"It's very hard for me to accept that Sukita-san has been snapping away at me since 1972, but that really is the case. I suspect that it's because whenever he's asked me to do a session, I conjure up in my mind's eye the sweet, creative and big-hearted man who has always made these potentially tedious affairs so relaxed and painless. May he click into eternity." - David Bowie For Sukita, the creative mastermind behind the iconic cover for David Bowie's album 'Heroes', photography is an expression of a 'fundamental secret' shared between artists: a spiritual communication that transcends the minutiae of language. Born and raised in Kyushu, Japan, Sukita's reverence of American and Western counter-culture lured him to New York and London. He immersed himself in the western music scene which he loved, while his relaxed photo sessions endeared him to many celebrity figures, including David Bowie and Iggy Pop (with both of whom Sukita had a 40-year long professional relationship), Marc Bolan, and Japanese musician Hotei, best known for his work on the Kill Bill soundtrack. His work spans the early US and UK seventies rock scene, the London punk-rock era to the present crop of emerging Japanese rock artists. This photo book is the first time the photographer has collaborated on a major retrospective of his career and includes some of his early documentary work and his rarely-seen travel and street photography. It introduces the artist through two essays that explore his place within the wider context of both Western and Japanese photography, presented alongside the many iconic shots of both Western and Japanese artists that earned him his eternal reputation.

With shimmering outfits, poetic texts and energetic performances David Bowie delighted millions of fans. As Ziggy Stardust, Major Tom or the Thin White Duke he proved his innovative power and eagerness to experiment. Bowie showed the world that, to stay true to yourself, you have to keep on reinventing yourself. On the occasion of the 5th anniversary of Bowie's death, photographer Masayoshi Sukita presents an extraordinary illustrated book on the celebrated musician, actor and producer. During their 40-year cooperation Sukita captured the essence of Bowie - in iconic black-and-white photos and extravagant portrait photos. The best of them were chosen for this book and topped off with informative texts. The musician and his photographer - a different Bowie biography "Bowie was not like other rock'n'rollers, he had that certain something, and I knew, I wanted to turn that into pictures." - This is how Sukita remembers meeting the exceptional musician for the first time in 1972. Sukita's work mirrors the artist's eventful life as well as eventful times. Through his camera he looks at manipulative strategies of self-presentation, of creating fictional characters, that commenced in the '70's art and music and were brought to perfection by David Bowie. A kaleidoscope of timeless portraits, far from the usual rock star snapshots! Text in English and German.

For most of human history, people have lived in durable, comfortable buildings made from natural materials such as soil, sand, rocks, and fiber. All over the globe, these ancient traditions persist; a quarter to a third of the world's population today lives in houses built partially or entirely of earth. Conventional Western building techniques using industrial materials may save time and create efficiencies, but these perceived savings come at considerable financial and environmental cost.

As well as boasting a unique and beautiful aesthetic, natural building techniques are accessible, affordable, and non-toxic. "Earthen Floors: A Modern Approach to an Ancient Practice" is the first comprehensive, fully illustrated manual covering the history, use, and maintenance of this attractive, practical flooring option. This detailed, fully illustrated guide explains every part of the process, including:

• Sourcing and harvesting materials
• Preparing the subfloor
• Pouring, finishing, and sealing the floor
• Living with and maintaining your earthen floor

Because information on creating quality earthen floors was not previously widely available, there have been some negative experiences. Drawing on the combined knowledge of the most qualified earthen floor practitioners, as well their own substantial experience, the authors deliver the definitive resource for this exciting technique, perfect for everyone from the novice to veteran builder.

Sukita Reay Crimmel has installed over twenty thousand square feet of earthen flooring, and is one of the preeminent experts in the emerging field of earthen floors.

James Thomson is part of House Alive, one of the leading natural building training organizations in the country.