2 comments about Mastering AutoCAD 2011 and AutoCAD LT 2011.

1. I bought Omura's book for AutoCAD 14 when I knew absolutely nothing about AutoCAD. It was a great help and guided me through the drawing process a step at a time presenting a new concept in each chapter. The 2011 version is the same but of course updated. I was able to skip through some things, although its worth a look to see new stuff that has been added to the program. Admittedly, Omura is the only text I've used, but when I bought 2011, his was the only book I looked for. It is well indexed, so it is good as a reference in addition to being a good first book.



2. I have used several of George Omura's mastering AutoCAD books for different versions of the program over the years. All have provided the overview information right down to the intracies of AutoCAD. In addition the disk he includes has searchable pdf of the entire book, and lessons templates I find useful. I've never been an expert with this program but with Omura's text I can find the information and utilize the program to the ends I need.
   
   It is an indespensible tool for me in creating construction drawings for small construction company and personal drawings.

5 comments about Visual Grammar (Design Briefs).

1. I finished reading this book in an hour, its short and sweet but sometimes i terms used to describe the diagrams seem too simplified and summarized.



2. The book itself was poorly designed, with minuscule font on red/pink background on many pages. The content itself was engaging, a solid basic introduction, but the enjoyment that would typically come with learning something new was lost dealing with the design inadequacies of the book itself.



3. Although shipping seemed to take longer than I had hoped for the book arrived in good shape as described. I would not hesitate from buying used books!



4. I stumbled on this book at the local library and found it a very fascinating read. I've been involved in graphic production for years and can push the objects around on the comp, but never really knew the basics and foundation of visual language.
   
   This is a great primer to learn the basic concepts that lead one to want to learn the syntax and the structure of the visual nouns learned.
   
   This is something I will purchase and pore over until I learn the concepts.



5. Wow. Thats just it for this book. Seriously, someone wanted a publication and farted this thing out. I mean, it gives you the vocab of the elements...thats it. Im a college design teacher and this book would be great for a middle-school art/design class.
   
   If you want simplistic...this may be for you.

5 comments about Architectural Drafting and Design.

1. The Architectural Drafting and Design book is an awesome book! I used the book when going through college many years ago and thought it was a very well written book then, especially from the standpoint of learning the ENTIRE architectural process and how it applies more specifically to creating construction documents, presentation drawings, and information. Since then I have used the book in my own classes teaching at the local community college and it has proved to be an invaluable resource. This latest version includes the latest techniques and strategies, and work process for the ever evolving architectural world. Kudos to David and Alan for a book well done!



2. I use this book for school. I've gone through almost the whole thing in 3 months. Some things I need to point out are that,
   1. I don't care about hand drafting.
   2. The CADD segments should be mixed in; I currently just skip them as there aren't any questions on it.
   Anyway, besides that and outdated references, it's a decent book until you hit chapter 42. Chapter 42 on is killer.



3. My book came quickly and in good condition. I am very pleased with my purchase and my product.



4. This book was like brand new when I got. I'm so happy that I save so much money from buy it on amazon.



5. The inside pages was ok, but the outside cover was pretty stained in the back. I had bought a used mechanical version to this book several months ago from a different source for about the same cost and it was in better condition then this one.

5 comments about Pro/ENGINEER Tutorial Wildfire 4.0 and MultiMedia CD.

1. Very helpful for initially getting to understand how ProE works.
   Prepare to spend a lot of time following the instructions in the book and doing it more then once as the isn't always entirely clear.



2. 
   This is a very good beginner's guide to Pro/E Wildfire 4. Pro/E is not easy to learn (at least it is difficult for me). The author has attempted, and to my mind at least, generally succeeded, in not only presenting the mechanics of constructing the models, but also to convey the methodology of good design practice. He consistently stresses the role of planning and proper notations for the modeling process. Stress is placed on the proper use of constraints for symmetry and dimensioning to facilitate later design modifications. With Pro/E's model tree and documentation, a designer's competency (or lack of it) is indelibly imprinted on the design, so the author stress the "robustness" of a proper design, that is, are features dimensioned to allow future modification without starting over from scratch. I don't want to imply that the book is "preachy", it is not, there are plenty of click by click instructions. The book is terse, it must be studied. I found myself reading and rereading the instructions. I had the usual several hours of unproductive flailing looking for the proper command and frustrations when my models failed. I am no doubt older than most Pro/e beginners; I have been retired from Professional engineers more than 15 years. I turned 79 on my last birthday and am learning Pro/e for the sheer joy of seeing what tools are available to present day engineers. This book has helped make that learning experience productive and enjoyable.



3. Overall a good book for the price, needs more information in it- (there are missing dimensions for some of the models)but covers the material stated.



4. I'm an Engineer that's not 100% intuitive. Most of the time, I really have to work at it to succeed, so for all those people who pick up this book and got everything in it on their first try, this review is not for you. Proe isn't a really easy program to use at all!!! I tried the tutorials given with the program and forums, but they're not really helpful. This book really helps people to get a firm foundation of the program and with each lesson helps you get more and more comfortable with manipulating parts and making assemblies. However, there are some parts of this book where the author clearly hasn't checked his statements or if he had mentioned something earlier, you would be saved hours of agony and frustration. I would sit there for hours on a lesson trying to figure out how to reproduce the same patterns in his book only to discover a much simpler way to do it in later lessons, or the fact that he left out some critical part to the lesson which you may never get unless you figure it out on your own. However, for the beginner who's trying to break in this is a good book. It still has a long way to go in terms of clarity though.



5. I bought this for my son who is a mechanical engineer. He had purchased the actual software but not the tutorial. He is very pleased. And so I am pleased.

2 comments about AutoCAD 2011 and AutoCAD LT 2011: No Experience Required.

1. AutoCAD 2011 and AutoCAD LT 2011 - No Experience Required published by Sybex under their Serious Skill efforts was written by Donnie Gladfelter. This is a massive collection of information for those that are just starting and those that have years of use under their belts. There are seventeen chapters dedicated to the basic of opening files, creating objects and navigating the interface to rendering and materials. The breadth of topics covered is impressive.
   
   Some of the basic stuff is very good for those that are uninitiated. He even goes over where to click on objects for specific actions. This is a learned skill, but Donnie does a good job of explaining the little things that cause frustrations and delays for new users. He does not stop at the new user level - far from it. He covers advanced topics with the same prowess that makes the entire book worth having.
   
   He starts with the things that you would expect to cover in a book like this but does so with greater depth, going into dialog boxes, settings and selections that may confuse those just starting. This basis of foundation builds as the book proceeds. Sprinkled throughout the book are little pullout comments that help those that might notice errors, cautions and erratic behaviors in the program at the beginning. Another nice touch is the pullout conversations about Standards and another on "What to do when you make a Mistake".
   
   One really good chapter to me is "Using Layers as an Organizing Tool". The author goes to great lengths to explain the entire perspective of how Layers can make a difference and what impact getting it right. Colors, Linestyles, naming, etc - it is all covered. He goes over what should be assigned to what Layer and why and also how to do it.
   
   Scattered throughout the book are Warnings and Tips. These are from the many years of using these tools that the author shares with the reader.
   
   Blocks, Dynamic Blocks, Hatching and Dimensions are covered in depth. Sharing procedures for creating them,using them and placing them. All in the context of an ongoing Architectural drawing process. From creation of the first lines to the final Title Block and then setting up Layouts and plotting (even Sheet Set Manager). Xrefs are addressed as well as images and more.
   
   The final chapters even get into 3D creation and use. (I like the Right Hand Rule illustration). Topped off with Rendering and Material gives the reader the full tour of the product from start to finish. Add to that the final Glossary of terms will move the novice to avid user quickly.
   
   This publication is well worth the read and also to study. The wealth of knowledge shared from the authors ample experience will assist everyone who buys and reads this book.



2. I recently received a copy of Donnie Gladfelter's book AutoCAD 2011 and AutoCAD LT 2011: No Experience Required to review. The book is a behemoth at 982 pages and packs all of the steps required to create a plan set and model of The Cad Geek's Cabin inside. By using the example the user is taught how to create a plan set and the steps required to accomplish it. The book is well laid out starting with a review of AutoCAD's user interface and ending with converting the 2D linework into a 3D model of the building complete with materials. The step by step instructions are enhanced with AutoCAD screenshots of both where to pick and how the final product should look like.
   The target of the book is primarily new users to the program although newer features of the program are included which could benefit experienced users. Examples of this include the parametric, newer 3D tools and dynamic blocks. I for one hadn't noticed the Infer Constraints button on the status bar. The Infer Constraints button, according to the book, "...will automatically apply constraints between objects as you create or modify them." Another feature that I forgot about was the ability to detach the ribbon from the top or remove a panel from it and drag it off to the side. This provides functionality similar to toolbars the ribbon replaced.
   For the most part the book is an easy read and provides explanations and reasons for doing the steps. I also liked where the book provided examples on how to accomplish the same task in different ways. Such as using lines and offsetting, and them trimming or using polylines and offsetting them without having the need to go back and trim. The book has an index and glossary providing an easy way to find topics in the book.
   If we had a new hire in the office who wanted to learn AutoCAD I wouldn't hesitate using this book as a learning tool. It would provide a good foundation to build CAD knowledge.
   Disclaimer: I received the book from the publisher free of charge.

4 comments about Freehand Sketching: An Introduction.

1. "An Introduction" is an appropriate subtitle. Nice examples, layout and descriptions of fundamental sketching techniques for architects/landscape architects. However, this is more like a pamphlet than a book. You can devour it in an hour. It is useful to think about the concepts and ideas while sketching but I really do not see myself turning back to this book for technique or drawing solutions down the road.



2. This book gets down to the essence of live, line drawing. The author is extremely helpful in getting the reader past his fears by giving encouraging words and giving great examples. One can easily progress with his advice, and change one's attitude from being hesitant to celebratory. A great place to start if you want to get past initial personally-imposed restrictions. This book, above all things, teaches courage--courage to draw and courage to express.



3. The single most useful drawing guide I've seen, by an artist whose style is swift and lively, as it should be. Uncluttered pages abound with terse commentary and there is not a superfluous line, either in sketch or prose. Especially useful for those who love to use pen and ink.



4. A great little book for any artist interested in nurturing a sketching practice. Very clear and encouraging (and portable).

5 comments about You Are Here: Personal Geographies and Other Maps of the Imagination.

1. Amusing collection of different sorts of maps. As well presenting mapping data as resolving problems in visualization of knowledge. Very inspiring for designers, writers and people ordering some information.



2. A rich assortment of =visual interpretations of the idea of mapping.. I have used this book as an inspiration and resource for my art classes-- and was so happy to discover it.
   
   
   Barbara Rothenberg



3. I used a graphic design class I teach as an excuse to purchase this book (I've been wanting it for a while). My students are loving it as much as I do.



4. I've been buying books for 45 years and this is the most wonderful book I own--amazing, thought-provoking, beautiful. My only regret is that I waited so long to purchase it. As improbable as it sounds, "You Are Here" comes across as what might be the lush, lovely, and totally unlikely synthesis of Bachelard's "The Poetics of Space," the imaginative joy of A.A. Milne ("Winnie the Pooh" and "The House at Pooh Corner," etc.) or P.L. Travers ("Mary Poppins," "Mary Poppins Opens the Door," etc.), and the deep wisdom of place and spirit found in the works of Annie Dillard and Kathleen Norris or even Terry Tempest Williams. When I open "You Are Here," my heart, spirit and imagination invariably soar.



5. This book was not what I was expecting but it is interesting nonetheless. It is a collection of (mostly) unconventional maps with a few paragraphs written about each. In addition there are some articles on topics loosely related to cartography and the mind. It is more of a picture book than a reference volume and provides food for thought on mapping and identity.

5 comments about Mastering AutoCAD 2010 and AutoCAD LT 2010.

1. I agree with the reviewer who gave it 2 stars. I originally learned AutoCAD 2008 and bought this book as a refresher and to figure out the new 2010 settings. I would NOT recommend this book for a beginner because the mistakes in this book are confusing enough for me when I already know the basics. There aren't mistakes on every page but enough to be frustrating and momentarily confusing. That's when the F1 key (AutoCAD 2010 Help box) comes in handy. If you already know AutoCAD and just want to figure out the 2010 features and where everything is, this book is written in a good format and will fit your needs.



2. The authors of this book obviously wrote it for a previous version of Autocad. Every year they must try to update it to the new version and inevitably miss some things. This book is rife with commands that do not work, menus that do not exist, and directions that do not make sense in Autocad 2010. I would not suggest buying this book. If you already know Autocad this will poorly update you to the new features; if you are starting from scratch it will confuse and frustrate you.
   
   I give it two stars instead of one because the format of the book is very instructive, or at least it would be if not for the errors.



3. I ordered this book after purchasing a "For Dummies" book. Not only was this manual close to the same price, but it also had ten fold the amount of information. This book is logically laid out, it also showed numerous screenshots with arrows labeling tasks to make the daunting task of relearning AutoCad quite simple. In the future, I will only purchase these manuals.



4. I have gone from barely knowing how to launch this program to being able to accurately create drawings in a matter of a few days. The instructions are paced and mostly quite descriptive. If you want to be on your way with AutoCad in fairly short order, this is a very good book to get to help you do just that.



5. I hate buying computer books because using them is cumbersome and painful to me - it's really counter-productive to have to flip through a giant book while operating the key board and mouse in the same time plus it terribly strains my eyes and neck. With this book, it's no longer a problem for me because it comes with a PDF version of the book that I can view on the same monitor.
   
   And the author's approach of teaching is refreshingly skillful. Like a mother bird, he has the ability to break things down and feed them to you piece by piece so that you don't feel overwhelmed at any giving time. I've been using this book for the past several weeks and for the first time ever, I have not been distracted by any confusions that would drive me off the wall or stall my progress.
   
   It might be a little too early to say but I feel confident that I am well on my way to master AutoCAD2010! Kudos to the author whose book is my new bible!

5 comments about Ultimate Guide to House Framing.

1. This is a very well writen book with plenty of pictures, but it is for people with limited construction experence. I bought this book because I need rafter tables, specificialy jack-hip rafter tables. This book does not have any roofing tables and gives three paragraphs about reading a jack-hip rafter table (but does not have the table). If you have more than three years of residential construction experence, you should already know everything in this book.



2. This book isn't just for framing new houses, it includes tons of info on how to remodel existing structures safely and securely. There's even "green" chapters on using eco-friendly materials. What's nice is that this book explains why things are the way they are, e.g., why blueprints come in several staged steps rather than one complex drawing, why it's important to understand different "loads" and how you can screw them up. This could serve as a textbook for a basic course in framing; however, if like me you watch those "remodeling" shows on various networks, this book more than any other will acquaint you with the argot. Worth every penny.



3. Not only is this book fantastic on how the finish product is to be built, but on how to actually build step by step.



4. Before I used to think building a house was impossible. I had no idea what went into it. It seemed much too difficult or complicated for me. This book has helped open what before seemed like a black box.
   
   The book is chock-full with pictures. It starts with safety suggestions, tells you what tools you'll need, talks about some engineering basics and goes into great detail on floors, walls and different kinds of roofs. There are additional sections on stairs, basements and bay windows.
   
   If you're new to framing and want to build your own home, or at least understand how a lot of it works, you will enjoy this book.



5. This is a very good book, it illustrated very clear, detail and easy to understand.
   I highly recommend it.

4 comments about Graphic Design Theory: Readings from the Field (Design Briefs).

1. This book is perfect. I am using it as the required text for a senior-level course in theory. It's not too big, not too small, complete without redundancy and edited in such a way that discussions fairly jump from the text. Thank you, Helen Armstrong.



2. This book was purchase for use in a college course. It was is good shape, the correct book for the course, and arrive in the time the seller it would. All in all a solid purchase for the purpose of the purchase.



3. 
   I heartily recommend this book for anyone seeking a friendly, concise overview of graphic design theory. The texts included are fresh and provocative. And the book design makes it a pleasure to read (particularly in comparison to the Looking Closer series). Each group of texts is followed by a section of vivid images called "Theory at Work" that explicates the ideas presented. I plan to reach for this book any time I need to stimulate my brain and/or my design.



4. This fresh collection provides design texts from a wide range of designers. Before I read this I felt a bit self-conscious about my lack of training in design history/thinking. Now I feel ready for any "design theory" conversation.