Arts & Music Books > Art & Design Arts & Music Books > T > less than 5 GBP

Advantages: very interesting one of the most detailed of its type
Disadvantages: due to detail limited to artists in its scope

...a book of necessity for the professional as most will find that it is just re-affirming things you already know (but it is always handy to be able to double check). I think this would be ideal for any art student or someone with an interest in art. This book will certainly address any queries you may have in regards to information on artists, major works of art, schools in relation to the art scene, and the various movements and genres throughout ...
...art history albeit with a few artists left out. This is not an in-depth text, but certainly gives you some idea about who or what a name or term represents. A vast and informative book, this classic reference guide is one of the best in the field. ... Read review

Advantages: Wonderful, inspiring, a good text for making one think and see in new ways
Disadvantages: A few colour plates or images would be nice

...from her table to read the first page, and found that I simply could not put it down. 'The Art of Life and Vice Versa', the subtitle said - something I have long aspired to understand is the interplay of art and life in its many facets and influences. According to author Michael Kimmelman, chief art critic for the New York Times and frequent author on art and cultural topics, studying art and those who devote themselves to art 'provides us with clues ...
...Kimmelman's early examples is of the dentist Hugh Francis Hicks, whose home was a makeshift lightbulb museum (with more than 75,000 lightbulbs in his collection from all manner of times, places and devices). This is not mere enthusiasm, but an abiding love that made his interest a matter of art. One of Kimmelman's intentions here, which he has achieved, was not to confront or approach art from the standpoint of an art critic, an art historian, or ... Read review

Advantages: very interesting, funny life.
Disadvantages: uncertainty behind some parts

Having been a huge Who fan for a few years, I was excited to read this biography. Once read I was not disappointed. Moments of out loud laughter combined with intrigue and sadness. The author (Tony Fletcher) attempts to be impartial, attempting to separate the myth from the legend, which is no easy task with a character at extreme characters in modern times. Even his birth date is uncertain. The book describes key moments and some very very funny ...
...of the most interesting people to live, given the money and fame to fulfil his lifestyle of excess. Excess being the key word in Keith's life, where everything including drink, drugs and jokes was over the top. Many famous friends of Keith participated in the book, giving frank and detailed interviews. Exceptions to those participating were Pete Townshend and Roger Daltry of The Who. Fletcher shows his true like for Moon as a musician by showing ... Read review

Advantages: Very funny.
Disadvantages: None.

My Booky Wook by Russell Brand. When I first heard of him it had been on Big brother's big mouth, his humour was quite extraordinary and much much funnier than the other people they have on that show. Sometime after that he began to appear on other shows wowing us with his talent in humour. The moment I saw this book in the library I got it out, hoping for some more of his work, I wasn't dissapointed, even when he was talking about his drug and ...
...read. The book begins with his child-hood and when he first went into the dramatic arts, then it goes to his drug taking and finally to the rehab centres he has had to go to. You get to have a closer look at this hyper comedian and learn more about his life. I never wanted to put the book down when I started the first chapter though be warned, this book should be read by adults only. ... Read review

Advantages: Lots of information, educational, fascinating
Disadvantages: Lots of difficult words, a little hard to understand at times

...for an overall technique. Tricks Of The Mind is definitely an interesting read and contains some fascinating information, particularly in the area of basic human psychology. I did find myself picking up the dictionary probably once ever chapter, but I think by now I have mastered Derren's vocabulary. ... Read review