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Donna H. (webscribe) - Reviews

1 to 5 of 5
Good Morning Egypt: A Collection of Drawings
Good Morning Egypt: A Collection of Drawings
Author: Elan Fleisher
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 5/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 1/13/2013


"Walk Like an Egyptian"
A spoof especially for Egyptophiles or wannabees, these drawings twist ancient iconography into today's and back again. Some of the visual puns, indeed, rely on some familiarity with the writing conventions of ancient Egyptian language: writing from right to left or top to bottom, or reducing everyday messages to simple symbols. The endleaves alone contain a sight gag per square inch.

But the author's taste for absurdity generates as many laughs by exploiting popular culture's misrepresentation of the ancient culture and juxtaposing ancient people into modern situations and vice versa. Nowhere in ancient art do people contort their arms the way Steve Martin did in his famous spoof, yet the mysterious figures throughout this little book gesture hilariously with bent arms and hands pointing in opposite directions. Or, how about embalmers wrapping a mummy with linen strips off a colossal tape dispenser? Elan Fleisher's facile humor defies description. You have to see it.


GREAT CIVILIZATIONS Diverse And Magnificent Cultures
GREAT CIVILIZATIONS Diverse And Magnificent Cultures
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 3
Review Date: 12/19/2012


This fat little hardback (about 5 1/2" by 7" - over 300 pages) surveys cultures from east to west, ancient and more modern. Vivid color photos and illustrations enliven each short topic. From Egypt to Native Americans, the Mongols to Islam, this really is a Minipedia of world cultures.

Pristine condition.


Never Again: Securing America and Restoring Justice (Audio CD) (Abridged)
Review Date: 3/22/2014


John Ashcroft presents his very persuasive view points about national security, delivered in his own smooth voice on about 5 CDs. His defense of his controversial law enforcement measures (the PATRIOT Act) in tension with liberal political opposition certainly provides fodder for contemplation of our complex, often competing needs for privacy and surveillance. No matter what side of the fence you are on you ought to discover some new angles and details about the 911 terrorists to temper your opinion. I think an unabridged version would be even better. Better yet would be to include his stand on the war in Iraq. I suspect he supported it; if that is his feeling, his disclosure would taint my view of his ethics, but he chose to dodge that issue and came across as sincere and dedicated.


The Poole Collection
The Poole Collection
Author: Kurt E. Schon
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 12/19/2012


Foreward by Christopher Wood (Dictionary of Victorian Painters)
This 114 page hardback features images of a Texas couple's collection of British sporting art, paintings mostly of glorious horses, some dogs. Artists including George Stubbs, George Charles Morland, Ben Marshall, Abraham Cooper, etc., capture 18th and 19th century hunts, coaches, country scenes, and all manner of equine life. A treat for horse lovers. 66 color plates.


The Tender Bar: A Memoir (Audio CD) (Abridged)
The Tender Bar: A Memoir (Audio CD) (Abridged)
Author: J. R. Moehringer
Book Type: Audio CD
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 6
Review Date: 1/30/2014
Helpful Score: 2


Excellent writer and orator. He can tell a distinct story without gory details. Satisfying to listen to because Moehringer's insight caused me to reflect on my own life experiences not matter how different they are.


1 to 5 of 5