Sam Roberts Book order

The most comprehensive account of ghost signs ever published, focusing on London's hand-painted relics of advertising past.

This book introduces the fundamentals of sign painting, allowing readers to learn about the tools, materials and techniques needed to create painted signs. All the basics are covered, from choosing and using brushes, paints, mahl sticks, dippers and pencils, to how to prepare and finish surfaces, transfer designs, mix paint and work with the brush. A gallery section of original alphabets, created for the book by sign painters around the world, provides visual inspiration and demonstrates a wide variety of styles and approaches.

As New York prepares to celebrate its four hundredth anniversary, a New York Times correspondent narrates the city's evolution through its architecture, highlighting why it became the nation's largest and most influential metropolis. From approximately seven hundred thousand buildings, twenty-seven are chosen for their emblematic significance in the city's economic, social, and political development over four centuries. The narrative delves into the stories behind these structures, exploring their lasting impact on the city and the global repercussions of their construction. While iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building are featured, the author also uncovers lesser-known tales of the personalities and events that shaped these architectural feats. The selection includes diverse structures, from the city's oldest bridge to the Coney Island Boardwalk, and reveals unexpected sites such as the original meeting place of the United Nations General Assembly, a hidden hub of global internet traffic, and a factory in a struggling neighborhood that produced billions in currency. Additionally, it examines the buildings that precipitated the Great Depression and catalyzed the New Deal. With a wealth of knowledge and engaging facts, the author illuminates the remarkable history, architecture, and promising future of this extraordinary city.

Save money on this book by buying direct from the author at http://kratie.ghostsigns.co.uk. This work celebrates Cambodia's hand-painted advertising, featuring images like flying pigs, retro hairstyles, and hand grenades. It introduces the signs and their creators, linking them to the country's art, culture, and history. The narratives surrounding these signs and their makers are deeply intertwined with Cambodia's tumultuous past, particularly the Khmer Rouge regime, which devastated both art and commerce. The book traces the rise and decline of these signs, leading to the present day and the uncertain future they face. Through the perspectives of sign painters and expatriates in Cambodia, the author shares insights and personal reflections on their significance. This tribute highlights a charming aspect of Cambodian culture that has survived a turbulent history while confronting ongoing challenges. The book includes a comprehensive notes section with full English translations of the signs, and a Khmer translation is available on the website, which also offers bonus materials such as videos, additional photographs, and useful links: http://kratie.ghostsigns.co.uk.