Light Fantastic: The Art and Design of Stage Lighting [Hardcover]

Max Keller (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 20, 2010

Now available in a completely revised, updated,
and expanded edition, this book is the definitive
guide to stage lighting design by a virtuoso in
the field. As beautiful as it is instructive, this award-winning book on all
aspects of theatrical lighting design has become the standard
resource in the field. Light Fantastic has received accolades
from the theater community, including the Golden Pen Award
from the Institute for Theater Technology and Outstanding
Academic Title award from Choice magazine.
Now in its third edition, Light Fantastic has been expanded to
include breathtaking new photographs from author Max
Keller s most recent productions. The text has been brought
up to date to reflect the latest technological advances, while
new essays on light in architecture, lighting for music
concerts, and the metaphysics and politics of light broaden
its scope. Keller s extensive knowledge and experience on
some of the world s most celebrated stages make him the
definitive source for veterans or those new to the field of stage
lighting. Throughout the book hundreds of vibrant color
photographs convey the excitement of live performance. This
remarkable volume is an indispensable handbook to stage
lighting design.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

MAX KELLER is among the world s leading lighting designers. Since 1970 he has
been offering creative and technical solutions for the stage. He is the recipient
of numerous awards for his work in the theater.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 300 pages
• Publisher: Prestel USA; 3rd Revised edition edition (April 20, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3791343718
• ISBN-13: 978-3791343716
• Product Dimensions: 12.5 x 9.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #465,040 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most complete lighting text in existence!, February 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Light Fantastic: The Art and Design of Stage Lighting (Photography S.) (Hardcover)

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!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly Beautiful Book...., March 10, 2005

By 

Chris Parry "ChrisP LD" (San Diego, California USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Light Fantastic: The Art and Design of Stage Lighting (Photography S.) (Hardcover)

Readers here should note that this is a book concerned with the "European Aesthetic" and techniques of Theatre Lighting.. not to say that it doesn't apply in the US - it does! - but it's not how "Theatre Lighting" is usually taught in the USA! But as I'm from Europe - I say, if you're REALLY interested in the full range of possibilities of theatre lighting, this book will OPEN your eyes to more options!! MUST read. Worth every penny. ChrisP.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lighting for Theatre, June 3, 2003

By 

Willmuzik (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Light Fantastic: The Art and Design of Stage Lighting (Photography S.) (Hardcover)

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.