The Penland Book of Handmade Books: Master Classes in Bookmaking Techniques

I purchased this in part because an art instructor was featured. Also, the exciting variations of book arts seemed well represented.The book surpassed my expectations. Not only is it a survey of some of the most exciting artists in the field, with selections of their works, it offers a step-by-step view of their creations, with materials, techniques and equipment shown clearly. I could, if I wanted to, completely rip off their work. But as a thinking artist, I can look at these tutorials and know with certainty how to acheive novel effects while still remaining true to where I want to go from there and have my own viewpoint and message.It is an art school between pages.In addition, each artist's section includes inspirational work from other artists they enjoy or collect, whether or not in book arts. There are literally hundreds of leads to track down, if you're a researcher, or starting points for your own vision.Beautiful full-color photographs and clear prose.Finally, as a personal note, I brought this book to my mother, who does not understand my passion for this field, or assemblage, or other related arts. She is bright and creative, yet has very pedestrian artistic tastes. She wanted to find some way to relate to my work. I left it with her and asked her to flip through it, telling her this would be even better than a trip to a museum of book arts.A week later, she returned it to me saying, "I know why you love this. How exciting."I defy anyone interested in book arts to come away from this and not want to make something beautiful. More than that, if you've never "gotten" what the fuss is about, this will give you that understanding.

Very pleased with the book. Love the inspiration!

This is an amazing book well laid out and very interesting. Not just a how to do book, the biography of each artist is enlightening followed by a gallery of books and inspiration sources and then a workshop with step by step photos that you could easily follow to make your own similar book or learn a specific technique. Excellent reading book and reference a great addition to anyones library.

Examples of a wide range of artist books; the classes part is not as carefully done i think, I've taught art myself, and think a little more detail on procedures is warranted. However the examples of finished books are from a very wide variety of artists, which is the reason i got this book. Recommended.

I am fascinated with both books and sculpture, and lately I have really been into book art. I got this book hoping to spark some ideas for my own book art venture and I have to say that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book! The featured artists are amazing and their book sculptures are phenomenal. This book opens up a whole new world of creativity and possibilities in the book art genre, in which case, my mind is racing with ideas to start creating my own art!

This book is more of a repository of gallery photos of handmade books than it is a how-to book. If you are looking for how-to techniques, this is not the book. If you are looking for a book that displays handmade books that are useful as well as objects of art, then this is the book.

I had expected this book to include more instructional information on creative bookbinding. While the pictures were stunning and obviously works of art, I was really hoping for some information on how to do similar projects. There are a few sections with instructions included, but nothing on leatherworking, which is primarily what I was looking for. Still, it's a good book if you're looking for some pretty pictures.

Love this book. Excellent images and includes step by step photos and text of the various projects presented. A great visual reference for ideas as well as techniques. Definitely lives up to the Lark Book standard. I would highly recommend for anyone interested in conceptual book making or anyone who simply appreciates fine are!

Livres d'artistes, et inspirations.Chaque artiste présente également les artistes qui nourrissent son univers, et propose un pas-à-pas pour acquérir un point de technique caractéristique de son style.Attention, ce n'est pas une livre pour apprendre à réaliser des livres, mis une belle compilation très inspirante, à butiner au hasard.Je ne m'attendais pas à cela mais je suis ravie de l'ouverture d'esprit qui m'est proposée. Je ne connaissais pas non plus l'institution Penland, mais un tel lieu de création et d'apprentissage fait rêver.Par ailleurs, envoi très rapide et soigné.

The book was used but in good condition especially for the pages inside. The hardcover and the book jacket are worn off however, that is not a concern personally. I love the book as it has important information that I needed to know. In fact, I was looking for it for quite some time as the prices were high even for a used book but in good condition.

This is a beautiful and inspiring book with wonderful photography. Some very whacky books are featured...as the cover suggests. It contains some good tips and tricks of the trade.

ちょっと変わった個性的な本が掲載されています。１０冊以上の作り方が詳しい写真付きで載っていて、説明を読まなくても、少し製本経験のある方なら、参考になると思います。このお値段ではお買い得だと思います。

The Penland School of Craft c'est un école de Caroline du Nord ,créée en 1929, qui promue le développement artistique à travers les activités créatives, comme le travail du bois et la création des livres fait main.Ce livre, assez luxueux, dépasse tout ce que je pensais être création de livres à la main.Ma première approche fut dans un but de classement, récupération en y mettant une petite touche artistique. Mais plus j'avance,plus je m'aperçois que la création de livres , est moins simple qu'elle n'en a l'air,ayant trait à la reliure, la fabrication de papier, la calligraphie, l'enluminure,l'origami, le dessin, la peinture, et même ,comme ce livre le montre, au travail du bois, du métal, le dessin graphique,,le collage, découpage, cartonnage, photographie,pâte polymère,sculpture en bois, les peintures,et j'en passe.Dans ce livre pour le moins étonnant, plusieurs artistes exposent leurs travaux, que plus que de livres ce sont des pièces de musée. Des vraies oeuvres d'art, tant par l'originalité qui en font des pièces uniques , que par leur finitions parfaites.Des oeuvres qui sortent des sentiers battus, inspirantes, sommeillant pendant longtemps dans l'inconscient fiévreux des artistes qui ne demandaient qu'à pouvoir s'exprimer.Un livre que l'on a pour consulter, et pour le pur plaisir des yeux.