Light Fantastic: The Art and Design of Stage Lighting

Rating:
Summary: Lighting for Theatre
Review: I found Keller's book very interesting, however, it should be noted that this is a book for lighting techniques within the theatre realm specifically. There is comprehensive information about light bulbs, frames, and every possible piece of equipment associated wth them, and Kellr explains them in easy-to-understand methods that leave you with a real understanding of the products.

Rating:
Summary: Lighting for Theatre
Review: I found Keller's book very interesting, however, it should be noted that this is a book for lighting techniques within the theatre realm specifically. There is comprehensive information about light bulbs, frames, and every possible piece of equipment associated wth them, and Kellr explains them in easy-to-understand methods that leave you with a real understanding of the products.

Rating:
Summary: A comprehensive survey of stage lighting design today
Review: Light Fantastic: The Art and Design of Stage Lighting

The art of creating light for the stage contributes to the set and costume design, the actors and their performance, and the ultimate effect of illusion bordering on reality. On stage, light in the hands of an expert redefines space and creates a new reality, bringing the performance to life. An integral part of the success of a production, lighting design receives a thorough examination in Light Fantastic. In a comprehensive survey of the use of light and color in all manner of performance, including theater, opera, film, and concert (from classical to rock), the renowned lighting designer Max Keller explains lucidly and engagingly the possibilities light offers.

Light Fantastic details the contemporary developments in lighting design and points to the venues open to it in the future. The book traces the development of the applied art throughout the centuries and presents the newest in lighting technology. It reviews the fundamentals of stage design and production and examines the technologies used in lighting design today. From the general overview of the history of stage lighting to the technical details of production, from the basic concepts of optics to the special lights and equipment used in stage productions, Light Fantastic encompasses every aspect of stage lighting.

Among the contents of the book are:

The History of Light in the Theater; Light and Color; Handling Light and Color; Optics;

Lamps and Light; Color Plates and Color Gels; Lanterns, Special Lights, Additional Equipment; Technical Equipment and Accessories Projection; Lighting Consoles; The Development of Stage Lighting Theaters; Choosing Lighting Angles; Light and Lighting Design; Conceptual Lighting Design; Creating Light-Light Creations; Glossary.

Max Keller is a prominent designer and consultant of stage productions throughout the world. He has published extensively in international journals, and has lectured in colleges and universities. His in-depth presentation of lighting design reveals an intimate knowledge of the field and passion for the work. Highlighting the differences in theater, ballet, opera and concert lighting, and offering an insider's knowledge of stage production, Max Keller's introduction to lighting design appeals to every inquisitive mind. Over 500 illustrations, as well as a glossary, bibliography and a list of contact addresses, contribute to the extensive overview of lighting design in Light Fantastic.

Founded in 1924 and with over 300 English titles in print, Prestel publishes fine books on art, architecture, and photography. Prestel has offices in Munich, London, and New York.

Rating:
Summary: The most complete lighting text in existence!
Review: This book is beautiful just to look at and includes a wealth of information. All aspects of lighting technology and elements of design are covered in thorough detail. Keller also includes a section on color theory that goes much farther than any lighting design text I've seen. Although a little advanced for the beginning designer, I recommended my students purchase the book now and use it throughout the next few levels of Lighting Design courses. I sincerely believe that if I had owned such a book while studying lighting design, I would have had need for little else. If my copy were not constantly in use I would use it as a coffee table book! WELL worth the price!

Rating:
Summary: Pictures are worth it
Review: This book may not have all the LD nuts and bolts that one is looking for but the photos of the lighting are worth the cost.

Rating:
Summary: Wow
Review: Wow is all I can say. This book is expensive but worth it for the photographs alone. Before I read anything I flipped through and digested all the pictures. The section on color theory is amazing. What more can I say but that this book is amazing?

Rating:
Summary: Wow
Review: Wow is all I can say. This book is expensive but worth it for the photographs alone. Before I read anything I flipped through and digested all the pictures. The section on color theory is amazing. What more can I say but that this book is amazing?