Rating: 
Summary: Not what I expected
Review: Although the talent of the artists who contributed to this book is without question, the book comes across more as a presentation of the artwork and artist, and less so as a teaching or how-to guide for us. I also thought the techniques used were a little out there and impractical, compared to the other altered book literature I have and have heard of.
Rating:
Summary: An opportunity gone sour
Review: I am an avid altered book artist, and was excited to see a book with this title. However, it disappointed immediately. Taking three separate subjects and making them "one soup" is not the way to gain my support for this editor. Each medium stands firmly on its own ground and should be given their own "due," rather than a hodge-podge of quick publishing.While I admire all of the artists' work, and their various areas of experise, this is not the way I would like to see them exhibited. I would be ever so pleased to see more publishers and other editors find more interesting ways for me to spend my money. "Out of Bounds" by Elizabeth Badurina and "Altered Art Books" by Kerrie Carbary, both self-published, far exceed this attempt at promoting the art of altering a book. I recommend these instead and at comparable prices.
Rating: 
Summary: my first altered book...
Review: i've browsed through the selection offered at bookstores and i must say this one blows me away totally so i had to buy it off the shelf and bring it home! this book doesn't necessary go through the steps of creating one, but by the detailed pictures and variety, plus a bit of your crafty imagination, we can achieve a lot more via our own creativity, using ideas from this fascinating book to create our own altered books. not to mention an AB idiot like me, the information it offers all the way from AB communities to materials is priceless. i can't wait for more from Holly. ^_^ keep 'em comin'!
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring and informative paper arts book.
Review: I've read a LOT of craft and art how-to books, and many of them are geared towards beginners or focus on techniques like rubber stamping, which is pretty self-explanatory. I liked this book because it shows examples of altered books by artists working in the medium and has an accompanying section called "Technique Highlights" that tells you how to do things like gelatin prints, image transfers and bookbinding. For those already familiar (as I am) with some of these techniques, it was a pleasant surprise to find alternative methods of accomplishing these methods. Finally, it's always inspirational to see what other artists are doing with the medium. It helps you look at your own work and supplies in new ways. I'd definitely recommend this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Good as a supplemental book
Review: Interesting book that has spreads from altered books by a number of different artists. Each example shows a different technique and tells you in a paragraph or so how the artist created that particular page and what they were trying to say through it. Its not a step by step book so its better to already be familiar with altered book techniques first but once you have the basics this will give some good examples and other ideas. (e.g. "to create a dreamy, wash-ed out effect, the artist primed the pages with gesso and then worked layer by layer with watercolor crayons.") There are other books that I'd buy first before this one (like Altered Book Workshop by Bev Brazelton) but this is a nice addition to the library too. I don't have an art background - I'm self-taught - and I kind-of feel like I have to read between the lines and experiment to get the effect that is desired. I think someone with a few art classes under their belt would get even more out of the descriptions that I do. Great book though, glad I have it.
Rating:
Summary: Misleading blurb, but a beautiful book about artist's books
Review: Only 4 stars because if you buy this book for what it's supposed to offer you'd be disappointed. This is not a book about the HOW to alter books.. but more of a journey at looking at other people who have. • This book is a showcase of books. • This book will not help someone who has never got into book-making before • This will provide you with inspirations to do something, it doesn't treat you as a pre-schooler saying 'cut here.. paste this' etc. It is all about setting your own creative spirit free. • Combine this book with a more basic 'how to' if you really need it, but for someone who is willing to experiment this book will get you going.
Rating:
Summary: It was very motivating, but she left off some good resources
Review: The Altered book community is finally getting recognized. We're not just a bunch of "artists" who enjoy ripping up books. There is such a wide variety of things to do alter a book. This book is not for the very beginner, I don't think, but it will get your creative juices going. Her resources section is a bit small. There are so many great resources on line such as www.kloj.com or www.mantofev.com - see for yourself!
Rating:
Summary: WOW! This book rocks my world!
Review: The section on the use of digital artistry in altering alone is worth the small price of this incredible book. It is such a pleasure to see a sophisticated presentation of some of the fabulous art being created by a current group of book artists.
Book altering has actually been around for a good long time, but some of the books being published on the topic are so filled with the cliched lists of "100 things to do to alter a book" that I think I will scream if I hear them one more time. Far better to see excellent, simple photographs of innovative book art sans extraneous frou-frou some designer thought would "highlight" an over-used technique.
I applaud Harrison and Grasdal for this excellent and lovely book, filled to bursting with intriguing ideas for interpretation by all artists of vision.
Rating:
Summary: amazing inspiration for experienced artists
Review: This book goes far beyond "eye candy". It's a visual delight with page after page of juicy and intriguing examples of book ideas and altered books. If you're a beginner, you may be frustrated by "how'd they DO that?" questions that could never be answered in just one book. Instead, the author has filled this book with vivid, rich and dazzlingly innovative examples of what you can do with an altered book. Intermediate and especially experienced paper artists will leap from one inspiring page to the next, saying, "Ooooh, what if I mixed this idea with that one and...," in lightning-fast brainstorming that this book can spark. I highly, highly recommend it if you want raw inspiration by artists with originality that soars. (Holly, we want MORE of this!)
Rating:
Summary: amazing inspiration for experienced artists
Review: This book goes far beyond "eye candy". It's a visual delight with page after page of juicy and intriguing examples of book ideas and altered books. If you're a beginner, you may be frustrated by "how'd they DO that?" questions that could never be answered in just one book. Instead, the author has filled this book with vivid, rich and dazzlingly innovative examples of what you can do with an altered book. Intermediate and especially experienced paper artists will leap from one inspiring page to the next, saying, "Ooooh, what if I mixed this idea with that one and...," in lightning-fast brainstorming that this book can spark. I highly, highly recommend it if you want raw inspiration by artists with originality that soars. (Holly, we want MORE of this!)
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