Beneath the original Venetian glass and rosewood case at La Specola in Florence lies Clemente Susini's Anatomical Venus (c. 1790), a perfect object whose luxuriously bizarre existence challenges belief. It - or, better, she - was conceived of as a means to teach human anatomy without need for constant dissection, which was messy, ethically fraught and subject to quick decay. This life-sized wax woman is adorned with glass eyes and human hair and can be dismembered into dozens of parts revealing, at the final remove, a beatific foetus curled in her womb. Sister models soon appeared throughout Europe, where they not only instructed the specialist students, but also delighted the general public. Deftly crafted dissectable female wax models and slashed beauties of the world's anatomy museums and fairgrounds of the 18th and 19th centuries take centre stage in this disquieting volume. Since their creation in late 18th-century Florence, these wax women have seduced, intrigued and amazed. Today, they also confound, troubling the edges of our neat categorical divides: life and death, science and art, body and soul, effigy and pedagogy, spectacle and education, kitsch and art. Incisive commentary and captivating imagery reveal the evolution of these enigmatic sculptures from wax effigy to fetish figure and the embodiment of the uncanny.

Germany has long been thought of as the Mecca of wood-carving. The wood-carving tradition goes back hundreds of years, and the carving schools continue to produce wonderful craftspeople. For those who can't make the trip to Germany, Georg Keilhofer is the next best thing. Trained in German carving techniques, he shares them with students in his studio, and now in this new book. Here are the basic skills of relief carving. Step-by-step he takes the reader through tool selection, under-standing wood, and carving techniques are presented in a clear and concise way. The result is a project of which the carver will be proud.

One the most familiar characters of American folk art is Uncle Sam. His image has spurred people to join the army, give blood, and wave the flag. He has appeared in cartoons and parades across the nation. In his red, white, and blue costume, he is the symbol of America, yet for each artist he takes on just a little different attitude and pose. Al Streetman captures the spirit of Uncle Sam in these 25 patterns. Al's creative talent comes through in each one, and his skill as a carver is demonstrated in the carving section. In addition to the patterns the book contains carving tips, step-by-step instructions for carving one of the Uncle Sams, and painting instructions. A gallery of many of Al's creations gets the carvers imagination roaring. Al's first book, 41 Santa Patterns for Carvers,has already found an excited audience. We're sure that this one will be a welcome addition to every caricature carver's library.

When children ask what Santa does during the rest of the year, you can show them these three sporting Santas. Ron was inspired to design these miniature athletes while anticipating the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Additional patterns for two of Ron's favorite figures, the quilt and tree-holding Santas, are also included. Ron guides carvers through every step of creating with simple, detailed instructions and color photographs. A gallery is concluded showing each Santa's distinctive character. Carvers with fifteen years or fifteen minutes experience will find this book a welcome addition to their libraries.

Blake's only wood engravings, made near the end of his life for a school edition of Virgil, are among his most lyrical and enduringly influential creations. This is their first publication as a stand-alone book, with the original text of Ambrose Philips' version of the first Eclogue of Virgil.

A Mother Goose nursery rhyme comes to life when you open the pages of Carving The Old Woman's Shoe. With over 20 years of shoe carving experience, Larry's step-by-step instructions will lead you through carving his concept of this famous shoe. He even wrote his own poem. He helps you construct a scene for the shoe with a carved yard and flowers carved from round toothpicks! The book gives suggestions on tools which you will need and provides complete instructions on painting and finishing the shoe. The patterns and full-color photos combine to make this an excellent instructional book. Larry's first book, Carving Boots and Shoes has helped many carvers to get started on the "right foot" in their boot and shoe carving.

Leprechauns are some of the folk-lore creatures that have always fascinated the author. He claims that he once caught one, just long enough to sketch him for a carving. Now Al Streetman shares 25 of his leprechaun patterns with other carvers who may not have been so lucky. In addition he shares many of his tricks and carving secrets in clear photographs and captions. The methods he uses and teaches will give the reader some new insight into character carving techniques, and will make carving easier and more fun. After you get a few carved and painted, they will make a colorful addition to your carving collection. Leprechauns are also popular with buyers and collectors, which is a good feature if you plan to sell any of them.

Al Streetman goes west with a new carving and pattern book. This time he shares the secrets of carving the western gunfighter, and provides the carver with 25 creative patterns...enough for the O.K. Corral and more! Concise instruc-tions take the carver step-by-step through the project, from laying out the pattern to painting the finished work. The book is designed to be used by carvers of all levels, from novice to advanced. The results are delightful figures of which the artist will be proud. This book follows two other well-received carving books by Al Streetman, 41 Santa Patterns for Carvers and 25 Uncle Sam Patterns for Carvers.

Time will fly when you open the pages of Carving Comic Clocks. In fact, you'll find yourself whitt-ling away the hours carving Larry and Mike's whimsical creations. The book features 10 clock patterns carved in the relief style from 3/4" wood. Larry's step-by-step instructions illustrated with full-color photos will lead you through carving a delightful Dancing Clock, a noble Wood Spirit Clock, and a humorous Wood Worker Clock. Other patterns include a Sir Night Clock, a "Nice" Clock, a Cholesterol Alarm Clock, A Mantle Clock, Mr. Sunshine Clock, a Santa Clock, and a Grandfather Clock. The Wood Worker clock placed first in the most humorous clock category in the 1994 Klockkit, "Create a Clock" contest. A pictorial gallery is included.

Scrimshaw is a technique of stippling and scratching on fossil ivory, horn, and bone. Its roots lie in the traditional art of whaling men of the 18th and 19th centuries, but it has developed as a recognized art form. Today, fine scrimshaw miniatures adorn handcrafted knives, jewelry, billiard cues, cigarette lighters, and many other objects. With over 700 photos, this book presents a history of scrimshaw, provides instruction on carving and decorating beautiful scrimshaw, and displays a gallery of 45 international artists. Their fascinating work gives carvers inspiration. This unique book gives artists, collectors, and everyone interested in scrimshaw a great reference.

41 exciting, creative new Santa patterns in one book! 41 Santa Patterns for Woodcarvers provides beginning wood carvers with projects which they can accomplish with a minimum of tools and frustration. For the intermediate and advanced carvers it offers a wide assortment of Santas in different poses. One project is followed in a step-by-step, fully illustrated manner, so even the beginner can pick up on basic carving techniques. The patterns in this book are full-size, and include approximate dimensions of the side and front views. Santa carvings are an ever-popular item with carvers, as well as with collectors and people who want them for a touch of warmth in their homes. This book comes at just the right time for those Christmas projects, and will be a delightful resource throughout the year.

Ron Ransom returns to angel carving with wonderful, often whimsical, figures depicting the heavenly host at work and play. Patterns for a guardian angel, two horn-blowing angels, and an angel to the golfers are provided. Ron takes the carver through each step of the carving, painting, and antiquing processes with simple, direct instructions and clear color photographs. Variations on the basic painting designs are discussed as well. A color gallery provides a good look at the finished pieces and their variations. This book will be an inspiration to all carvers, from the beginners to the most advanced.

In the first book of miniature decorative bird-carving patterns ever published, William Veasey presents intricately detailed designs for the novice carver. This concise practicable guide will help the amateur carver to develop the basic skills necessary to produce his own realistic miniature birds.

For over a hundred years the story of Alice and her adventures has enchanted children of all ages. One of those who has been captivated by its charm is Tom Wolfe, and now he brings the characters to life through his carving. And more he shares his fascination with his readers. While many illustrators have brought their own imagination to Lewis Carroll's characters over the years, Tom goes back to the drawings of Sir John Tenniel for his inspiration. Of course he adds his own interpretation, giving them a unique personality that Carroll would have appreciated. As usual, Tom leads the carver through the project with easy to follow, step-by-step instructions, illustrated in full color photographs. This is a great book for the beginner and intermediate carvers, but the patterns and guidance Tom provides will be valued by all.

Songbird Carving is a unique book that can be appreciated on two levels: first, as a step-by-step set of instructions, with exquisite photographs and hand-drawn illustrations covering techniques of carving, texturing, painting and mounting of five songbird projects; second, as a work of art unto itself. The five songbird projects featured are the Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted titmouse, American Goldfinch, House Wren, and Catbird. To complement the instructions there are chapters on tools and supplies, the basics of carving song birds, and the birds habitats. The carefully organized text and clear step-by-step illustrations provided an unsurpassed guide to this form of carving.

Monkeys and apes have come aboard Noah's ark to enliven the ship, keeping Noah and his crew on their toes. Monkeys swing from the rafters and hoot from the bow. Apes cuddle, roar and lounge about the deck. All are animated with detailed expressions and gestures which David Sabol uses to bring his carvings to life. David takes the reader through every step in the transformation of a block of pine into a monkey or ape with enjoyable, straight-forward directions accompanied by clear color photographs. The traditional carving techniques he employs are explained in detail. Wood burning and oil staining bring each carving to life. With the mastery of these traditional techniques, the entire animal kingdom is yours to carve and add to the passenger list of your very own ark. This is the third in a series of books by David Sabol in which animals and crew are added to Noah's ark.

The "Misty Creek Carvers" have combined their talents to create a host of original caricatures to give beginning and experienced carver hours of carving enjoyment. The caricatures are carved in the relief style from 3/4" wood. The carver will benefit from Mike's expertise in caricature design, Steve's full-color photograph and helpful description. The book features 22 additional patterns, including a nurse, tourist, salesman, Uncle Sam, bride and groom, preacher, scuba diver, hunter, golfer, and more. A pictorial gallery includes completed carvings of all patterns featured in the book.

Netsuke have once again come to the fore in the popular imagination of the public. In part this is due to the phenomenal success of Edmund De Waals 2010 book, Hare with the Amber Eyes, which highlights a treasured netsuke collection that was challenged by war and the vicissitudes of time. Intricately carved from various materials including ivory, wood and metal, these small toggles served a practical purpose in Japan: a netsuke was used to fasten a mans sash, an integral part of Japanese costume. Up until the seventeenth century netsuke were relatively insignificant objects that were rarely of artistic interest, but as time passed they evolved in terms of both materials and workmanship, and were then used by men to flaunt their wealth or as an expression of status. Today netsuke are considered an art form in their own right and are prized by collectors around the world. They are found in a variety of forms and depict a wide range of subjects including figures of human and legendary form, ghosts, animals, botanical subjects and masks. Skilfully worked, these miniature carvings are of great artistic value, but they also provide a window into Japanese culture and society. This book brings together one hundred of the most beautiful and interesting netsuke from the extensive collection of the British Museum, each of which has its own special charm and story to tell. Uncovering the stories behind these netsuke and coupling them with stunning new photography, this book reveals why these tiny objects have captivated so many, the meaning they have held for those who wore them, and what they can tell us about Japanese everyday life.

Looking for something different to carve for Christmas? This is it. These fanciful ornaments double as whistles and are sure to delight children and adults alike. They can take a variety of shapes and forms, as you can see in the gallery. In fact, the idea of making carved whistles is not limited to Christmas ornaments. The tone and pitch of the whistles is determined by the size of the hole, so a variety of notes can be achieved by the carver. The toy soldier carved in this book has two holes giving dual tones. Kelley makes carving the whistles simple and fun. Each step is clearly illustrated and explained, using full color photographs. 12 patterns are provided, but once you get the hang of it you will probably be drawing your own. A fun book full of Christmas spirit.

This book is written for beginning and intermediate wood carvers interested in carving a traditional Hopi kachina-style doll. Tom Moore, a respected kachina-style doll carver for forty years, provides historical information about the evolution of kachina dolls and kachina carvings. He traces the art form from the early days, when the dolls were intended to be educational toys for children, until modern times, when they became wood sculptures collected by non-Hopis, costing thousands of dollars. This fascinating book provides patterns, respectful background information, and step-by-step instructions for carving and painting Corn Dancer, Poli Sio Hemis, and Crow Mother in the traditional manner. Tom's interpretations of the dolls include the traditional "belly-acher" pose, bright colors of the 1980s style, and the all-wood approach currently favored by Hopi carvers. The book provides a photo gallery, index of terms, and lists of tools used and materials required.

Tom Wolfe has been carving signs and other flatcarvings for many years, bringing to them the same creativity and skill he brings to his three-dimensional work. Sometimes practical, sometimes whimsical, and sometimes a little bit of both, this country flatcarving is loved by everyone. Country Flatcarving shares some of Tom's patterns and techniques. The three projects include a potholder holder (practical), the man in the moon (whimsical) and a welcome sign (a little of both). You will find step-by-step instructions, all illustrated in full-color, and will be able to design and carve your own patterns when you are finished.

Paul F. Bolinger, one of America's preeminent woodcarvers, shows you how to create some of the most collectible Santas in the United States. Using a combination of over 185 color photographs and easily followed instructions, Paul carefully guides the reader through rough and detail carving techniques while his wife, Camille J. Bolinger, demonstrates how to paint the carved Santas. Paul further explains how to develop original designs of your own and how to breathe life into them with positioning and a visual "hook." Also included are patterns for five other Santas, a chapter covering best selling designs, and a photo gallery featuring over twenty humorous Santas sure to get the creative juices flowing. Your finished Santas will be treasured by family and friends for generations to come!

"The art of fish carving has experienced a rapid growth of popularity and appreciation over the last few years. There are probably lots of reasons for this. My own interest came from a love of nature and the beauty of these creatures. They offer the carver the same challenge for fine detail and form that bird carvers have known for years, and there is an endless variety of species and poses, which leaves much room for creativity." Rick Roth leads the carver step-by-step through three fish and pond life carvings: The Brook Trout, the Pumpkin Seed, and a Northern Painted Turtle. Each step is clearly illustrated with a photograph and a description of the technique. The painting sections are illustrated in full color with color palettes. In all there are over 800 step-by-step photographs plus drawings and palettes. He uses a combination of power carving, traditional carving, and woodburning to bring life to his carvings. His painting techniques add the final touch of realism. While challenging to the novice, this book makes the carving of fish and pond life an enjoyable, fulfilling adventure.

Tom Wolfe returns to an old friend of his, Santa Claus. In his own special way he leads the carver through each step of the carving process. The result is a traditional Santa in stride, heading for the reindeer pen to hook up for the Christmas flight. He is accompanied by old Rudolph, who looks a bit bewildered by the night that lies ahead. Every step, from the blank to the painted Santa, is documented with a color photograph and a clear instruction. Patterns are provided for the project, the reindeer, and several other interesting Santas. A gallery of the other Santas is included for reference to the other possibilities. This is a book for all to enjoy and learn from!

Look at the molding above the doors in your home. What do you see? The Bolingers saw space for some new and exciting woodcarving designs bound to perk up your home in any season. The designs and tips in this unique book will inspire you to anticipate the seasons and carve a new corner piece for each season or even each month. There are plenty of ideas and designs to provide for an entire year's worth of carving! Paul and Camille Bolinger introduce designs for the home that capture the color, fun, and spirit of the seasons. The innovative and captivating designs give you a variety of quick and easy yet eye-catching items to carve as gifts or for sale. Ten individual patterns are provided in the book along with design ideas and tips, and step-by-step design techniques. The gallery provides detailed shots of finished pieces as well. With the designs and the inspiration you will gather from this book, no corner in your home need go overlooked or under decorated. So, grab some wood and your tools and get carving--your house awaits your creations!