The emblem; an image accompanied by a motto and a verse or short prose passage; is both art and literature: in the emblem tradition; the image presents a story ndash; often with pictorial symbols ndash; and the verse below it drives home the picture-storys moral instruction. It is one of the most fascinating; and enduring; art forms in Western culture.John Mannings book charts the rise and evolution of the emblem from its earliest manifestations to its emergence as a genre in its own right in the sixteenth century; and then through its various reinventions to the present day. The seventeenth century saw the development of new emblematic forms and sub-genres; and the sharpening of the form for the purpose of social satire. When the Jesuits appropriated the emblem; producing enormous quantities of material; a further dimension of moral seriousness was introduced; alongside a concentration of emblematic wit. The emblem later came to be directed increasingly at young people and children; in particular; William Blake adopted a fresh attitude towards ideas of the child and childishness. Since then; reprints of seventeenth century emblem books have been produced with new plates; and writers and artists from Robert Louis Stevenson to Ian Hamilton Finlay have used emblems in new and subversive ways.
#3704539 in eBooks 2013-02-07 2013-02-07File Name: B00BCJTYY6
Review
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Good introduction to nature photographyBy WinterThis is a very well written and illustrated book on nature photography that has lots of good tips and no fluff which is rare with photo books. Most of the information is generic in that it applies equally well to both film and digital cameras and to any type of camera system. The author only has experience with Canon equipment so there is no so much a bias as a lack of information on excellent options afforded by Nikon that are relevant to nature and wildlife photography and not available from Canon.The photos were taken in Europe and Scandinavia both in the wild and at animal compounds with captured animals. Personally I believe it is wrong to photograph captive animals unless it is for a ID guide book or as part of scientific research of some sort. The author is completely candid about those photos taken of captive animals but to me wildlife photography should have photographs of wild animals in the wild.Guy Edwardes provides a lot of practical information that will make it easy for even a complete novice to quickly get better pictures through simple techniques. Although they are simple to do they are seldom if ever mentioned in photo technique books. Some are obvious to people who have been taking photographs for many years but some are not and for those just starting with photography the information provided will save many hours of fruitless effort.One glaring shortcoming that I would hope might be corrected in a future edition is the omission of any serious discussion of the use of flash in both nature and wildlife photography. The new iTTL and eTTL flash systems from Nikon and Canon respectively make it easy to improve results from photographing nature as the work of George Lepp and especially Frans Lanting beautifully illustrate.For example Guy mentions carrying around a 8x10 mirror in his camera bag when actually a small strobe fired off camera would be a more versatile approach with more options as to the amount of fill light provides; the area of coverage; and adding warmth with a 6000K light source. I only have a roller case that is large enough to transport such a mirror but a small flash easily fits in every bag I own.Many photographers specialize with plant or landscape or wildlife photography and one of the benefits of Guys book is that it covers all three areas very well and can provide exposure to areas that photographers in their single mindedness have overlooked but should consider for future outings. I got at least 5 useful tips to improve my own photographs from this book and at $5 a tip I consider that a very good and very rare value.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. 100 Reasons to Buy this BookBy BarbieAs an enthusiastic amateur photographer; and one who loves to get out into the great outdoors and shoot wildlife; I think this book is an excellent aid to getting better nature photographs. From the very first page where the author suggests keeping a nature diary so you can go back to prime locations time and again; I was hooked. Each of the 100 ways are useful tips for photographers; especially with the camera settings listed for each shot so you can go off and try out the techniques yourself. We dont all have the luxury of owning expensive long lenses but the same principles apply. I recommend this book to anyone interested in improving their nature photography. Oh; and the authors photography is just magic!3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Nature PhotographyBy J. BaskinI was especially pleased on the approach that this author used to help define what is required for great nature and outdoor photography. It is clearly written and offers the newbie and the old timers the requirements needed to achieve great outdoor pictures. Granted some things will cost you $$; but the other suggestions; such as commom sense are good reminders of the basic things needed to achieve that special chance to capture that certain picture. Some of it requires luck; some requires patience; but the techniques described and the approaches offered are great reading.