A Hedonist's Guide to Art shines a light on both the little-known and the wilder shores of contemporary art, affording readers a peek inside the machinations of the gilded beast known as the "Art World." Here readers not only learn how to build up a collection of works and spend their money wisely, but also how to amass a collection of experiences that would make the most robust of extroverts blush. Under the (occasionally) expert stewardship of 60 people in the know — artists, curators, gallerists, auctioneers, art school tutors, collectors, critics, and professional hangers-on — this journey takes readers from the art fair to the gallery to the auction house to the studio visit, then right on up to the rooftop swimming pools of the most debauched after-show parties ever held.

In the age of Oprah, Dr. Phil, and countless other self-help disciplinarians, indulging in any kind of pleasurable pastime is on the brink of extinction. But it's not too late to revive those lost pleasures that make life worth living. The Hedonism Handbook can help put the three-martini lunch, the baguette with real butter, the deep tan, the unfiltered cigarette, or the simple act of lying in a hammock under the stars back within our grasp. A tongue-in-cheek, satirical guide to the "good" life, The Hedonism Handbook will help us reclaim it all.With his characteristic wit, author Michael Flocker combines humorous reviews of historical excesses, suggestions for everyday indulgences, lists of hedonistic icons with famous quotes and earnest warnings about the perils of structured living. Made up of ten worldly wise chapters arranged to form a journey for the reader-a path from the straight-and-narrow into wide-open fields of frivolity -- The Hedonism Handbook will help readers master the lost arts of leisure and pleasure. It provides an entertaining, yet (if you're not careful), life-changing read.

Go beyond the ordinary with this remarkable travelogue and guidebook filled with spectacular color photography that showcases Venice’s magical beauty and hidden gems, from the Piazzo San Marco to the island of Giudecca, the banks of the Grand Canal to the Arsenal district—the second entry in the Hedonist’s Guide travel series. Combining essential insider details, cultural information, must-see attractions, and detailed maps with glorious custom photography, Magical Venice is the ultimate handbook for modern nomads, including both savvy travelers and novice tourists. Designed for twenty-first century globetrotters, Magical Venice features stylish graphics and an elegant visual design, as well as a breakdown of must-visit places, thematic double-page photographic spreads to help you discover and understand the city, and walking routes to explore each district away from the crowds. Every fascinating detail of Venice is revealed, from the splendor of its palaces, the beauty of its piazzettas, the romanticism of its bridges and canals, the delights of its gastronomy, the charm of its sestieri—the districts that make up the city of the Doges—and the wealth of its museums and its arts and crafts. Whether you prefer a more traditional visit or want to chart your own unique course, this user-friendly reference and coffee table book includes everything you need—and more: Discover the spirit of Venice as seen through the eyes of Philippe Starck Visit Carlo Scarpa's Olivetti showroom, Piazza San Marco Taste cicchetti in the city’s bacari Drink a bellini at Harry’s Bar Admire the gems of modern art in the baroque palace of Ca ’Pesaro Visit the latest contemporary constructions on the island of La Giudecca Learn about the phenomenon of aqua alta Take a walk in the hidden gardens of Venice Magical Venice offers inspiration and insight for armchair travelers and dreamers alike. Best of all, the gorgeous photography transforms the book into a keepsake that will transport you back to your favorite places and sights long after returning home. Experience Venice as never before with the Hedonist’s Guide!

Who knew only 75 short essays could usher one into a whole new lifestyle?Opining on topics as varied as drag queens and poker, cannabis and gambling, these saucy segments of the fun-loving life are as honest as you can get. Written by journalists and celebrities from both sides of the pond, this guide contains all the racy info you always wanted to know — but were afraid to ask. Orgy etiquette, gambling big with little money, joining a cult: it's all covered. A must-have for anyone tired of the straight and narrow, this guide makes a deliciously naughty gift.

Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1732-1806) was a French painter whose late manner is distinguished by remarkable facility, exuberance, and hedonism. A prolific artist, Fragonard produced more than 550 paintings. The J. Paul Getty Museum's Fragonard masterpiece, The Fountain of Love, is part of a series of his most striking works called the Allegories of Love, exquisite paintings that convey an atmosphere of intimacy and eroticism. This lavishly illustrated book compares and analyzes the compositions, iconography, and sources of the Allegories in the context of ancien régime Preromanticism. The author discusses the transcendental aspect of love in the Allegories and the concept of Romantic love and painting on the eve of the French Revolution. The book accompanies Consuming Passion: Fragonard's Allegories of Love, an exhibition of the artist's work that opens at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute on October 28, 2007, and at the J. Paul Getty Museum on February 12, 2008.

This book delivers sensible emergent aesthetics, explaining the processes that happen in human minds when we share ideas as works of art, skewering the orthodoxies of contemporary art with pragmatic wisdom about why representational art thrives in the new millennium. Art in the Age of Emergence has captured the imaginations of thinkers and artists alike. This is an indispensable read for those who want to understand representational art in the 21st Century.

The Spiritual Hedonist - A Guide to the Divine Art and Practice of Living Joyfully is a step-by-step guide to making your dreams come true as it reminds you that "living a life of joy and happiness is the highest good." It skillfully guides you in reconnecting with your innate source of power, purpose and joy as you discover the secrets of becoming a triumphant winner. Whatever you want to create-a new business, a life changing move, the means to live the life you've always dreamt of-the priceless expertise contained in The Spiritual Hedonist will empower and enable you as you pave your own personal path to victory. Legendary life and success coach, Sheilaa Hite, takes you through the ten essential steps of achieving rewarding, lasting success with her trademark style of wisdom, humor, spirituality and practical advice. In this by-the-numbers, step-by-step manual, the reader is guided through each step of the process of successfully manifesting a hope, a wish or a dream into physical form, using the system I created and have perfected in the 23 years since its inception. It answers the questions that will help the reader achieve a desired end- 1- How do I effectively get what I want? 2- Why should I go about it in a certain way? 3- What tools and skills do I need? 4- Where and how can I find supportive people? 5- Where and how can I find useful, helpful information? 6- How do I enact and empower a plan that will help me manifest what I want? 7- How can I change fear, timidity and doubt into courage, confidence and certainty?