Book + Art: Handcrafting Artists' Books Paperback – June 9, 2009

Like lots of artists who want to either alter an extant book or create one from the ground up, I've thumbed through, bought, or checked out many how-to books on the subjects. But I'm usually disappointed by the works illustrated. As is true of Dorothy Krause's new book, all come with guidelines and accompanying illustrations, but, unlike hers, and ironically, few of the resulting products actually move me, the finished works juggling text and imagery in an arbitrary manner.Most texts on the subject--including this one--tout the nearly limitless possibilities available to someone wanting to either alter or create a book from the ground up, but more often than not the flexibility of the medium is taken as license rather than privilege and weaker artists than Krause "let rip" accordingly, designing, layering, and collaging without regarding the principles of good design, textual integration, and imagery. Thematically they play it fast and loose, employing a plethora of stereotypical images and arriving at hackneyed associations.Krause's book and work, on the other hand, actually show how powerful the book arts can be. Her generosity with her knowledge and experience--a sure sign of a good teacher--is matched by the tantalizing final products lavishly showcased. My only lament, though I realize the impracticality involved: that not each page of each work is shown.I especially love Krause's painterly-ness; her rich palette reminds the reader that dark can be beautiful. The variety of binding and novel altering options offered come with great photographs, clear explanations, and helpful asides.I recommend this book to anyone whe wishes to have not just a glancing but a hands-on relationship with the book arts. But I also recommend it to anyone who just loves opening a book and being dazzled by it.

Ms Krause does like to make books. I bought this book for detailed descriptions of "how to bind" a book in different ways. It did not live up to expectations. Lots of pictures of her books tho'!

I've been meaning to review this book for ages. I own a large collection of books about artist's books and this rates as one of the best.There are other books that provide more specific instructions about how to construct particular book structures, so if that is what you are looking for this might not be the book for you. It is not a book about techniques (although plenty of technical information is included), it is a book about how ideas can be transformed into the book form. If you are interested in the intersection of structure and content then this book is a gem. The commentary on the books illustrated in this volume provides an insight into the artist's thought processes. I can only imagine how inspirational Dorothy Simpson Krause must be as a teacher.My only complaint? There are some places where the lack of contrast between the textured background and the text makes for difficult reading.

I have a rather extensive library of art books geared toward the creation of handmade books. I have to say this book, 'Book + Art' has got to be one of my favorites on the subject. Dorothy Simpson Krause has truly outdone her self in creating a wonderful guide not only for making your own books of various designs - from a fairly regular book to an accordion-styled book to a scroll - but also provides instructions for creating unique pages, beautiful works of art, that are truly inspiring! Her book truly lives to up to it's name, 'Book + Art', coupling bookmaking and art together in a wonderful way!I do highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to learn the unique ability of creating an art book of your own design that you'll be proud to give as a gift, or leave as an inheritance!

I just loved this book from the first moment I opened it because there are so many visually exciting techniques shown step by step. Plus the author has created some really amazing books herself which she shares here. If I had the money, I would order the book to be delivered directly to both my artist nieces, one in Minnesota, one in Arizona. because I know they could learn alot too. Another nice thing is that you can just pick this book up and read one technique at a time and that is especially important when you have a very busy schedule like mine.

This book is more about an individual artist's book Than about methods and techniques

Read through this one last week, I really enjoyed the layout and the content was well thought out and interesting. I felt the author was giving the reader a platform to work from rather then specific "projects" to copy. Many times you could take one small step in an illustrated technique and run with it in a different direction, this for me is worthwhile reading. I also liked that she shared her thought processes and inspirations as to how her books came to be. A visual treat as well as a technique book to come back to again.

This is a beautiful book, full of both solutions and inspirations. I found some wonderful possibilities for my own work, and ideas for new work as well. I appreciated the beauty and depth in the examples of her work that she used. They were so often the consummate union of medium and message--serious subjects presented with a wonderful attention to detail that pulled the maximum sumptuous beauty from the materials. The book is a publishing beauty as well. The page design and color are gorgeous, the layout clear and concise.

Just felt this was a little old fashioned, and pnotos are very dark

I really liked this as I had been lent a copy by a friend and I wanted to consider making books myself. Consequently it was just as expected.

great thanks

Interesting for ideas but not essential . Bookseller was excellent as it came from America.

Estou adorando este livro porque ele é dirigido para iniciantes mas aborda os assuntos com profundidade.Ele trata tanto da feitura do livro como da parte de restauração. Ele mostra também vários processos artísticos acessíveis a qualquer pessoa que queira se iniciar nessa área fantástica.Muito bem ilustrado, com farto material artístico. Os "passo-a-passo" são ,muito bem explicados.O livro traz também trabalhos maravilhosos de vários artistas.Recomendo para os iniciantes e para aqueles que desejam ver trabalhos maravilhosos para inspiração.Silvia.