Customer Reviews:
A book to treasure.......2004-07-29
A true guide on technique,
but also to build excitment and passion for this craft.
neither very big nor very useful.......2002-09-19
Pleasing to the eye but it surely fails to live up to the promise of its title. The instructions on constructing and throwing pots is adequate (though scanty).The sections on other aspects of the craft are more an outline than a guide. Disappointed, I searched our local community college library and found several comprehensive instructional texts on ceramics that were bigger and better than this book - though most were written 30 years ago.
Not a helpful resource for learning on the wheel.......2002-06-24
I was disappointed after receiving this book. While it gave a nice overview of different types of ceramics, it did not give the detailed information I was looking for. The summary on wheel throwing was relatively small and gave virtually no information regarding types of wheels or information on selecting one. The description of the book does seem a bit misleading...leading one to believe that this book would be an invaluable, detailed reference source. I found this not to be the case and would not recommend it for those looking for a reference document.
Very Broadly informative.......2002-06-21
This book covers all major types of clay and ceramic activities. If you are interested in only one type (for example, casting in a mold from clay slip)it may not give you as much information as you want. If you are curious about clay, generally, or want an overview to decide what you might like to try, this is a very useful book. The illustrations and directions are very clear.
The Big Book of Ceramics.......2001-11-07
I was so absolute beginner in ceramics and afraid of even touching a clay. In the same day I got the book I've made my first piece. And... was satisfied :=)
Guy is great, I've bought two more books by this author, and was thrilled even more, it's great book to begin with, but also to stick with all the time... full of good information, practical advices, things that you just can't find a person to ask and many many pictures that helps so much.
Anyway, you won't regret buying it.
Book Description
This comprehensive guide takes the mystery out of throwing clay by revealing in step-by-step demonstrations precisely what is happening at each point in the throwing process. With clear photography, instructive text and unique cutaway photographs, potters will easily learn throwing techniques and how to make beautiful objects.
Includes eight simple, creative projects that clearly demonstrate all the basic techniques of thrown pottery. Potters will be able to create great pieces like a shallow bowl, straight vase, plate, mug, storage jar, teapot and more on the wheel with confidence and style.
-More than 400 full-color illustrations with unique cutaway photographs demonstrate the effect of the technique on the inside as well as outside of the form
-Comprehensive guide to all the equipment, tools and accessories necessary to get started
-Covers basic clay preparation techniques that are required before the throwing process can begin, such as wedging, kneading, centering and opening
Customer Reviews:
Excellent...except.........2007-09-14
it doesn't contain glaze recipes of the finished pieces that are pictured in the book. that's the only complaint i have. it was given to me when i first started throwing and i've found myself going back to it even as i advance.
Really GREAT for beginners!.......2007-05-12
If I could only have one book on throwing pottery this would be it, hands down! I've gone through alot of books and found this one to be far and above the best for addressing all of the steps to easier learning and is presented in the most effective way. It is much more detailed than most of the other books. These details of advice and the cutaway photography make all the difference. Having this book as a supplement to my pottery teacher's instruction has been so beneficial. The book covered details that my teacher didn't think to give me and the cutaway photography gave me the visual tools that can't be demonstrated as easily in a live class. Having this book to refer back to often during the learning process continues to be of great value.
I did not received yet........2007-03-08
I am trying to complain about delaying of this book, but I cannot make anyone to answer my question.
pottery.......2006-08-10
This book is very helpful to the beginner. The photos are very clear and easy to understand.
Best Beginner's Book I've Seen.......2005-06-01
This is an outstanding guide for learning how to throw pots. What sets this book apart from other beginning guides are the photos demonstrating the techniques and the cutaways showing both what the form should look like when properly executed and what the common mistakes look like and why. Other highlights include the clarity of the text, the inclusion of multiple methods to achieve a particular goal (e.g. opening, lifting the wall, etc.), and step-by-step instructions for several projects. While I made reasonable progress in a beginning class, the illustrations in this book really clarified the concepts and resulted in immediate improvements in my technique. I highly recommend it.
Book Description
Anyone who has ever imagined plunging bare hands into cool, moist clay and shaping it into a vase, platter, or tile can now experience the pleasure of pottery. Lifelong potter Bill van Gilder has a bounty of time-tested advice on all the basics, and a plethora of fantastic techniques. That means novices will enjoy the advantages of a master teacher guiding them through each stage of the process—while intermediates will eagerly soak up every new idea he has to offer. With van Gilder’s help, beginners can try hand building, and progress onto the fundamentals of wheel-throwing. They’ll get expert tips on shaping spouts, handles and feet; adding texture, color, and luster; and combining techniques to create a variety of attractive projects.
A production potter for more than 30 years,
Bill van Gilder, host of DIY Network’s Throwing Clay, has traveled around the world to learn, teach, and exhibit his craft. He is a regular contributor to Clay Times magazine, and is on the faculty of The Art League School in Alexandria, Virginia. In 2000, he founded the Frederick Pottery School in Maryland.
Customer Reviews:
Adventure at the wheel.......2007-10-11
This book provided wonderful inspiration for wheel thrown pieces. When you want to create but are at a loss for a goal, this book will release your creative talents.
I have learned so much from this book.......2007-10-09
I had seen one episode of Bill van Gilder's show on DIY Network and walked away with at least 3 great ideas for improving my skills with clay. I bought this book and brought it to my pottery class and several other students and the teacher all went out to get their own copy. The projects give very clear instructions and photos, telling you exactly how much clay to use. There are useful techniques to learn with every project. There are even glaze recipes for the glazes used in the examples in the book.
Informative.......2007-08-23
I loved this book! Bill has a unique talent for sharing his knowledge so both the experienced potterr and the novice will learn. I highly reccomend it.
A must for beginners........2007-03-14
This book gives so many tips for the beginning potter. The photographs are clear and close-up. I gleaned many tips from the author that I had not picked up in class. A tremendous help for any level pottery.
Excellent.......2007-01-19
This book provided detailed illustration and pictures on various forms...from mixing bowls, plates, handels, teapot, and even a soup cup with a matching saucer. He explains how to throw knob handles! He provides alternative methods in some cases and lists the tools needed for each project. There are also glaze recipes at the end of each project for the glaze exhibited on the piece. Excellent for beginners and advanced learners. I have been in pottery for 4 years and continue to find this book resourceful. Excellent buy and worth the money!
Book Description
A highly practical, accessible approach to creating bezutiful ceramics.
Customer Reviews:
Nice Pottery Overview.......2007-09-19
This is a very nice overview of a variety of techniques and some rather complex projects. While it is well illustrated, it isn't for the beginner. I've been turning and hand-building for a couple years (spare time hobby) and there are many projects in this book that I admire but don't quite have the skill set to try to emulate.
I do come back to this book every few months, and always learn something new from it.
If you have other Warshaw pottery books, you may notice the same photos/projects appear in this volume.
Amazon.com
Stanley Bing's Throwing the Elephant, subtitled Zen and the Art of Managing Up, is a wise and hilarious--mostly hilarious--antidote to the extensive library of works by grim, clenched-fisted business gurus. Bing posits that power strategies cannot be "managed through rational means." Real success--corporate-niche enlightenment--comes only by embracing religion, specifically Zen Buddhism. This enables one to take "an object of enormous weight and size" (i.e. the elephantine boss) and "mold it ... like a ball of Silly Putty." In truth, he continues, senior management is "the silliest putty of them all." Bing doles out his thoughts in dozens of pithy chapters ("Playing Golf with the Elephant," "Getting Drunk with the Elephant"). He also includes many visual aids (some of which nearly make sense) and adds a sprinkling of the wisdom of others--from Martha Stewart and Jimmy Hoffa to the rock band the Doors--to make his wickedly entertaining points. --H. O'Billovitch
Book Description
A funny, transcendently simple, ultra–enlightening and very Zen guide in the model of What Would Machiavelli Do? that helps you to manipulate and control the large, grey behemoths that run the world, otherwise known as your boss.
This book guarantees personal enlightenment while providing literally dozens of helpful specific exercises and solutions to the most common problems of professional life, all in a compact, attractive package that will strain neither budget, mind nor briefcase. No one who works for anyone else should be able to live without it.
Following a brief grounding in the philosophy and practice of Business Buddhism, we are plunged into a series of pithy instructive chapters designed to walk the untutored, desperate employee through a step–by–step program that will result in total control over the elephant boss.
A comprehensive course walks even the most simple–minded through basic skills one needs to provide the simple elephant handling that makes everyday life possible, including but not limited to the primary task of following along after the elephant with a little broom and dustpan.
Download Description
Sit down. Breathe deep. This is the last business book you will ever need. For in these pages, Stanley Bing solves the ultimate problem of your working life: How to manage the boss. The technique is simple . . . as simple as throwing an elephant. All it takes is the proper state of mind, a step-by-step plan, and a great leap of faith. This humble guide provides all these and more. It is Zen that enables one to take an object of enormous weight and size and mold it in one's grasp like a ball of Silly Putty. For senior management, in truth, is the silliest putty of them all.
This comprehensive course walks budding business bodhisattvas through basic skills needed to provide the simple elephant handling that makes everyday life possible, including but not limited to the primary task of following along after the elephant with a little broom and dustpan. Serious students will then move to intermediate steps, from Polishing the Elephant's Tusks to Hiding from the Elephant When It Has Been Drinking and Feels Quite Nasty. Beyond this level lies the land of the practiced Zen masters, culminating in the ability to leverage and then throw the now-weightless elephant--and even play catch with it at corporate retreats. If What Would Machiavelli Would Do? was the meanest business book since the Renaissance, Throwing the Elephant provides the yang to that yin. Because sometimes you've got to be selfless, compassionate, and completely empty to get the job done.
Customer Reviews:
STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED the book.......2007-07-09
Please assist me as I still have not received this book and this is the second time I have placed the order and the money has been debited from my account.
Working for Peanuts is all very fine!.......2005-10-21
No really, I mean it.
Or anyway, it will be, once you calm yourself, little aphid, and penetrate to the heart of "Throwing the Elephant", Zen Master Stanley Bing's exegesis on the sublime art of applying the infinite wisdom of Siddhartha himself to the sinews, guts, entrails and viscera of the business jungle, and mastering the King of the Beasts himself.
No, silly, not the Lion. The Elephant.
You don't know about the Elephant in the room? Sure you do.
Let's step back a moment: let's meditate. Calm. Relax. Get in touch with the great infinite blackness of stars and even more stars wheeling and dancing and colliding above us and about us, and what the Hell, after a few vodka gimlets down at Dorsia, maybe even *through* us.
Did you know see that star overhead? See how it twinkles? Now imagine: the light from that star has taken thousands, perhaps millions of light-years to travel from Constellation Seti Prime, which means that by the time we see it twinkle, the star itself may very well have exploded. Or subsided into the stellar senesence of a red dwarf. That is to say, that star you're wishing upon may already be long dead.
Kinda puts the McGillicuddy Account in perspective, huh?
I could end this review with that, but I'll proceed a bit further: sit beneath the bodhi tree with Zen Master Bing. He'll teach you about the Elephant. He'll teach you about the Great Nothingness which flows around and through you. He'll teach you, as Sidhartha taught him, that desire is suffering, that there is only the dharma, and at its heart, Duty.
Duty? Why yes: to serve and keep and feed and groom and care for the Elephant. To not annoy it. To console it when it is sad, and galumph about with it (beware the feet!) when it is joyous. To sweep up its poop, and to clean off its poopy hindquarters. To leash it, to ride it, and ultimately, to throw it.
But let's talk, quickly, about the Elephant. All offices have one, perhaps a few. The Elephant has its pen in one of the corners of the executive suite: good digs, maybe even a working fireplace up here on the 37th floor, possibly a wet bar, maybe even an in-house masseuse.
Can you smell the sweet rotten reek of straw and sweat and blood and tears and dung? Yep, the Elephant. It will sally forth, to trumpet and do other bellicose things in the jungle: the lowly creatures in its vicinity (hint: you) will keep their heads down, fall silent, try not to make sudden moves or loud noises.
The Elephant will make you fear for your career, your home, your wife, your small children, your very life. It will make you work over the weekend, or cut short the long-planned trip to Bermuda. It will force you to work long hours and give lots of face time.
Ah, yes: now there is recognition. The Elephant.
So with that, then, this quick little primer---Bing the Bhodissatva practically puts the KO in Koan---will teach you how to abide, control, and ultimately master this fell beast, without being stamped to jelly. And it's a tasty little read, that goes down like cucumber paste. How cool is that?
As the Buddha himself once said, as he sat beneath his bhodi tree: Very.
JSG
Zen References A Bit Tiring.......2005-03-24
I'm a big fan of Bing's column in Fortune, but I was a bit disappointed by this book. He offers his usual ironic insights on upper management -- but I found the entire zen-buddha framework somewhat forced and tiring. If you know a lot about "zen" philosophy, I'm sure you'll be able to appreciate more of the subtleties than I could. However, I mostly found myself reading quickly through the zen quotes and references, eager to get on to the more meaty actual business stories and anecdotes. Maybe it just wasn't the book for me. I look forward to some of Bing's other works, instead.
A book about nothing.......2004-05-06
It must have been fun to write this book. It is much better than Mr Bing's What Would Machiavelli Do? There is more humor than knowledge in this one. Even if you are a Bing fan, I would suggest you borrow it from the library.
My elephant likes to rage and stomp me!.......2004-04-29
This is going down as one of my all-time favorite books. I also highly recommend the excellent book on tape version which is read by the very amusing Simon Jones.
My employer is a self-made multimillionaire who is a elephant in the truest meaning of the what this book discusses. He will scream and spit in your face while firing off threats of how he wants to kill you if he feels pushed to far. But the man is at his worst (or finest) when he calmly and collectedly confronts someone in his lair and with smirks and onesided logic breaks them down. I have yet to learn to properly handle my elephant and so he repeatedly stomps me as he trumpets his rage. The beast is the master of browbeating.
Ironically (At this very moment of my typing this) he has summoned me to his upstairs office for most likely another stomping. This man/elephant has gone decades without someone effectively standing up to him and saying ***&&!!! this is where you get off the bus!! As the old saying goes "absolute power corrupts."
I just got back from my meeting with him. I have been granted a reprieve and will supposedly get much better treatment. But is he really trying to "rehabilitate me" or simply fattening me up for the kill later on? A part of me yearns for the axe and freedom. But I have invested so much work into what I have with him and the company.
I think he wants to turn me into an elephant "mini-me." He is in my view a generally good & brilliant human being (amazingly) but with a bad side at times the size of the Grand Canyon. The strange thing about my pachyderm is that he wishes to live forever and never have to be laid to rest in an elephant graveyard. To this end he will be frozen at death in the hope of being brought back to stomp and trumpet among the humans and elephants of the future. I hope the denizens of that time will know what they are bargaining for by bringing him back! But perhaps they will teach him the lessons he has not gotten in this segment of his life.
I have a fantasy about winning the lottery and becoming his business partner. My dreams of putting him in his place are much stronger than simply being able to go out and buy anything I want, traveling the world or even making love to beautiful women!
Best wishes to all potential elephant wranglers out there!
You will need it.
Customer Reviews:
A throwing workshop in a book.......2007-10-11
As a beginning student of the wheel, this book was a valuable reference tool. It explained things in words that I could understand and provided visual images for further understanding of wheel techniques..
Not as good as others for beginners.......2007-05-12
I did not find this book nearly as usueful as I had hoped. I ended up returning it. It was too abstract and not concise enough for a beginner. It might be good for an intermediate experienced thrower. A better book for beginners is Thrown Pottery Techniques Revealed: The Secrets of Perfect Throwing Shown in Unique Cutaway Photography by Mary Chappelhow. Mary's book did a much better job of covering all the details, step by step in a more comprehensible manner, which I found to be excedingly more helpful for a beginner.
Basics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2005-08-21
Again I love this book so did my granddaughter. It was perfect for her!
Great introduction to throwing.......2001-07-12
Throwing clay on a wheel must be the most exciting, challenging and frustrating part of the potter's art. This is a wonderful book to help those just beginning to throw clay on a wheel to realize the excitement and minimize the frustration.
The thorough explanations and attention to detail are what make this book so good. Everything is explained with step-by-step instructions with a clear color photo for each step in which you can really see what is happening.
The book begins by explaining tools and materials as well as plasticity and shrinkage of clay. There are then simple exercises in placing the clay on the wheel and forming basic shapes. The use of the hands as tools is well emphasized.
Moving on to real projects you will see how to throw bowls, plates, cylindrical pots, vases, spouts, handles, knobs, lids, jugs and a teapot. Throwing a bowl with a cylinder base and a vase is two parts is also covered.
As with the other books in the Ceramics Class series, Throwing Techniques provides a wealth of essential lessons. You'll need to practice but there isn't a better book to show you how it's done.
Book Description
Throughout the long history of Japan's martial traditions, judo has evolved into one of the nation's richest and most revered cultural legacies. The vast array of judo techniques has branched out into three distinct categories: throwing techniques, grappling techniques, and striking techniques. Of these, throwing techniques (nage-waza) represent some of the most dynamic and compelling aspects of this world-famous martial art. Recent developments in competition (shiai) and free practice (randori) have seen an increase in the number of forms of nage-waza, leading to often confusing interpretations of the techniques' names. The purpose of this book, therefore, is to provide a comprehensive and correct classification of nage-waza terminology as used in both competition and practice. All the sixty-seven official Kodokan throwing techniques and their various forms are explained thoroughly and concisely, and over 1,800 photographs accompany the text to provide the reader with the most comprehensive guide to judo's throwing forms to date. For many years author Toshiro Daigo has held the prestigious position of chief instructor at the Kodokan, regarded as the mecca for all judo enthusiasts, and this book is the result of painstaking research into the constantly changing forms of judo's nage-waza. It will be an invaluable resource for practitioners everywhere.
Customer Reviews:
A fine book........2007-04-02
The other reviews give a good overview of what this book contains.
Kodokan Throwing Techniques- Daigo.......2007-03-06
Excellent detail regarding optional techniques/variations.
I am very impressed with the sequence detail of the photographs.
Also, counters well explained.
Outstanding book on Judo throws!.......2006-06-07
This is a treasure for anyone interested in throwing techniques, it covers all the formal Kodokan Judo throws with variations and Tsukuri's.
Photos are clear and foolowed sometimes by drawings from old Jujutsu books, plus historical facts on some of the techniques.
I just started reading and allreay learned so much, this will greatly help with my Judo practice!
Buy it, it's just a must have.
Authoritative Reference.......2005-11-26
This manual is an authoritative reference which gives clear explanations of the basic throws of Judo. It is not a book for beginners because it has so much detail that it could be confusing. For example, there are multiple versions of each throw shown, some of which are quite different from the basic technique. It helps the reader distinguish between throws that are similar, and distinct variations of each throw.
It is best used as a reference for further study of techniques learned in class. It is not really competition oriented, and is more geared to technicians and those interested in understanding the official position of the Kodokan regarding each technique. Only approved Kodokan techniques are shown, and of course no matwork is included.
Two words: Buy it!.......2005-10-25
Reading the other reviews here of Daigo Kudan's work, now released in English by Kodansha, it is very difficult to add to the words of praise for this monumental collection of Kodokan Judo nagewaza. Originally this material was published in a series of Kodokan magazine articles. In fact, the two models for principal photography worked with the author and publisher for eight years.
Kodansha Int'l deserves praise for its commitment to bringing judo books like "Kodokan Throwing Techniques" to students outside of Japan. Most recently, a reprint and updated translation of the coveted Mifune Judan's "The Canon of Judo" was also released, and it is hard to say which book I like best. Both will raise the level of the reader's understanding of the technical and philosophical foundations of Kodokan Judo.
I also recommend this book to those who are involved with other martial arts/sports, including "Brazilian Jujitsu" and "Mixed Martials Arts." A thorough study can only increase their expertise, and they may be surprised to discover that there are few things that are really "new" under the sun.
Book Description
Aimed at both potters and enthusiasts,
The Art of Throwing explains not only how clay pots are made—but why they are made and the factors that influence the way they look. Featuring 300 color photos.
Book Description
The ultimate book on how to throw knives and eleven other objects. Concise and informative, The Art of Throwing covers everything from grips and stances to targets and charting your progress with accurate instructions. Athletes, martial artists, and knife throwers alike will benefit from learning new techniques on hurling knives and spears, as well as the Japanese shuriken and shaken, the Chinese flying olive, the western dart and the boomerang, among eleven others.
Customer Reviews:
Good Book.......2007-05-28
This is a good book on Throwing. The author collected learning curve statistics that were very motivational in nature. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. The wonderful thing about the book was the variety of things that were thrown. Get the book and open up some doors in your throwing skills.
I would hope the author is continuing writing good books of this nature and as an avid reader hope that a book would be written blunt thrown objects, and or other projectile launchers.
Customer Reviews:
Simply the best textbook for technique For Student and Coach.......2002-09-08
This is without a doubt the manual for Judoka everywhere. I use my copies on a regular basis. I coach at a Community College and have produced many national Level players, and Collegiate Champions. I list this book as well as Sensei Kudo's Grappling techniques( Newaza) book in my course bibliography of recommended reading. The photos are magnificent, as well as the sequential segments that focus on the key points of each techniqe. No mumbo-jumbo, no mystery, but good solid body mechanics and biomechanical application. At the time he wrote this book, Kudo was one of the few 9th dans in the world. He ranks right up there with Kotani Sensei and Mifune Sensei for sheer Judo knowledge and contribution. Both the volumes in this series are works of art and a must for any Judo library.
Best book for the judo player........1999-04-22
Sensei Kudo has created The best asset to making you a better judo player. Taking some of the on glass take away the guess in the move. Also and Judo in Action: Grappling Techniques to your workout too.
The best step-by-step guide to judo I've ever seen!.......1998-01-21
Sensei Kudo not only creates the best step-by-step manual of the basic important throws in judo, but he also covers important counters to those throws. Kudo's book on ne-waza (grappling techniques) is equally good and set up in a similar style. These are both important books for the teacher and student alike.
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Books Index
Books Home
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General
| Reference
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
The Complete Potter's Companion
Decorating Techniques (Ceramics Class)
Hand Building Techniques (Ceramics Class) (Ceramics Class)
Glazing Techniques (Ceramics Class) (Ceramics Class)
Throwing Techniques (Ceramics Class) (Ceramics Class)
