With all the zany vibrancy of a Bollywood musical; the colorful matchbox labels of LIGHT OF INDIA present a fascinating confluence of popular culture and a sophisticated graphic arts tradition that stretches back for centuries. Populated with pouncing Bengal tigers; regal jungle elephants; and Hindu gods and goddesses; these miniature masterpieces are worlds unto themselves; skillfully illustrated with a naive yet irresistible charm. This delightful art book is sure to fire the imagination of all who wish to study; preserve; and celebrate Indias more humble; but no less brilliant; visual arts heritage. A dazzling collection of more than 300 vintage matchbox labels from India; dating from the turn of the century through the 1950s. Includes a discussion of Hindu iconography; recurring visual themes and symbols; and the cultural and historical significance of matchbox art. A great resource for graphic artists and designers; collectors of paper ephemera or advertising art; and students of Indian culture. Gift edition slipcase includes a textured novelty "striker strip" along the spine.
#209154 in eBooks 2013-05-01 2013-05-01File Name: B00C8S9WEM
Review
24 of 26 people found the following review helpful. "THE TRIBUTE ELIZABETH MONTGOMERY DESERVES; AND THE BOOK HER FANS HAVE ALWAYS WISHED FOR"By DEWEY M.Ive never seen a more versatile "TV actress" than Elizabeth Montgomery. Yet; at her untimely death in 1995; I was dismayed that Elizabeth did not receive the credit she deserved for the extraordinary range and depth of her career. All I saw was a sidebar in "Entertainment Weekly;" an even smaller mention in "Time" magazine and; shockingly; virtually nothing in "TV Guide." Fortunately; author Herbie J. Pilato came along and changed all that. "Essential Elizabeth"; his third book concerning Montgomery (following " the delightful "Bewitched Forever" and the biography "Twitch Upon A Star") is easily the best of the trio because it concerns and encompasses her ENTIRE career and celebrates the range and depth of her remarkable talents. "I just want to act;" the enigmatic; shy and mysterious Montgomery once said; "and do the best job I can. Hopefully; people will appreciate that."Readers who were distracted or disoriented by the non-linear approach Pilato employed for "Twitch Upon A Star" need not worry.. Everything in "Essential Elizabeth" is presented in chronological order; in seven distinct and clear career categories. Thus; "Essential Elizabeth" is informative; easy and fun to use. Readers seeking details of her personal life (her complex relationship with father Robert Montgomery; her four marriages; social and political activism; and her appeal to and work within the disabled and LGBTQ communities) should read Pilatos "Star" biography. However; an extensive biographical section (called "Prologue: A Life Preview") and a life and career Timeline are also included here. Professionally; Elizabeth did it all. She dabbled in films (debuting in "The Court-Martial Of Billy Mitchell"; meeting third husband William Asher on the set of "Johnny Cool"; and co-starring with Dean Martin and Carol Burnett in the frothy sex comedy "Whose Been Sleeping In My Bed?") and worked infrequently on stage. But it was on TV that her incandescent qualities were most dazzling. Pilato details the beginnings of her extraordinary TV career in "The Untouchable Years" section. Elizabeth received her first Emmy nomination for her performance as prostitute Rusty Heller in a 1960 episode of "The Untouchables." This was followed by a memorable episode of "The Twilight Zone" titled "Two"; in which Elizabeth and Charles Bronson are the only survivors of an apocalyptic war. Fans should also seek out her sultry turn as femme-fatale Fay Linn on a 1959 episode of "Johnny Staccato." This episode; appropriately titled "Tempted"; features an erotic- sexy encounter between Elizabeth and John Cassavetes. Regularly appearing on several TV anthology series proved to be excellent dramatic training years before Elizabeth enchanted the entire world as Samantha Stephens on the romantic 1964-1972 situation comedy "Bewitched." Pilato offers his most thoughtful and critical assessment of "Bewitched" to date here. "Bewitched" weathered many storms (cast changes caused by illness or death; production difficulties; etc.) and still managed to maintain an unusually high level of artistic quality for at least seven of its eight magical seasons on air. The initial appeal of "Bewitched" may have sprung for a desperate need for escapism during the turbulent 1960s; but the messages run much deeper; as Pilato writes: "the mid-60s Civil Rights subtext is usually subtle; but nearly always there; the difficulties endured by those who are not in the majority; those who are different; and those who are discriminated against ." The messages in "Bewitched" are; of course; presented in an endearing; comfortable; and safe "fantasy" context. Elizabeth modestly attributed the success of "Bewitched" to the spirit of professioniism and collaboration on set; stating; "you have writers; directors; producers (and) there is a sound (in the dialogue and stories) you get used to. Also; dont forget; we got the scripts before we shot them. We didnt just walk on the set. We always had a reading...and wed say; "wait a minute; does this work?" or "could we do this or that?" And everybody was available to listen to suggestions." Fearing typecasting; Elizabeth appeared in the TV chiller "The Victim" immediately after completing "Bewitched" and separating from William Asher in 1972. This spooky "TV Movie Of The Week" signaled the dark turn her career would soon take. Elizabeth quickly earned well-deserved Emmy nominations for the disturbing TV movies "A Case Of Rape" (which; I feel; is Elizabeths best dramatic performance) and "The Legend Of Lizzie Borden." After "Lizzie Borden"; she went even darker. Her frightening performances in "Amos" and "Black Widow Murders: The Blanche Taylor Moore Story"; in particular; may have left some fans wondering if she hadnt gone too far into the dark side. But; whether you love her as effervescent; sunny Samantha on "Bewitched"; in murderous "Lizzie Borden" mode; or somewhere in between (she also portrayed a pioneer woman; wild west outlaws; a blind woman; and a coma survivor); its thankfully all here in "Essential Elizabeth." Her passion for the game show "Password" is also discussed. In an especially humorous story; Elizabeth grew frustrated not guessing the correct Password. She used some strong profanities; and had to be "bleeped" several times by network censors! "Essential Elizabeth" also includes two sections with photos; in black and white and full color; from her personal and professional life. The photo sections; presented in big; full-page glossy stock; are superb.. I think Elizabeth would be deeply touched by; and appreciate; this detailed and loving career retrospective. It certaily is the complete tribute she deserves-- and the book her fans have always wished for.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. What Witchery is This?By Dwight KemperA companion volume to "Twitch Upon a Star;" this book goes into great detail about the career and private life of Elizabeth (Lizzie) Montgomery. Every play; TV appearance and season of "Bewitched" is explored in minute detail. This book is also helpful if you want to track her early career with searches on YouTube. Of particular note is her appearance in the supernatural comedy "Mr. Lucifer" in which she co-starred with a devilishly delightful Fred Astaire as Lucifer himself; now a Madison Avenue executive type and Montgomery his sexy secretary Miss Hecate. This book is well written and gives the reader an up close and personal picture of an actress who began her career as the daughter of actor Robert Montgomery and then working into her own vibrant stage and screen presence. A tragically short lived life that was lived to the full; thats the picture Mr. Pilato paints with his book. Highly recommended. Much like Elizabeth Montgomery herself; its a magical reading experience.8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. the Essential Elizabeth MontgomeryBy Larry KlemmerI really enjoyed reading this autobiography written about one of my favorite actresses from the early days of television. It tells about all the movies she starred in and the shows she appeared in during her long career. I have a greater love for her now than I had before I read this. Five stars and 4 cheers for the great Elizabeth Montgomery!Larry