas is a work in progress. As, this book is quite messy and confusing.
The back cover (shown here at amazon.com to represent the item) is absolutely beautiful. It is one of my favourite pictures of her, if not my outright favourite. The glossy finish is perfect. Unfortunately, the inside photography didn't follow suit with the glossy treatment. The photos were given a grainy look, which is more suitable to photographs of antiquity, not futurism. And the graininess doesn't bring out a person's features in portraits as well as a smooth finish does. I did buy this book believing that the inside photography would also be glossy, and still am sure it'd have been alot better had it been. (subjectivity allowing).
NOTE: Amazon.com's representation of the other photos inside the book suggest they're similarly glossy, but they're not.
Björk is amazingly creative, but lacks organizational skills. (Evident in the fact that she does require many collaborators even in the music studio). In this book, it's difficult to know when a submitted piece of work is by Björk, or by one of her friends. I often can't tell what a text is about, even. Are they talking about her? Is this text by her? Or is it random writing?
One problem consistent throughout all of Björk's projects, is they never reveal enough about her. I know much is revealed through her music and her photos, but rarely is there enough content straight from the horses mouth in interviews. I want to know her philosophies, her upbringing, and some life situations. I don't expect her to reveal anything too personal, but I'm always disappointed at how little I find out about her after buying a product of hers. I've heard her suggest that people wouldn't be interested in hearing about her outside of her art, which is for me a mistaken belief. (I'd love to know more about you as a person outside of your art, Björk). And this book continues the frustration for me, which began with the DVD collection I bought. There is a book about Björk by Ian Gittins. It is not a good book, in reality. For a start, it is hell bent on insulting a member of the Sugarcubes, which is poor form, even if you dislike a person. But, it certainly provided more quotes from Björk than this one did. I learnt quite a bit from that book. But this book here is, of course, a much better keepsake.
There is an interview 'by' Björk of David Attenborough (the nature documentary narrator and host). These two make a seemingly unlikely match, but infact are totally kindred when it comes to the natural world. They have a great respect and curiosity for nature. Unfortunately, it seemed that they may have had busy schedules and just squeezed this interview attempt in between engagements. I'd love to see a second attempt at this, where they start a recorder, and simply just talk for a couple hours. They are very insightful and refreshingly curious about the world.
I'm personally not fond of the artworks by Björk's friends, but I appreciate the idea. This kind of experiment is what got her where she is. She doesn't rest on regulation procedure. But overall, this book didn't work for me. No context is given to the works by her friends, so it's hard to appreciate where they are coming from, (if indeed one knows who a page of work is even by). Oftentimes, context makes the difference between enjoying a piece of art, and not.
In all, you get to know Björk through her art, and her sharing of her friends' art, but there still isn't enough material here that 'directly' reveals her to us. I respect the thought put into this book, but as with all original people, sometimes it's hard to know exactly what they set out to accomplish. But if you don't mind the obscurity, you will, as a fan, like this book anyway. Even though this book didn't strike a chord with me, the artist herself has, and I fully respect the attitude behind this project.
Great Artistic Direction.......2005-03-09
I'm an art student in college and would like to think that I am very dedicated to the work I do. Over Christmas I was preparing myself for a college interview in February and was told that the college likes to see my personality reflected through my interests. First thing that popped to mind? Björk. No one else quite moves me or holds my attention like this little genius, and the thought of doing sketchpad work on her 'art' brought a smile across my face, I can tell you! Okay, it might sound a bit self-indulgent, but I think I can afford to be in the case of Björk.
So over Christmas I produced sketchpad work on her 'art.' I was interested in exploring the way she communicates with her audience, and how she does this through music, video and fashion. Everything in her career is methodically thought out by herself. She isn't controlled by her record company, because you can't control people like her. Everything from remixes, photoshoots and videos are well-thought out to create elaborate works of art, so my aim was to research and analyse this, before somehow using it to make my own piece of art, using her level of artistic intelligence, based on this. That's where this book came in useful!
I ordered this book over Christmas and was delighted with it, because it has many things in it that I can use for my project. There isn't much text at all in this book apart from a few interviews so if you're expecting massive essays about her career and in-depth interviews then this probably isn't the book for you. However, if you're interested in visual communication which is thought-provoking like myself, then I would recommend this to you in a second. Perhaps one of my favourite sections of the book is a collection of cartoon drawings of dreams that Björk used to have as a child. I found this to be just adorable and very personal for her to communicate with her fanbase in such a way as to let them into her childhood dreams.
There are also many, many interesting photos of Björk, most in black and white, of her in just 'ordinary' situations. I think these are much more interesting than glamorous photoshoots of just an ordinary pop star. These photos make you think - or they make me think - about just what on earth she's trying to communicate with us. Is she trying to communicate anything at all? Perhaps not, but it's interesting to think about these things. I also really like the full colour reproduction of the "Homogenic" album cover, and also the CD cover to the single "Bachelorette." The large double-page screen still capture of the "All Is Full Of Love" is also very cool, with the two robots gently kissing.
This book has almost 200 pages in it, so I think you get your money's worth. It's a rather minimalist book though, and there are many blank pages with just a few words in the corner. This is how the book has been constructed, though, so you should respect Björk's artistic decisions. The cover jacket of the book also features an incredible story about Björk, which is hard to read at first because the font which has been used is the one which was used on the track listing of the "Vespertine" album. Overall I think a great product to add to your Björk collection, but perhaps not for everyone.
An emotional book.......2004-04-02
This is a gift to every Björk fan in the world. Every single page is an emotion, every page tells you a little story, and that helps you to collect them in major story that will describe Björk. Even though the book has not many words, those words make you think, those words urge you to ask yourself things that will make you meditate about your real connection with Björk and what is your real situation in it. Perhaps is not a book for everybody, but it works for me.
If Photos Will Satisfy You..........2002-07-05
Even though I'm a huge Bjork fan, this book still dissapointed me. The book is a collection of some wonderful photographs of Bjork, including many intimate and beautiful ones. For readers (not lookers), there is nothing to be offered - the editors seem to have felt that they should throw some arbitrary text in the middle written by arbitrary authors - and they really shouldn't have. The centre articles offer no insight into Bjork's thoughts or life; they are simply a collection of why the authors think Bjork is special (and who needs to know that!). After the halfway point, some very strange and "arty" pictures are included to finish off. Buy this book only if you are interested in some wonderful photo's of Bjork and if you don't mind the relatively steep price for what you're getting.
Review.......2002-07-03
The book definitely was great. It was a bit pricey, but it was worth it.
I would give it four and a half stars only because it was a little disappointing. There could have been lots of things included as well. I only reccomend it to good Björk fans, due to the inner simplicity of it that is hard to understand at first. I really like it a lot and reccomend it to the serious consumer. It was truly awesome.
Book Description
Recent reform initiatives in public education have included concerns with large scale, systemic reform in which the superintendent was a pivotal player. Yet much of the research attention is focused on the principalship or on state-level policymaking. This volume attempts to correct this lack of attention on the superintendency by stimulating conversations about new ways to conceive of the role. The empirical and conceptual analyses reported in this book are outcomes of the UCEA Joint Program Center for the Study of the Superintendency. The chapters report on studies that focus on the issues of recruitment, diversity, district/community relations, power and politics, and transformation.
This annual review is designed to provide a forum for empirical and conceptual investigations of organisational behaviour in schools and school districts, as well as their institutional environments. Specifically, the review attempts to inform educational
Average customer rating:
- Invaluable resource for a retro look!
- Turudich is a rip-off artist!
- A slender volume but still a nice reference
- Very Disappointed
- ...
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Vintage Face
Daniela Turudich , and
Angela Bjork
Manufacturer: Streamline Press
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Similar Items:
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1940s Hairstyles
-
Making Faces
ASIN: 1930064039 |
Book Description
Exploring different makeup techniques and practices from the looks of the 1920s through the 1950s, this guide to creating authentic period faces offers instructions on how to simulate each look, from the curve of the lips to the arch of the eyebrow. Filled with photographs of famous starlets and icons such as Louise Brooks, Greta Garbo, Rita Hayworth, and Audrey Hepburn, as well as complete instructions for re-creating each star's look, this indispensable reference for creating vintage beauty and glamour explains how to achieve everything from bee-stung lips to the perfect Marilyn Monroe mole. Included are period color charts for powder, rouge, lip color, eyeshadow, and nail polish that can be taken to any beauty counter for comparison and color matching to get an authentic look.
Customer Reviews:
Invaluable resource for a retro look!.......2006-12-31
I cannot believe I lost this on the BART train on my way to visit a makeup artist!
This booklet helped me achieve exactly the type of look with authenticity of makeup color for the time, etc. that I was looking for. For every period, there were several looks, from innocent to siren, that gave you a wide range of authentic period styles to copy for.
I am not willing to pay $250 to replace my copy at this time, but I REALLY feel a tremendous loss to not have this as a resource.
Now I know how different the youthful Audrey Hepburn's eyebrows were, say from those of Elizabeth Taylor. And when I want Audrey's eyebrows, I want hers--not Liz's. They really were quite different and GORGEOUS!
Turudich is a rip-off artist!.......2006-06-08
Not exactly. The people who sell her book for loads of money are. Her books are just great to flip through. If you are looking for thorough details, this is not for you. I have this book and I like it as a collector's item (not to mention cherish it for it's value. I can't believe I paid over $140 on this book!! I'm ridiculous!). If you want to copy actual make-up from the early and mid-20th century, you should buy books that are from actual make-up artists. In my opinion, She copied a lot of her stuff from Kevyn Aucoin's "Making Faces." He's a real make-up artist who covers the flapper, vamp, bombshell, etc... looks in his books (you should also check out "Face Forward" also by Kevyn Aucoin). In "Vintage Face" Turudich covers those and a few others but she basically says the same thing over and over. She just changes up the colors to use for each look. Some websites are even more helpful than this book. Another extra info, her "1940s Hairstyles" isn't even that great either. She completely copied a book that was published back in the 40s, leaving out some detailed instructions. There is nothing in her book giving credit to it. I guess what I'm trying to say is: If you want to copy the looks, this isn't the book for you. If you want to collect Turudich's books (like me) than go ahead and spend a bill or two...haha. Also, just wanted to point out: you should really be careful buying expensive books. I bought this book from a seller here and some pages are missing (the last few about where you could find vintage colors on the market)!
A slender volume but still a nice reference.......2003-05-02
Yes, this book is not a comprehensive guide to vintage looks and cosmetics.
Yes, the photos are sadly only in black and white.
However, the classic film star photos to accompany each look are wonderful. Case in point, the evolution of Gene Tierney from the 1930s with slightly pudfy cheeks to 1940s glamour girl.
Defintely snap this one up if you can find a good quality used copy. A discounted price will help soften the blow of the covers being too close together.
An expanded, revised edition would be a most welcome addition to my personal library
Very Disappointed.......2002-09-16
This book has no pictures to further illustrate the points that it makes. It is all in black and white. It is basically information that you would know anyway from general makeup application. It goes through the different eras but doesn't cover in very much detail. At the back there is a recipe section for making your own makeup but it is unlikely that these would be made as some use dangerous products!!Very diasppointed with the book-lucky I bought it second hand.
..........2002-07-31
What a complete waste of money. This book was much anticipated until I got it in the mail. Not only was it small, but it lacked so much detail!! The stupid thing isn't even in color! Yea, they give you a color chart, but don't show how to apply it when using make up.
If anyone still wants to buy it...I got one for sale.
Book Description
Bjork is the most successful radical rock experimentalist of her generation. Contrary, inimitable, and gloriously her own, she has awed her famously dedicated fans for more than a decade with a swooping, querulous voice that has been likened to a glass not quite breaking. Bursting onto the Icelandic musical scene with a precocious album at the age of 11 and a series of releases in the 1980s that notably include her work with the Sugar Cubes, Bjork soon found herself gaining international renown as she released the jazzy Gling-Glo and her breakout solo album Debut. Since then the superstar wordsmith has continued to produce idiosyncratic, well-received works. In 1995 Bjork combined hit-making tunes with her maverick sounds to produce Post, and then after working with an army of collaborators, Telegram. Two years later, Homogenic took listeners on a compelling journey through the outer reaches of electronica. Again abruptly switching directions, Bjork starred as a blind mother in the critically acclaimed Dancer in the Dark, producing the renowned Selmasongs soundtrack. Returning to explorations of herself the next year, she produced Vespertine, an intimate and sensual fan favorite that continues to sell well. Drawing on years of experience covering Bjork and her industry, music journalist Ian Gittins explores and celebrates the creative processes and motivations behind her amazing career and musical history. With 70 color and black-and-white photographs, Bjork is a must-have for her legions of devoted fans.
Customer Reviews:
Maybe 5 stars, hard to say.......2006-02-18
I've always thought that Bjork was just the loveliest lady, but I haven't seen or heard much of her. Yesterday I picked up this book at Barnes and Noble for $4.98, yes that's four ninety-eight, and it is just chock-full of so many pictures and clear tidy text that I am very impressed. It may not be the most in-depth work about her, but it seems fairly accessible, and she is not terribly well-known beyond a certain reputation as being a bit "out there." She's an artist, not a commodity like so many musicians, and it's not what we expect, and people forget to look beyond the far-out sound bite or video clip.
The Words Of Bjork.......2005-03-07
This is a good reference book if you want to know what Bjork is saying AND meaning in her songs. This book has helped me understand some of her Icelandic accent, which I think is awesome. Some of her songs get so twisted in my head, (I am always changing lyrics anyway) that I have to use this book to know what she is really saying. I have lots of fun with the English language, Bjork does speak very well, but if you have a hearing problem like I do, this book will make for good reading.
This book has mostly all of her songs, the reasons why she wrote them, it opens up a whole new realm for any Bjork fan.
The photography is great, also. Bjork is a Beautiful Icelandic Princess with much talent.
there's more to life than this.......2003-08-21
my mom brought this book back for me from london, because at that time (last november) it was next to impossible to find in the states. the book looks nice on the outside. nice oversized book, with thick glossy paper. and the idea of the book is nice, the story beihnd every song + info on the cubes/gling-glo and early stuff.
however, the book does fall a little short, content wise. the information gathered is mostly pretty well known (keep in mind i am a total björk dörk :p ) but the pictures in the book totally make up for the (lack of) content! there were so many pics i have never seen before, and huge, oversized glossy pictures! i was in heaven :)
i was really hoping for more information about the sugarcubes, which is why this book didn't get a 5 star rating! they only talked about the 'cubes, and didn't get in to the meaning behind the songs.
a fine start for a curious wannabe bjork fan.......2003-02-08
I guess since I've been a Bjork fan for a while now, I was hoping to find some new insight into her songs through this book. If you want to learn the intentions and meanings behind Bjork songs, you're better off going to her website or searching online for interpretations or interviews. This book, while providing some solid background information about Bjork, does not provide too much information about the songs themselves. It seems that the author took random quotes and tried to apply them to the songs as he saw fit. The timeline is useful, and pictures are gorgeous. The descriptions for each song are not more than a couple of paragraphs each, far too short to even get an introduction for a Bjork song. It is a good collector's item--that's why I bought it. But if you're looking for some answers, like, what do those bjorkish words mean?, look somewhere else...like the 4um
Bjork Fans Need This.......2003-01-30
A fine overview of Bjork's career, with lots of good photos, and a track-by-track discussion of each album, beginning with her pre-teen "Bjork" effort and concluding with "Vespertine." (There's also a discussion of all B-sides and collaborations.) Mr. Gittins is apparently not a musician--he can't tell a recorder from a flute and describes a sitar as "Indian strings"--but he's otherwise well-informed and appreciative of Bjork's genius without going overboard. Highly recommended to Bjork fans.
Average customer rating:
- Listing of common sense
- Boring to read but useful
- Not at all a pattern language, but rather an excellent lexicon
- This is NOT a design patterns book.
- Skip it..
|
Patterns in Game Design (Game Development Series) (Game Development Series)
Bjork
Manufacturer: Charles River Media
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 1584503548 |
Book Description
Patterns in Game Design provides professional and aspiring game designers with a collection of practical design choices that are possible in all types of games. These choices, called patterns, are used to illustrate the varying types of gameplay found in games. For the purposes of this book, gameplay is defined as the structures of player interaction with the game system and interaction with other players. This includes the possibilities, results, and reasons for players to play. By putting these elements of gameplay into practical patterns, designers have access to a common set of concepts that can be used by all developers, allowing game projects to be approached with more standard tools. These patterns help designers put their concepts and ideas into words, which makes communication between members much easier. The patterns also help with making design choices, understanding how other games work, and inspiring game ideas. The book itself is divided into two main parts. The first part covers the theoretical aspects of describing games and defining the template used to develop the game design patterns. The second part includes the actual patterns divided into chapters based on the aspect of gameplay they cover. The patterns can be used in any order and referenced as you would a dictionary. By studying these various game design patterns, designers learn about the choices they'll have to make when using a pattern in their own designs, and they'll gain an understanding of what gameplay is, so that they can design better games.
Customer Reviews:
Listing of common sense.......2007-06-13
This book misleadingly indicates that there are well documented ways of solving problems in game design. I wasted my money on this book thinking it would provide some insight to the structure and programming patterns used in game programming.
This book does a good job of summing up all that is wrong with the game industry, in that game designers rarely look outside the box and come up with anything that really strays off the path of mainstream.
The original concept of design patterns is to elegantly solve a common problem in programming which is productive to all developers. But for game designers to do the same thing will result in more clones of the same games.
I dont think any comparison should be drawn between Gang Of Four design patterns and what is attempted here.
Boring to read but useful.......2006-03-20
This book is boring for 2 reasons:
1. It is highly academic, thus the text is highly extensive analytical (to a point were non academics say: get to the point man, stop overanalysing it. Lots of definitions of definitions. So heavy stuff.)
2. It is a list of a lot of game patterns that are used in games. Well lists are boring to read. It is allmost as if you are reading a manual or a dictionary or so.
But.....
as a gamedesigner i found the patterns quite useful. It helps you to get new ideas, to screen a game idea and to judge weak spots in your design. And I mean concepts here not graphical game design. Now I have to figure out how I get this book read, it is so extensive. Bit by bit I guess.
www.wouterbaars.net
www.gamesmaken.startpagina.nl
Not at all a pattern language, but rather an excellent lexicon.......2006-01-31
Despite the title, this book isn't a book of game design patterns. Patterns are best practices, designed to solve particular design problems. The "patterns" in this book are nothing of the sort--some of them aren't even positives, but negatives.
However, I still feel that this book deserves 4 stars, since what it *is* is a lexicon. And a very thorough lexicon, at that. So hey, take it for what it is, not what they claim it to be.
This is NOT a design patterns book........2006-01-27
I bought this book in part because I believed it would be the game programming equivalent of the famous Gang of Four "Design Patterns" book. This is nowhere near the case; nowhere in this book is there any mention of how games might actually be structured or organized at the code or object level. Patterns in Game Design is nothing more than a dictionary of features appearing in games.
Examples are "patterns" such as 'Identification' which is basically defined as players identifying with aspects of the game.
Games can have "Alliances" or the potential for "Betrayal" and the authors do not say much more than any common sense person could deduce about such features in a game.
Anyone with even a modicum of experience in the gaming world has no real use for this list of game-possible-features. These possibilities are understood implicitly by anyone who has ever played even a small number of modern computer games.
At best this book might galvanize the imaginations of someone who has no idea what their game should do.
Skip it.........2005-07-14
This book is so bad, that it would been a crime to not warn the buyers to not waste their money like I did.
It is nothing more than an English dictionary of terms used in games... like what means "Avatar".. or what means "High Score List"..
Customer Reviews:
a great cookbook!.......2006-06-12
i loved this cookbook when i was little and still enjoy it now. i read it over and over again. it's actually quite charming and has a nice little story line to go along with the recipes and it's full of interesting nutrition facts. it does have recipes for sweets, but kids deserve treats now and then, and homemade sweets are certainly better than candy or any of those horrible snacks that are filled with chemicals and food-coloring. overall the food is very "wholesome". BUY THIS BOOK FOR YOUR KIDS! adults have a responsibility to encourage healthy eating and this book will help.
best kids cookbook out there!.......2000-01-02
This has to be the best cookbook for kids ever written. I remember loving this book as a young girl and checking it out of the library constantly. The reason that I liked it so much is because, not only does it give you recipies, but it also follows a storyline. I also loved this book because the recipies werent too complicated and actually WORKED, which was very important for me, the perfectionist 10 year old. This is an awesome book for any kid, boy or girl, and I guarantee that they will enjoy it as much as I did. I also recommend any of the other books written by Christina Bjork and Lena Anderson.
Book Description
Barron’s just-published test preparation manual for the CLEP—or College Level Examination Program—has now been augmented with a CD-ROM that offers a Computer Adaptive test that virtually replicates the actual test-taking situation. With its three pencil-and-paper style practice tests and answers, the book serves as an excellent review of all CLEP subject material. However, most students who prefer to recreate actual test-taking conditions will choose this brand-new combination book-and-CD-ROM, which gives them the most complete CLEP test preparation available anywhere. This software offers timed and untimed computer versions of the tests presented in the book. The test is scored automatically when the test-taker completes it. In addition, the manual presents subject reviews plus pencil-and-paper sample exams in English composition, the humanities, math, the natural sciences, and social sciences--history, with answer keys and explanations.
Customer Reviews:
Too many errors.......2004-09-27
In the English Composition preparation section, there are four practice tests to help you. The problem is that there are too many errors in the practice test questions. One answer tells you that "colonies" should be singular to agree with the singular verb, but the verb is plural in the question. Another answer tells you that "they" should be singular, but there is no "they" in the question. Also many of the sentences which Barron says are correct are poorly written and often lack proper punctuation. One run on sentence was called a dangling modifier. It is quite frustrating, to say the least.
I don't rate it one star because the effort put into this work is impressive, but I do recommend a revision of this book. It is desperately needed.
Some helpful info; many mistakes.......2004-01-20
I actually picked this book up at the library for some early prep for a state subject-specific test I'll eventually have to take (not for the CLEP). However, while I know this is harder than anything I'll have to take, the questions are definitely difficult and cover all the different aspects (I was focusing on the social science area). However, there are many erros in the answer key. The detailed answer is correct but the letter corresponding to it may not be. My favorite question was:
From 1845 to 1855, a considerable number of the immigrants to the U.S. came from:
A) China B) Ireland C) Greece D) Russia E) Spain.
Ireland, you say. WRONG. The answer according to the book is Germany. I have to admit from glancing at the other sections, I think the social sciences is easily the hardest. Anyways, it's worth getting if you are to take the CLEP probably but beware of mistakes. There probably is something better and more concise out there.
High Marks for a good review book.......2003-07-23
I needed a review book for the math CLEP. One of my friends recommended the Barrons CLEP review book. It turned out to be a very good recommendation. The types of questions in the book were almost identical to the types of questions on the test. There were no surprises, no types of examples or problems I had never seen before. Even the percentage breakdown the book described of the various problems was pretty accurate. There were 60 questions on each of the three practice exams in the book plus the book provided an additional trial examination. Plenty of practice that allowed me to sharpen my question/answer skills. I didn't notice any typo's in the answer part. The book also gives a brief explanation of each answer. This is where I though the review book was a little shallow. When I was familiar with the material, the explanation of the answer was fine. When I need more depth in the answer, the review book didn't have it. Well, it's a review book, not a text book so I did not lower my rating. Needless to say, I had a scale score equal to an 'A' on a 6 credit CLEP College math test.
Customer Reviews:
Skinner: The Humanist Behind The Behaviorist.......2007-08-24
The how's, why's, when's, and where's of a forged life are depicted beautifully in the biography of a scholar and scientist that dared question our penchant to attribute our so-called "success" to our will and dignity. Skinner is portrayed as a human being who readily recognized that his success was indeed accidental. Skinner is real, geniune, and too much for the ordinary mind to handle.
The Biography Box.......2004-02-18
This is the best biography I've read. I certainly find Skinner interesting, but what's impressive is how well this book flows, and I expect that's due to Bjork's writing skills and understanding of Skinner.
I came to this book because I don't know much about Skinner. I can't vouch for its accuracy or slant but it seems very professional, with plenty of references. I feel lucky to have started here. I've been reading other books on Skinner and Radical Behaviorism and appreciate the background Bjork has given me. There's a smooth mix of detail and overview.
Although there's plenty of material to help to understand Skinner the scientist and philosopher, there is also a good amount for feeling one has learned about Skinner the man, a dutiful husband, warm father, and, despite some isolation that his advanced thinking brought him, a decent friend. Seeing this side of Skinner provides good reason not to jump at labelling him a reductionist. I also learned to admire his faithfulness, despite popular opposition, to pushing forward to scientifically study how conditioning impacts us (and how we use and can better use conditioning to our own advantage).
While I'll be reading Skinner, I'd also like to read more of Bjork. If I were a famous thinker, Bjork is someone I'd like to have write my biography.
Insight to Skinner.......2002-01-15
This is a good primer of Skinner's life. It provides clarification regarding the origin of Skinner's ideas and charts the course of his personal and intellectual development through his career.
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