Search results for ""Author Mark Blackburn""

Final Approach charts the turbulent flightpath between a jetsetting father and a planespotting son. The 1970s were the final gasp of the Golden Age of Flying. Mark Blackburn grew up amidst this fuel-guzzling splendour, with airports his playground of choice. He came to adulthood well-heeled and well-travelled. However, he had to contend with his multimillionaire father. Luxury cars. Private planes. Racing stables. Foreign Mistresses. Paranoia, bullying and power plays. At the centre was the inescapable pull of the father. Half memoir and half travelogue, wrapped in an ode to planespotting, this is one man’s journey to break free. It’s the trip of a lifetime. Take your seat and buckle up for take-off.

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Buying an Oriental rug need not be confusing. This book answers the most frequent questions and offers a great introduction to this ancient and continuing weaving tradition. Nearly 900 contemporary rugs are shown and discussed from Tibet, India, China, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran. Learn their history, production methods, selection guidlines, and tips on care and cleaning. Each rug is described by its origin, size, materials, knot count, dyes, regional makers, and unique characteristics. Guidelines for evaluating the cost of the rugs is provided. With this information in hand, any buyer can approach the rug market confidently, and enjoy the perfect rug.

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This is the first book to combine a detailed history of surfing, surfboards, and related collectible items with an accurate price guide. It gives a complete overview of sport surfing from its ancient beginnings in Polynesia and Hawaii until 1969, the end of the longboard era. Included are several innovative features, such as a grading guide for surfboards, Duke Kahanamoku’s handprints, and collectible surfing books with their current valuations. The items pictured are from many of the best private collections worldwide, and represent the enormous range of popular surfing memorabilia. The great icons of the sport all put in appearances to make this the book that all surf fans will covet.

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Beautiful Polynesian women will tempt you to linger on each page of this stunning new book. Be transported to Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, Naratonga, Fiji, and the Maori regions of New Zealand to view their beguiling native inhabitants through 380 historic and rare color postcard images that date from 1898 to 1920. Concise text for each locale presents interesting pertinent facts about the geography, people, and local history that make them distinct. These include first sightings by European explorers, local crafts, and traditional customs. The women in Polynesian societies, as reflected in these images, portray exotic ideals that many European artists and writers have fallen in love with and immortalized. This compelling book will be cherished for years to come.

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Traditional tattooing designs are depicted from the exotic Pacific Polynesian cultures of Easter Island, Hawaii, the Marquesas, New Zealand, Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga. The actual process and ceremonies involved in tattooing are described and illustrated with over 250 drawings and color illustrations of native people. Included are actual 19th century photographs as well as early exploration art, paintings, drawings, engravings, and artifacts all relating to tattooing.

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Hula and surfing represent the quintessential Hawaiian experience. Over 270 original photographs and postcard images are presented chronologically from 1870 to 1940 to powerfully portray the evolving styles and popularity of these icons of Hawai`i. The Hula and surfing traditions both are deeply rooted in legend and myth and Hula dancing was actually outlawed for over 60 years. Surfboards were highly prized by the ancients and the sport became reserved for Hawai`i's kings. These enchanting images include famous personalities like Duke Kahanamoku, as well as unknown practitioners of their arts.

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