Review: Abandoned NYC by Will Ellis

Title: Abandoned NYC
Author: Will Ellis
Format: egalley
Pub. Date: February 28th 2015
Source: Schiffer Publishing


Book Description via Goodreads:

Every city has its ghosts. From Manhattan and Brooklyn s trendiest neighborhoods to the far-flung edges of the outer boroughs, Ellis captures the lost and lonely corners of the United States most populous city. Step inside the New York you never knew, with 200 eerie images of urban decay, through crumbling institutions, defunct military posts, abandoned factories, railroads, schools, and waterways. Uncover the forgotten history behind New York s most incredible abandoned spaces, and witness its seldom seen and rapidly disappearing landscape. Explore the ruins of the Harlem Renaissance, sift through the artifacts of massive squatter colonies, and find out how the past is literally washing up on the shores of a Brooklyn beach called Dead Horse Bay. This book is for anyone who s ever wondered what s behind the "No Trespassing" sign."

Review:

★★★★

This book is equal parts fascinating, informative, and chilling.

Abandoned NYC is a book that explores the urban decay of New York. From asylums to military buildings to so much more, the photography in this book highlights places that remain in the shadow of their glory days. The pictures are beautiful and sad at the same time. The photos show places that most people will never see, such as the inside of abandoned mental institutions. It's a shame to look at the wasted resources, and the graffiti that plagues a lot of these sights, but it's sad and beautiful to see how nature is trying to claim these places back. It gives a cool insight into the history of NYC.

In addition to being filled with gorgeous photography, there's also historical backgrounds for each of the places visited over the course of the book. It details what the buildings were used for, who stayed there, and why they became abandoned in the first place. I didn't know about any of these places, and it was really cool to learn about them.

The book starts with a disclaimer not to try visiting places like these, because they are extremely dangerous and often illegal. I completely agree, having done some exploring in my own region in the midwest.

This is a book that I think those interested in photography, anthropology, and history will enjoy flipping through. There's plenty of pictures showcasing the visited landmarks with matching text to further explain what is being seen in the photo, as well as the history behind it.

I recieved a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Scars & Stripes: The Culture of Modern Roller Derby!

Title: Scars & Stripes: The Culture of Modern Roller Derby
Authors:Andréanna Seymore, Timothy Travaglini
Format: egalley
Pub. Date: October 10th 2014
Source: Netgalley & Schiffer Publishing


Book Description via Goodreads:

Join photographer and skater Andreanna Seymore on her fearless journey through the world of roller derby, beginning with her serendipitous introduction to the sport in 2008. Modern roller derby is a vibrant, empowering, and revolutionary movement transitioning from obscure subculture to mainstream pastime on both a national, as well as global, stage. Action-packed and emotionally provocative photographs taken over a five-year period reveal the joy, pain, and dedication of these athletes on and off the track. Enriched by riveting and often touching commentary from nearly one hundred skaters, coaches, fans, and referees, this book captures the daring, entrepreneurial spirit of the participants, the extraordinary bonds that form, and the invigorating and infectious fanaticism that characterizes every bout. An increasing number of male, co-ed, and junior leagues all share a strong, do-it-yourself ethic that combines fierce athleticism with elements from punk, camp, and third-wave feminist aesthetics. In part because of this non-discriminatory nature, roller derby is currently the fastest growing sport in America.

Review:

★★★★★

I've always had a fascination with roller derby. Maybe it's because it's a sport where girls are encouraged to be strong and bad ass. Maybe it's because I have a preference for fashion that involves fishnets and bright makeup. Or maybe it's got to do with my love of names that involve a sharp pun. Regardless, I've always been interested in derby culture. In fact, once my local team hosts "fresh meat" auditions, I have every intention of going and getting involved. When Scars and Stripes came onto my radar, I knew I needed it ASAP. I'm glad it lived up to my hopes.

This book gives a great, uncommon insight into the derby world, glimpses that most "outsiders" don't get a chance to see. It includes behind the scenes stories and photographs of both male and female derby skaters. From icing bruises, to Jell-o wrestling, to national championship victories and drinks with the team, this gives an honest and heartfelt look at one of the most underrated (in my humble opinion) sports around today. I really loved hearing what all the skaters had to share. They have great memories and fierce loyalty and dedication. It was so cool to read about. I liked that a lot of ages, teams, genders, and stories were represented in this book, giving the book a well-rounded feel.

And then of course there's the photography, which is absolutely phenomenal. The colors, the shots, the stories the photographer is able to tell with her pictures is amazing. They gave great insight and illustrated the skaters' stories well. It made this book the kind of book that I would come back and flip through over and over again. In addition to being a great story told about the life of roller derby skaters, it's also a work of art. I was blown away.

If you're interested in roller derby, involved in it, or just want to look at some stunning photography, Stars and Stripes is the book for you. Thanks to Netgalley & Schiffer Publishing for my copy in exchange for my honest review.

Mini Holiday Review: Christmas at Historic Houses by Patricia Hart McMillan, Katharine Kaye McMillan

Title: Christmas at Historic Houses
Authors: Patricia Hart McMillan, Katharine Kaye McMillan
Format: egalley
Pub. Date: September 19th 2014
Source: Netgalley & Schiffer Publishing

Description via Goodreads:

History is brought to life in many historic houses, especially at Christmas time, when special decorations help to welcome the social season and visiting guests. In this revised second edition, learn history and local customs through engaging text and over 420 colour photographs. Costumed guides interpret Christmas traditions in some of the thirty specially decorated houses that are featured from across America. Both magnificent estates and simple residences offer a variety of styles, tastes, and ideas to inspire your own celebrations. See preserved buildings with illuminated gardens, inviting dining halls, and stunning interiors. Enjoy the many efforts on display here that help to make the Christmas season a magical time of sharing, caring, and gratitude.

★★★★

Christmas at Historic Houses is the kind of book that I imagine will adorn many coffee tables and bookshelves during the holiday house party season. Part history book, part photography book, and completely Christmassy, this book is stunning to flip through and really interesting to read.

As the title suggests, this is a book that features Christmas at historical houses. There's photographs included of these brilliant houses decorated so beautifully for Christmas. It put me properly in the holiday spirit- I wanted to somehow manage to decorate my tiny little dorm room with the panache and awe that these houses have.

I was pleasantly surprised when I found this book to be full of so much more than pictures. For each house, there are details about the history of the property as well as the architecture/design of the houses. There's also stories of the Christmas traditions that have taken place there or of the people who have made that house what it is. It gives off a warm and cozy, reading by the fireplace sort of story-telling that is easy to sink into and interesting to learn about, without it being too much like a text book.

Overall, this is a good book for those who need a little jumpstart into the holiday spirit, want to look at stunning houses, or want to learn a little more about Christmas traditions. Thanks to Schiffer Publishing for my copy in exchange for my honest review.

Review: International Steampunk Fashions

Title: International Steampunk Fashions
Author: Victoriana Lady Lisa
Format: egalley
Pub. Date: March 28th 2013
Source: Netgalley & Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.

★★★★★

Five stars.

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International Steampunk Fashions is a photography/art book that highlights the style of steampunk. From corsets and suits to brooches and top hats, this book features countless pictures and pieces to inspire thoughts of fantasy and the Victorian age.

At the beginning of this book, time is devoted to explaining what steampunk is as a style of fashion, but also how it stemmed from literature. Information is given on how things like gears and other "typical" steampunk trends came into play, making the first few pages a great introduction to those who are unfamiliar, and a good brush up for those who are.

The pages that follow feature models wearing their steampunk best, representing several countries and models of every gender, race, and size. The photographs are stunning. Being a long time fan of steampunk fashion myself, I was really excited to see two of my favorite models- Kato and Ophelia Overdose- within the book. There's also a section dedicated to jewelry, accessories, and top hats that offer up close pictures of the intricate designs that these artists and designers put into their craft. It's stunning, and I sincerely wish I was that creative.

At the end of the book, there's a section filled with biographies, containing further contact information about models, photographers, designers, artists, performers, musicians, and everything in between. There's also a reference section full of websites to visit, so if International Steampunk Fashion lit your curiosity for all things steampunk, the author has made it east for you to access more.

This is a book I would love to have on my shelf. The photography and artwork are stunning, I'd definitely look at it for fashion inspiration, and writing inspiration too. This is a must have for fans of the genre, and those interested in fantasy and fashion. Thanks to Netgalley and Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. for my copy.