Thursday, January 29, 2009

VINCENT VAN GOGH: BOOK OF POSTCARDS

These handsome volumes of postcards feature the artworks of the great modern masters, reproduced in brilliant full color. The cards are detachable and can be used to send messages to friends or as informal decoration for the home or office. Easily stored, they can also serve as inexpensive guides to some of the masterpieces of the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. Read more.

BORING POSTCARD


160 boring postcards of the British Isles, reproduced as they have been found, actual size, from the collection of the great iconoclast of British photography, Martin Parr. This is a serious art book, a depiction of a tragic Britain with tragic taste, and a photographic entertainment which a large audience will enjoy.

"Individually, the cards are a kitsch hoot; collectively, they re-create not only the appearance but the spirit and soul of a Britain that vanished for ever somewhere around the 1970s.... Parr's 'boring postcards' give meaning to a wistful phrase much beloved of recent prime ministers. They show the last time Britain really was, for better or worse, a nation at ease with itself. Look back and mourn." The Sunday Times "Martin Parr's daringly dull collection of 160 coma-inducing postcards from the edge of common sense. Yes, they're funny. But they also reveal a view of the UK in the period from the '50s to the '70s, when road-building and fast development looked like signs of a healthy future." Time Out "Individually each of the postcards more than meet the requirements of the book's title - yes, these are ludicrously boring places - but as whole they make a compelling collection." Dazed & Confused "... far from dull, Parr's book is a strangely compelling commentary on postwar British architecture, social life and identity..." Independent on Sunday "... Groovy, baby." Time "... exquisitely tedious... visual gems..." World of Interiors "... the funniest book [of the year] has been Boring Postcards by Martin Parr, which I keep on the kitchen table and chortle over during breakfast. This sends my cornflakes flying...." Charlotte Cory (novelist), The Independent "... top of the class... Its blend of pathos and bathos is hilarious. It fills the onlooker with Christmas spirit: that's to say, nostalgia, revulsion, hysteria and delight." Evening Standard" Editorial Review Read more.

THE GOLDEN AGE OF POSTCARDS

Collecting post cards has been a beloved hobby and pastime from the very beginning of the American postal system and their 19th century introduction to an eager public. THE GOLDEN AGE OF POSTCARD'S identification and values for postcards from the early 1900s will prove an invaluable pick for any interested in pricing or acquiring such postcards, and is a recommendation for any library strong in collector's price guides. Color photos of cards are arranged by season and provide quick look-ups of prices and makers. -- Midwest Book Review. Read more.

THE ART OF PIXAR: 100 COLLECTIBLE POSTCARD


Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Pixar Animation Studios with film and concept art from every Pixar feature-length and short film to date.

These are some sturdy postcards. They also showcase some of Pixar's best work. Many of the concept art postcards are so pretty that they ended up on my wall rather than going out in the mail. --Sunny in the Northwest Read more.


Wednesday, January 28, 2009

OH! MY GOD! I MISS YOU: 30 POSTCARDS



The devilish yet precious children and puppies of celebrated Tokyo-based artist Yoshitomo Nara will beguile everyone on your correspondence list.


The art is compelling - witty and melancholy - don't be dissuaded by the kids-and-puppies subject matter. Packaged more carefully then the usual postcard book. --FurryMonster Read more.

Thursday, January 8, 2009