James Payne – författare

The first book devoted exclusively to the spectroscope and its use in gemstone identification. Until 1933 the refractometer and the microscope were the two principal tools in gem testing. Then B.W. Anderson introduced the hand spectroscope which quickly became the third vital instrument for the UK gemmologist. The publication of Anderson's papers in the mid-1950s alerted gem laboratories worldwide to the importance of this instrument. Today its use is universal.Anderson and his lifelong colleague, Payne, both of the world's first full-time gemmological laboratory, were the pioneers in recognizing the vast potential of the spectroscope for this purpose, and The Spectroscope and Gemmology, as the extensively edited, updated and enlarged version of Anderson’s original papers, provides a vital textbook wherever gemmology is used or taught. The distinguished gemmologist R. Keith Mitchell has undertaken the editing and has added chapters on the Pye spectrophotometer and on lasers. He has also reproduced new line drawings of spectra in three aspects to accommodate the prism instrument in both the British version and in that favoured by American gemmologists, and in another version as seen through the diffraction grating instrument.Written for gemmologists everywhere and incorporating the latest developments this book will prove indispensable to all engaged in gemstone identification.

'James Payne’s YouTube Channel “Great Art Explained” gained a huge and appreciative worldwide audience. This beautifully put-together book is simply the best introduction to the lifelong pleasure and rewards of looking at pictures since Gombrich. An instant classic' Stephen Fry Art appreciation made accessible, relevant and entertaining; writer, curator and YouTuber James Payne demystifies great works of art. Based on the popular and enormously successful YouTube channel of the same name, Great Art Explained unveils the fascinating stories behind some of the world’s most iconic paintings and sculptures, proving that there’s more to art than just watching paint dry. It can be thrilling, if you give it a chance. It is how you view the work, place it in context and understand its history that makes an artwork truly come alive. A fresh approach to a classic subject, James Payne’s no-nonsense analysis sheds new light on thirty different masterpieces from around the globe and reveals what makes them truly timeless works of art. Each chapter delves into not only the art itself but also the artist’s life, as well as the work’s place in their wider oeuvre; in other words, what makes it ‘great’. From Hilma af Klint’s occult altarpieces to Claude Monet’s Water Lilies, Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus to Georgia O’Keeffe’s Jimson Weed, each artwork is explored with clarity and passion. Whether a seasoned art enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this book promises to deepen your appreciation and enrich your understanding of some of the world’s greatest treasures.

Beginning Python: Using Python 2.6 and Python 3.1 introduces this open source, portable, interpreted, object-oriented programming language that combines remarkable power with clear syntax. This book enables you to quickly create robust, reliable, and reusable Python applications by teaching the basics so you can quickly develop Web and scientific applications, incorporate databases, and master systems tasks on various operating systems, including Linux, MAC OS, and Windows. You'll get a comprehensive tutorial that guides you from writing simple, basic Python scripts all the way through complex concepts, and also features a reference of the standard modules with examples illustrating how to implement features in the various modules. Plus, the book covers using Python in specific program development domains, such as XML, databases, scientific applications, network programming, and Web development.