Archive for the 'Guidebooks' Category

Best of Bali (Best Of)

Ease into the best of sophisticated Bali, with its pampering, relaxation and shopping. Against a backdrop of rice terraces, beaches and forests, Bali constantly reinvents and reveals itself through vibrant culture, exotic flavours and world-class design. Such a little island, but so many experiences Best of Bali gathers them all into a pocket-sized guide.


Posted in Guidebooks on June 17th, 2008

Bahasa Indonesia Book 1: Introduction to Indonesian Language and Culture (Bahasa Indonesia)

Introduction to Indonesian Language and Culture This is a great, inexpensive book for Indonesian. I was hoping for a it more about Indonesian because of the title, but it is still very good. I DO miss any audio supplements for the text.

The text is easy to read, I do find my self flipping through the text to earlier parts because sometimes the words you learn are not carried through all the lessons. Maybe my problem, not the books.

The text seems to be natural. There are not a lot of “stutter sentences” I have seen in many language books.

I like it alot.


Posted in Guidebooks on June 17th, 2008

Batik: Design, Style, & History

Batik: Design, Style, & History A comprehensive and richly illustrated survey of batik, a glorious textile art and popular Indonesian cloth.

Every aspect of batik is rich in symbolism: its colors, motifs, and designs, as well as the way it is made, folded, and worn. Formerly a family and tribal signifier, and then a symbol of Indonesian independence and identity, it is now a fabric in demand all over the world. Fiona Kerlogue explores the origins of batik in the Indonesian archipelago; the materials and methods of production; regional traditions and differences; motifs and symbolism, including Malay, Chinese, and Islamic meanings; modern influences, such as industrialization, war, and independence; batik as traditional and modern costume; and batik as an art form.

An illustrated index of motifs and their meanings, glossary, bibliography, and international listing of batik collections complete this authoritative yet accessible work. 205 illustrations, 168 in color. Read more »


Posted in Guidebooks on January 24th, 2008

Indonesian Batik Designs

Indonesian Batik Designs (Dover Pictorial Archive Series) These stunning displays of highly stylized, often dramatic designs depict florals, geometrics, winged creatures, and other fanciful images. Ideal for immediate practical use, the handy archive will supply artists and crafters with an unusual range of designs and serve as a delightful browsing book for enthusiasts of Asian art and culture. 225 designs.

Indonesian Batik Designs (Dover Pictorial Archive Series)


Posted in Guidebooks on January 24th, 2008

Batik: From The Courts Of Java And Sumatra

Batik: From The Courts Of Java And Sumatra Batik occupies a special position in Indonesia’s history and culture. The extraordinary photographs of cloths and prints in this book demonstrate why batik is the stuff of textile legend. These 71 batik designs, taken from the collection of famed dealer Rudolf G. Smend, date from 1880-1930, a time still considered batik’s golden age. Complementing these extraordinary cloths are 16 vintage photo prints from the Leo Haks collection, which demonstrate how batik was worn at court and in other settings.

The exotic textiles of Java have intrigued the outside world for the past 150 years. Batik, the legendary fiber art of painting and dyeing fabrics using a waxing process, has been influenced by cultures as diverse as the Chinese, Indians, Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch, and English. Read more »


Posted in Guidebooks on January 24th, 2008