Product Description
"A new dawn is always breaking inside a kaleidoscope," quotes expert collector Cozy Baker, and Kaleidoscope Artistry is a stunning, full-color look at this awe-inspiring art form. Packed with over 300 glorious photographs of fabulous kaleidoscopes-beloved favorites as well as the latest innovations-this mesmerizing guide also features entertaining profiles of the world's top kaleidoscope artists and designers as well as a surprising research report about the health benefits of kaleidoscopes. A never-ending visual feast, this is a guide no reader will be able to resist!

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.0 based on 16 reviews)

Best Kaleidoscope book presently in Print!

Leaving politics aside, this book is a lushly illustrated book on contemporary Kaleidoscopes and Kaleidoscope Artists. The illustrations are rich and aewsome, and are of both the outside and inside images of many kaleidoscopes. I'm not aware of a better book in print for kaleidoscope enthusiasts and all interested in the art of Kaleidoscope making.
To be complete, combine this book in your library with other of Ms. Baker's books--especially Kaleidoscope Renaissance. Kaleidoscope Artistry primarily concentrates on more recent works by many scope makers, and blends well with the older scope info from her previous book.
Now, to address some complaints by other reviewers: This book is not, and does not try to be, an all inclusive encyclopedia of all active scope makers. Nor is it a philanthropic work of charity. Of course Ms Baker plans on making money from this book--just like John Grisham and Danielle Steele. Ms. Baker heads the Brewster Society, her private business. Like it or not, this society is the closest thing scopemakers have to a guild for their art. You may not agree with the society, but as of yet, there is not another organization which represents artists and enthusiasts alike. If Ms. Baker's distractors dislike the society so much, perhaps they should form their own group and write their own book.
It is unfortunate that such issues creep into these reviews. This is indeed a wonderful book that will grace anybody's library!
July 01, 2002

A survey of new kaleidoscope artists and their techniques

Collector Baker provides not just a collection of images, but a survey of new kaleidoscope artists and their techniques. Over 300 color photos of kaleidoscopes accompany profiles of their designers. A gorgeous display of kaleidoscopes and their changing forms.
May 06, 2002

loveliest book on kaleidoscopes!

I adore this book. I know others have disagreements with the author and her selections, but even the cover makes an apology to an artist that was falsely harmed. The tree kaleidoscope is a definite "I am sorry" if I ever saw one. The book is great and so are the pictures and stories. I had wished to see a few more of my favorites in here, but do not blame the author who put in a lot of work! I am very glad to see the direction the book has taken as well as the author to make the kaleidoscope world one of true love, understanding, friendship and caring. I do hope this path continues with the disenchanted artists returning to the "family" they were once a major part of. Thank you for this book and it pictures and the stories, but most of all thank you for showing that you hold no grudges toward anyone and that you are truly the "first lady of kaleidoscopes!" I hope that one artist sees your apology and welcomes the hand of friendship you so kindly extended!
April 16, 2002

Nicely done

I want to say this is a great book. I am very glad to see it out now. Have been waiting a long time. I am also very glad that the author made up with an artist, Brett Bensley, by including one of his scopes on the cover no less! I didn't see any mention of his name in the book, but still it is nice to see his work and that the author has made some reparations. I have admired all these artists and hope you will include more of my other favorites in future books. Great job and bless your heart Mrs. Baker for making peace with ousted artists. I see he made peace with you buy removing his negative site as well. Thank you for this great peace offering!
April 13, 2002

Disappointed.

I had hoped to learn more about kaleidoscopes. It has great pictures. I just started collecting kaleidoscopes about three years ago. Even a novice, who loves to do research, finds this book lacking. I see that many don't believe it is missing some great artists and scopes, so I recommend great starting points: 1. the author's previous books, 2. [another website]. I do recommend that you look at Boswell's book and if you can get it, Gary Newlin's books. They don't seem to be "putting in plugs" for specific groups and artists, but just want to share information. This book does have some very good pictures and some good comments, but you know who the author loves and not who really should be included.
April 13, 2002

SIMILAR PRODUCTS

Kaleidoscopes: Wonders of Wonder
by Cozy Baker

Through The Kaleidoscope and Beyond
by Cozy Baker

Kaleidoscope Renaissance
by Cozy Baker

Kaleidoscope: Ideas & Projects to Spark Your Creativity
by Suzanne Simanaitis

Build Your Own Kaleidescope (Miniature Editions)
by Running Press