"If our procedure is to work steadily in the direction of drawing as fine art, rather than (as we so often find) beginning from examples of such art, where shall we begin? One attractive possibility is to begin at the beginning—not the beginning in prehistory, which is already wonderful art, but with our personal beginnings as children. From there it will be the ambitious project of this book to investigate 'the course of drawing,' from the first marks children make to the greatest graphic arts of different cultures."—from the IntroductionPatrick Maynard surveys the rich and varied practices of drawing, from the earliest markings on cave walls to the complex technical schematics that make the modern world possible, from cartoons and the first efforts of preschoolers to the works of skilled draftspeople and the greatest artists, East and West.Despite, or perhaps because of, its ubiquity, drawing as such has provoked remarkably little philosophical reflection. Nonphilosophical writing on the topic tends to be divided between specialties such as art history and mechanics. In this engagingly written and well-illustrated book, Maynard reveals the interconnections and developments that unite this fundamental autonomous human activity in all its diversity. Informed by close discussion of work in art history, art criticism, cognitive and developmental psychology, and aesthetics, Drawing Distinctions presents a theoretically sophisticated yet approachable argument that will improve comprehension and appreciation of drawing in its many forms, uses, and meanings.

John Burbidge has aimed his brush, roller, and spray gun at everything from ritzy mansions to trashy trailers. He's gone underground to paint sewage-treatment plants and risked death to paint factory ceilings. He has no doubt inhaled enough noxious dust and paint fumes to shorten his life. But he's not dead yet. And the captivating characters he has encountered along the way have more than offset the toils of painting for a living. Ex-cons, addicts, drifting college grads, even a guy with a hole in his head-that's your typical paint crew, bonded only by the fact that they're caught in a job society thinks is for simpletons. In Watching Paint Dry, John Burbidge scrapes beneath the surface of painting's reputation for monotony while intimately portraying the men and women who craft the backdrop to our civilization. "Informative, funny, and sometimes heartbreaking . . . this is a book you will want to recommend to everyone you know." --Sharon Barrett, Chicago Sun-Times book critic for 28 years

From Popular Mechanics (9.6 million readers every month), the hands-down experts on the subject of how things work, comes the most complete and up-to-date DIY guide ever published. This highly sophisticated household manual will instantly become the gold standard for anybody who fixes anything. Filled with color photos, drawings, and diagrams, this encyclopedic how-to covers every area of concern to house and apartment owners, with information on planning ahead; decorating; repairs and improvements; security; infestation, rot, and d& electricity; plumbing; heating; outdoor care; and tools and skills. And it’s easy to find the solution to the particular problem that concerns you, without having to go from page to page of continuous text: the straightforward design breaks down the subjects into clearly defined, color-coded chapters. So whether you’re looking for advice on applying finishes, adding decorative paint effects, constructing walls, fixing the roof, or installing a burglar alarm, the instructions are here. • National Publicity • Cross Marketing on the Website, PM zone • Featured in PM’s “Great Stuff Column” • Featured in PM E-Newsletter (125,000 subscribers) • Included in PM “Wish List for Guys” Gift Registry • Advertising in PM Magazine