Comments on: Mormon Coffee-Table Books? http://mormonmatters.org/2008/06/26/mormon-coffee-table-books/ A weekly podcast exploring Mormon culture and current events. Mon, 21 May 2012 20:20:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Blake http://mormonmatters.org/2008/06/26/mormon-coffee-table-books/#comment-62811 Blake Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:04:48 +0000 http://mormonmatters.org/?p=596#comment-62811 I've used http://www.familymemories.com/ photo book software to create 5 books - the quality of the printing is amazing and I would fully recommend them for creating a coffee table book, wedding book, family photo book or whatever. Great stuff! It can also be used to create a church directory, family history, or religious book. I’ve used http://www.familymemories.com/ photo book software to create 5 books – the quality of the printing is amazing and I would fully recommend them for creating a coffee table book, wedding book, family photo book or whatever. Great stuff! It can also be used to create a church directory, family history, or religious book.

]]> By: marianne http://mormonmatters.org/2008/06/26/mormon-coffee-table-books/#comment-21720 marianne Fri, 04 Jul 2008 02:38:36 +0000 http://mormonmatters.org/?p=596#comment-21720 Jello. Casseroles at potlucks. Funeral potatoes. Jello. Casseroles at potlucks. Funeral potatoes.

]]> By: Chris Bigelow http://mormonmatters.org/2008/06/26/mormon-coffee-table-books/#comment-21329 Chris Bigelow Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:45:11 +0000 http://mormonmatters.org/?p=596#comment-21329 Holy smokes, Hamer, that's a gorgeous book. I look forward to it. Thanks everybody else for the great ideas--definitely several I'm going to run by the publisher. Holy smokes, Hamer, that’s a gorgeous book. I look forward to it.

Thanks everybody else for the great ideas–definitely several I’m going to run by the publisher.

]]> By: Refugee http://mormonmatters.org/2008/06/26/mormon-coffee-table-books/#comment-21189 Refugee Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:15:31 +0000 http://mormonmatters.org/?p=596#comment-21189 I'd be the first to pre-order a copy of "Mormon Kitsch, Vol. I". Just think - - - the Angel Moroni Christmas Tree topper, the Gordon B. Hinckley paint-by-number portrait, the little box framed portrait of Spencer W. Kimball with a built-in music box that would play "I Am a Child of God," etc. etc. (I have seen all these examples.) (While a graduate student at BYU I functioned as the TA for a visiting professor teaching a two-week seminar. She was somewhat familiar with the church, as her aunt was a member. One of the first things she asked me was, "Where can I find some good Mormon kitsch? My aunt's house is full of it, and I've love to pick some up.") I’d be the first to pre-order a copy of “Mormon Kitsch, Vol. I”. Just think – - – the Angel Moroni Christmas Tree topper, the Gordon B. Hinckley paint-by-number portrait, the little box framed portrait of Spencer W. Kimball with a built-in music box that would play “I Am a Child of God,” etc. etc. (I have seen all these examples.)

(While a graduate student at BYU I functioned as the TA for a visiting professor teaching a two-week seminar. She was somewhat familiar with the church, as her aunt was a member. One of the first things she asked me was, “Where can I find some good Mormon kitsch? My aunt’s house is full of it, and I’ve love to pick some up.”)

]]> By: Dave http://mormonmatters.org/2008/06/26/mormon-coffee-table-books/#comment-21015 Dave Mon, 30 Jun 2008 03:28:06 +0000 http://mormonmatters.org/?p=596#comment-21015 I would love to see a book of the "faces" of Mormonism. A collection of pictures of everyday Mormons which would illustrate the diversity and changing international face of what a "typical" Mormon looks like. I would love to see a book of the “faces” of Mormonism. A collection of pictures of everyday Mormons which would illustrate the diversity and changing international face of what a “typical” Mormon looks like.

]]> By: John Hamer http://mormonmatters.org/2008/06/26/mormon-coffee-table-books/#comment-20751 John Hamer Sat, 28 Jun 2008 04:44:53 +0000 http://mormonmatters.org/?p=596#comment-20751 I don't know if I posted about this book before, but I just sent the final manuscript to the press yesterday. It's a picture book about the Kirtland Temple — actually more a souvenir book than a coffee table book. Here are some examples of the spreads. (Actual size is 11x17). <img src="http://www.annuitech.com/ms/ftp/Jim/06_Pulpits_R7.jpg" alt="The Pulpits" /> <img src="http://www.annuitech.com/ms/ftp/Jim/12_BuildingCommunity_R7.jpg" alt="Building Community" /> <img src="http://www.annuitech.com/ms/ftp/Jim/22_TempleToday_R7.jpg" alt="Temple today" /> I don’t know if I posted about this book before, but I just sent the final manuscript to the press yesterday. It’s a picture book about the Kirtland Temple — actually more a souvenir book than a coffee table book.

Here are some examples of the spreads. (Actual size is 11×17).

The Pulpits

Building Community

Temple today

]]> By: Ann http://mormonmatters.org/2008/06/26/mormon-coffee-table-books/#comment-20742 Ann Sat, 28 Jun 2008 03:54:46 +0000 http://mormonmatters.org/?p=596#comment-20742 Welch, John W. and Dant, Doris R., "The Book of Mormon Paintings of Minerva Teichert," Bookcraft, 1997, 168 pages, ISBN 1-57008-378-9. Welch, John W. and Dant, Doris R., “The Book of Mormon Paintings of Minerva Teichert,” Bookcraft, 1997, 168 pages, ISBN 1-57008-378-9.

]]> By: Ardis E. Parshall http://mormonmatters.org/2008/06/26/mormon-coffee-table-books/#comment-20687 Ardis E. Parshall Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:09:11 +0000 http://mormonmatters.org/?p=596#comment-20687 Collections of "First Vision" and "Lehi's Dream" and other common Mormon scriptural/historical motifs, as interpreted by artists in all media and from around the world. Collections of “First Vision” and “Lehi’s Dream” and other common Mormon scriptural/historical motifs, as interpreted by artists in all media and from around the world.

]]> By: SteveS http://mormonmatters.org/2008/06/26/mormon-coffee-table-books/#comment-20677 SteveS Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:28:07 +0000 http://mormonmatters.org/?p=596#comment-20677 One more: Mormon folklore. stories could be illustrated. I'm not sure that blacks and the priesthood would be appropriate to put in this volume, though. :-) One more: Mormon folklore. stories could be illustrated. I’m not sure that blacks and the priesthood would be appropriate to put in this volume, though. :-)

]]> By: bfwebster http://mormonmatters.org/2008/06/26/mormon-coffee-table-books/#comment-20676 bfwebster Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:16:28 +0000 http://mormonmatters.org/?p=596#comment-20676 Pulling together some of the comments above: Mormon architecture and construction. This would cover temples, including (as per Rick's comments) closeups of architectural details; LDS chapels (as per Ardis), particularly pre-standardization ones, as well as international ones; and LDS-influenced community architecture and civic works. I still have fond summertime memories of irrigation water flowing through the Provo gutters as a BYU student in the 1970s. And driving through the backroads of Utah, you can still see abandoned homesteads and cabins, as well as houses and farms that have been around for a long, long time. One can also include LDS historical sites in Palmyra, Kirkland, Independence, and Nauvoo. ..bruce.. Pulling together some of the comments above: Mormon architecture and construction. This would cover temples, including (as per Rick’s comments) closeups of architectural details; LDS chapels (as per Ardis), particularly pre-standardization ones, as well as international ones; and LDS-influenced community architecture and civic works. I still have fond summertime memories of irrigation water flowing through the Provo gutters as a BYU student in the 1970s. And driving through the backroads of Utah, you can still see abandoned homesteads and cabins, as well as houses and farms that have been around for a long, long time. One can also include LDS historical sites in Palmyra, Kirkland, Independence, and Nauvoo. ..bruce..

]]> By: James http://mormonmatters.org/2008/06/26/mormon-coffee-table-books/#comment-20632 James Fri, 27 Jun 2008 06:49:27 +0000 http://mormonmatters.org/?p=596#comment-20632 John Dehlins The Other Mormon Hero's Cover showing American Hero's Traditional Mormon Hero's The Other Mormon Hero's This would make a great cover and would look fantastic in the front window of Desert Book! Hopefully in time for Christmas John Dehlins The Other Mormon Hero’s

Cover showing American Hero’s

Traditional Mormon Hero’s

The Other Mormon Hero’s

This would make a great cover and would look fantastic in the front window of Desert Book!

Hopefully in time for Christmas

]]> By: Wyoming http://mormonmatters.org/2008/06/26/mormon-coffee-table-books/#comment-20625 Wyoming Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:35:23 +0000 http://mormonmatters.org/?p=596#comment-20625 Larger, updated version of the Minerva Teichert Book of Mormon series or recent BYU exhibit. There are a number of nationally prominent LDS artists. Art books seem to do pretty well. Larger, updated version of the Minerva Teichert Book of Mormon series or recent BYU exhibit. There are a number of nationally prominent LDS artists. Art books seem to do pretty well.

]]> By: Rick Grunder http://mormonmatters.org/2008/06/26/mormon-coffee-table-books/#comment-20620 Rick Grunder Fri, 27 Jun 2008 03:03:55 +0000 http://mormonmatters.org/?p=596#comment-20620 [hand waving desperately to be called on . . .] Yes! What Ardis said in #3, plus decorative motifs of beehives and sun and stars, and all that goes with such. Remember Allen D. Roberts' article, "Where Are the All-Seeing Eyes? The Origin, Use & Decline of Early Mormon Symbolism." Sunstone: Mormon Experience, Scholarship, Issues & Art 4:3; whole issue no. 15 (May/June 1979), pp. 22-37 ? "The time will come," hoped Edward Dorr Griffin in 1826, "when 'Holiness to the Lord' shall be written on all the possessions of men, on the very 'bells of the horses;' . . . The common vessels used to dress our food, instead of being regarded as instruments of luxury or display, like our Bibles and psalm-books, shall be all for God. Men will write Holiness to the Lord on every dollar and on every foot of ground. They will no longer labour to hoard but to do good." [hand waving desperately to be called on . . .]

Yes! What Ardis said in #3, plus decorative motifs of beehives and sun and stars, and all that goes with such. Remember Allen D. Roberts’ article, “Where Are the All-Seeing Eyes? The Origin, Use & Decline of Early Mormon Symbolism.” Sunstone: Mormon Experience, Scholarship, Issues & Art 4:3; whole issue no. 15 (May/June 1979), pp. 22-37 ?

“The time will come,” hoped Edward Dorr Griffin in 1826, “when ‘Holiness to the Lord’ shall be written on all the possessions of men, on the very ‘bells of the horses;’ . . . The common vessels used to dress our food, instead of being regarded as instruments of luxury or display, like our Bibles and psalm-books, shall be all for God. Men will write Holiness to the Lord on every dollar and on every foot of ground. They will no longer labour to hoard but to do good.”

]]> By: N. http://mormonmatters.org/2008/06/26/mormon-coffee-table-books/#comment-20613 N. Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:21:04 +0000 http://mormonmatters.org/?p=596#comment-20613 I 2nd the idea for "pre-standard" chapels. If the chapels and photos were very artsy, I'd like it. Plus, it's much better than the other idea I had. :) I 2nd the idea for “pre-standard” chapels. If the chapels and photos were very artsy, I’d like it.
Plus, it’s much better than the other idea I had. :)

]]> By: Jeff http://mormonmatters.org/2008/06/26/mormon-coffee-table-books/#comment-20610 Jeff Thu, 26 Jun 2008 22:57:16 +0000 http://mormonmatters.org/?p=596#comment-20610 I know my LDS parents would like one of all the sculptures outside of the temples... could be interesting I know my LDS parents would like one of all the sculptures outside of the temples… could be interesting

]]> By: Ardis E. Parshall http://mormonmatters.org/2008/06/26/mormon-coffee-table-books/#comment-20603 Ardis E. Parshall Thu, 26 Jun 2008 22:11:47 +0000 http://mormonmatters.org/?p=596#comment-20603 Action shots of humanitarian aid projects and missionary service work and compassionate service around the world. Action shots of humanitarian aid projects and missionary service work and compassionate service around the world.

]]> By: Ardis E. Parshall http://mormonmatters.org/2008/06/26/mormon-coffee-table-books/#comment-20602 Ardis E. Parshall Thu, 26 Jun 2008 22:08:44 +0000 http://mormonmatters.org/?p=596#comment-20602 Pre-standard plan chapels and tabernacles. Interiors and exteriors. Organs. Stained glass. Pews. Staircases. Fun to look at, and subversively stirring up an appreciation of (demand for?) craftsmanship and uniqueness. Pre-standard plan chapels and tabernacles. Interiors and exteriors. Organs. Stained glass. Pews. Staircases. Fun to look at, and subversively stirring up an appreciation of (demand for?) craftsmanship and uniqueness.

]]> By: Mo' Betta http://mormonmatters.org/2008/06/26/mormon-coffee-table-books/#comment-20601 Mo' Betta Thu, 26 Jun 2008 22:05:50 +0000 http://mormonmatters.org/?p=596#comment-20601 I think it would be fabulous to see a Mormon hot cocoa table book depicting Mormons in various meetings. PEC meeting, Welfare Committee meeting, Ward Council meeting, Bishopric meeting, Elders Quorum Presidency meeting, High Priest Group Presidency Meeting, Relief Society Presidency Meeting, Young Men's Presidency meeting, Young Women's Presidency meeting, Primary Presidency meeting, Sunday School Board meeting, Deacon's Quorum Presidency meeting, Teachers Quorum Presidency meeting, Priest's Quorum Presidency meeting, General Priesthood meeting, Stake General Priesthood meeting, Ward Mission meeting, Seminary Board meeting, Scout Committee meeting, Bishop's Youth Committee meeting, etc. Of course, this is just a small handful of examples and there are many, many more meetings, but you can begin to get the picture. I think it would be great if the publisher could capture photographs of Mormons in these various meetings all over the world. It could show the rich diversity of meetings and their participants that exists within the Church. Also, it would also be great if they could capture the meeting participants' varying body language: right leg crossed over left leg, left leg crossed over right leg, legs uncrossed, chin resting in palm of right hand, chin resting in palm of left hand, learning forward in chair, leaning backwards in chair, eyes open, eyes closed, eyes crossed . . . hopefully they could capture the vision of what I'm saying better than I'm able to articulate it. I think it would be fabulous to see a Mormon hot cocoa table book depicting Mormons in various meetings. PEC meeting, Welfare Committee meeting, Ward Council meeting, Bishopric meeting, Elders Quorum Presidency meeting, High Priest Group Presidency Meeting, Relief Society Presidency Meeting, Young Men’s Presidency meeting, Young Women’s Presidency meeting, Primary Presidency meeting, Sunday School Board meeting, Deacon’s Quorum Presidency meeting, Teachers Quorum Presidency meeting, Priest’s Quorum Presidency meeting, General Priesthood meeting, Stake General Priesthood meeting, Ward Mission meeting, Seminary Board meeting, Scout Committee meeting, Bishop’s Youth Committee meeting, etc. Of course, this is just a small handful of examples and there are many, many more meetings, but you can begin to get the picture.

I think it would be great if the publisher could capture photographs of Mormons in these various meetings all over the world. It could show the rich diversity of meetings and their participants that exists within the Church.

Also, it would also be great if they could capture the meeting participants’ varying body language: right leg crossed over left leg, left leg crossed over right leg, legs uncrossed, chin resting in palm of right hand, chin resting in palm of left hand, learning forward in chair, leaning backwards in chair, eyes open, eyes closed, eyes crossed . . . hopefully they could capture the vision of what I’m saying better than I’m able to articulate it.

]]> By: SteveS http://mormonmatters.org/2008/06/26/mormon-coffee-table-books/#comment-20594 SteveS Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:13:46 +0000 http://mormonmatters.org/?p=596#comment-20594 If this publisher is Dorling Kindersley, I would love to see one of pioneers. DK could get people to dress up in "pioneer garb" and stand near reconstructed handcarts and covered wagons. They could show the Saints dancing in the evenings after a long day walking. They could show the wagons gathered in a circle against agression from the natives. It could include maps, diary excerpts, song texts and maybe even music? The book could also depict life in the Salt Lake valley, as a "continuation of hardship" theme. I guess the book could also include people on the Mormon Battalion. Another book concept would be Mormon pageants, with lots of pictures comparing and contrasting all the pageants put on by the Church in Nephi, Palmyra, Nauvoo, etc., as well as old defunct pageants. This may have interest outside the LDS culture because tons of non-LDS go to these pageants year after year. Pics of costumes, pyrotechnics, audio and stage technologies needed to pull off the show, etc. Plot outlines, personal experiences viewing and participating in the pageants. Another book concept: Utah mormonism. The day to day life of the average (is there such a thing?) Mormon in Utah. Pictures of homes, family life, activities, seminary, soccer practice, church on sunday, etc. This is probably not a great idea, but people are curious.... So where's my cut of the revenues? :-) If this publisher is Dorling Kindersley, I would love to see one of pioneers. DK could get people to dress up in “pioneer garb” and stand near reconstructed handcarts and covered wagons. They could show the Saints dancing in the evenings after a long day walking. They could show the wagons gathered in a circle against agression from the natives. It could include maps, diary excerpts, song texts and maybe even music? The book could also depict life in the Salt Lake valley, as a “continuation of hardship” theme. I guess the book could also include people on the Mormon Battalion.

Another book concept would be Mormon pageants, with lots of pictures comparing and contrasting all the pageants put on by the Church in Nephi, Palmyra, Nauvoo, etc., as well as old defunct pageants. This may have interest outside the LDS culture because tons of non-LDS go to these pageants year after year. Pics of costumes, pyrotechnics, audio and stage technologies needed to pull off the show, etc. Plot outlines, personal experiences viewing and participating in the pageants.

Another book concept: Utah mormonism. The day to day life of the average (is there such a thing?) Mormon in Utah. Pictures of homes, family life, activities, seminary, soccer practice, church on sunday, etc. This is probably not a great idea, but people are curious….

So where’s my cut of the revenues? :-)

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