No comments about Nano Materials: in Architecture, Interior Architecture and Design.

2 comments about Brick Pavement and Fence - Walls: Authentic Details for Design and Restoration.

1. Peter Joel Harrison provides a valuable service to architects, designers, preservationists, landscapers and homeowners by researching, recording and presenting the details of historic homes and gardens. His books, full of accurate drawings of period fences, gates, gazebos, trellises, pavement and garden walls, are tools for anyone who's restoring an 18th or 19th century home or landscape and inspiration for anyone who hopes to infuse some of yesterday's charm into a new building. I used Brick Pavement and Fence-Walls for ideas on some new garden walls in Richmond, Virginia. They look almost as elegant as Harrison's examples from James River plantations, and seem just right for their location.



2. At first glance, the book resembles an ancient work by Palladio or other. The drawings are beautifully simple yet a bit coarse for today's standards. The book is made up mostly of patterns and elevations; text is limited to a 13-page index and a some explanations on tools and methods. Overall, the book is quite useful, but missing are the following: pictures, better diagrams, some data about the architect, etc.

   Although the format is absolutely stunning (meant to resemble an old manuscript), this book is not for everyone. It should appeal to the designer, architect or contractor.

No comments about Façades: Principles of Construction.

5 comments about Windows NT Shell Scripting (Circle).

1. I have a friend that recommended me this book and I have to agree with him that this was a very well written book. Don't let the fact that the title says "Windows NT" discourage you from getting this book. There is a lot of useful information in this book that is still standard practice for scripting in Server 2003. Probably one of the few and only outdated commands in the book is the AT command that was replaced by SCHTASK. Even then, the author goes into detail on how these different commands work and how to use them in your work environment to you benefit. I recommend this book as a learning tool and as a reference for my fellow scripting brethren.



2. Although this book was authored in 1998, it is still as relavent today with Windows Server 2003 as it was when Windows NT 4.0 was first released. The fact is that the Command Shell hasn't changed all that much over the years and Timothy Hill's book remains the best guide to using and writing command scripts that I could ever recommend. And with Windows Server 2003's push to be able to do everything from the command line that one can do from the GUI, it's even more important to fully understand how the Windows Command Shell works.
   
   Windows NT Shell Scripting is less about Windows NT than it is about how to write shell scripts. It covers the details of using the Command Shell in interactive mode, its configuration and how the 32-bit Command Shell differs from the 16-bit DOS box. Then it delves into the structure and syntax of the Command Shell language, providing a clear understanding of how the program control features such as IF and FOR work. Finally, it shows you how to create sophisticated shell scripts using the internal commands and external command-line utilities included with Windows and their Resource Kits.
   
   Not everything in this book has survived the test of time. The old task scheduler using the AT command, though still supported in current version of Windows, has been mostly replaced by more powerful Scheduled Tasks of Windows 2000 and later. And you will want to supplement this book with a modern reference of the utility programs available for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 (such as OReilly's "Windows Server 2003 In A Nutshell"). Yet this represents only a small part of the book and majority of material stands up very well. Certainly there is no better and more in-depth tutorial for building command scripts than Timothy Hill's book.



3. Great book on NT shell commands that Microsoft doesn't even document. Not even "command /?" gives you any help.

   Great for reference and to learn.




4. If you have a bit of programming experience, this book together with access to the NT Resource Kit tools will provide you with the foundation for doing almost anything you could imagine within Windows NT Shell Scripting.

   The book can be used both as a tutorial and a reference for Windows NT scripting and gives good examples of the commands, tools and concepts covered. For Windows NT, this book does the job as your Shell Scripting Bible in less than 400 pages.

   Since Windows NT 4.0, a lot has happened in the Windows scripting field though. With the release of Windows 2000 and the subsequent Windows XP and .NET Server, shell scripting has become much more powerful. A second edition of this book covering the new commands and tools would be most welcome. Until one exists, you might also want to look at newer books covering shell scripting for operating systems based on the Windows NT kernel.

   You might also want to look at other, often more powerful ways to script your Windows NT-based environment. For that matter I recommend looking at other books covering WSH (Windows Script Host), ADSI and WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation).




5. I like this book because unlike many technical books, the first three chapters aren't a pedestrian introduction to the basic fundamentals. This book spends chapter 1 with insight, similar to the way Applied Cryptography immediately gives you knowledge. I'm an experienced NT command shell user, and this book was valuable for me as well.
   The DOS shell has become a requirement and skill relegated to the background by the direction of Microsoft curriculum, this book explains it and teaches it.

   The authors instructions are easy to follow, without doting like the Teach Yourself "whatever" in 24 hour books, Tim Hill doesn't waste your time, or your money.

2 comments about Once Upon a Time: Illustrations from Fairytales, Fables, Primers, Pop-Ups, and Other Children's Books.

1. Amy Weinstein's Once Upon A Time: Illustrations From Fairytales, Fables, Primers, Pop-Ups And Other Children's Books is based upon an art exhibition of the same name and uses colorful images from Victorian-era illustrated books by Ellen Liman and her husband Arthur to provide a review of striking art objects and the rise of children's literature. Exquisite full-page color plates - some on double-page spreads - liberally accent descriptions which include story plot summaries and commentary. A treasure for any who love old-fashioned children's books.



2. Novels, history books, Christmas books, and cautionary tales are other genres included not noted in the subtitle. American and English children's books are grouped by genre in this largely visual overview of mostly Victorian-era children's books with the colorful illustrations which made them so popular with mothers and children in their day and also of continuing interest to contemporary collectors. The illustrations are reproduced to retain their distinctive 19th-century tones and textures, most of these as chromolithographs. The varied, fetching illustrations are accompanied by Weinsteins's informative annotations containing remarks on the illustrations, characters, story, etc. of the particular book and its place in the field of Victorian children's literature. In brief introductions to each of the main genres, she refers to its influences, conventions, and aims; e. g., the moral tone of the cautionary tales and many other children's books was influenced by the 18th-century French philosopher Rousseau, "who theorized that children were imbued with an innate virtue" that could be fostered for exemplary obedience, a love of nature, and respect for reason. McLoughlin Brothers, the publisher of many of the most sought-after collectible children's books began by concentrating on small religious works for children as well as adults. The noticeable influence of German fairy tales on the American and English children's literature is cited too. Weinstein is a curator at the New York Historical Society who has done an exhibition of toys for the Museum of the City of New York. "Once Upon A Time" is an illustrated overview of the popular English-language Victorian children's books with fundamental factual information on the field. With its categorization of the different types of literature and plentiful representative illustrations, it's a good start for someone wanting to get filled in on the basics of this field.

No comments about New Perspectives: Designer Hotels (New Perspectives).

2 comments about Mastering Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2006 (Mastering).

1. I bought this book and also bought the privelege of reading it on-line because I normally live in America but am now in Brazil and I had it shipped to My home in America but I found that I was going to be in Brazil for a long while. On the read on-line privelege, I didn't get the info on the DVD so I was kind of stuck but I emailed the Author and he was very nice and put the DVD info on his sight for me so that I could download it and he was very very helpful. This book is outstanding for learning ADT from the ground up. I am a cronic studier and so I have bought many books on learning many things but I think this book is the best of all those that I have studied, not only because of the book itself but for the pleasantness of the Author.



2. I recently purchased Mastering Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2006, by Scott Onstott, and have already found it to be an invaluable resource in my transition from AutoCAD LT 2002 to Autodesk's Architectural Desktop 2006.
   
   Admittedly; I still have not completely finished the book, yet it has already proven to be an essential tool to transition to Architectural Desktop 2006. Previously, the amount of information needed to reach drawing proficiency and remain productive at work has been the primary reason I have not upgraded my AutoCAD platform. It wasn't until I found this book and started the tutorials I gained the skills and confidence to upgrade to such a far superior program.
   
   Without a doubt, one of the book's greatest strengths is its dual functionality. For example, when time permits I can sit down and follow along with the tutorials for an in depth learning experience similar to a classroom type lecture. At the same time, the book is a great reference tool for the times when deadlines are pending and production is essential.
   
   I would give this book and excellent review and recommend it to others in my office.

5 comments about Architectural Acoustics (Applications of Modern Acoustics).

1. Having read some architectural acoustics books, I can recommend this one as one of the best. It is an excellent resource. In fact, I should not have spent some of my money on some oldie books, which were cheap but not as good.
   
   This is an up to date book, and it is worth every penny you spend. If you are a student or someone interested in the topic architectural acoustics, it is a good resource but it has many formulas (sorry if you do not like physics).
   
   With it I have been able to specify to an architect who does not know hardly anything about acoustics how to correct his design for a contemporary church. I also recommend "Handbook for Sound Engineers" as a compliment to this book, for people that are trying to get the best of both worlds -- acoustics and audio. These are both good buys, and can help you very much. Remember that to be a good consultant you need to have a good library of books and this one would be an excellent part of your reference library.



2. The ultimate guide to architectural acoustics covering many topics in a single and nice priced book, It has everything covered and explained to a good level, my only complain is that only basic measurement techniques are explained. However it is a great complilation of knowledge in a single package.



3. In his preamble the author refers to the fact this book took him more than 10 years to write. Given the level of detail and the comprehensive nature of this book, this is not surprising.
   
   There may be better acoustical books available relating to specific niches of acoustics, such as Beranek and Barron's works on concert halls and there are certainly more simple introductions to the subject, such as Egan's book of the same name, but for anybody who doesn't mind grappling with some mathematical equations, this is definitely the best and most comprehensive book on this subject of the 15 or so that I possess.
   
   Like the author, I am also a practicing acoustical consultant and a lecturer in this subject. It's probably splitting hairs, but I suspect that my architecture students might not respond well to this book due to the fact that the illustrations are generally limited to fairly simple black and white drawings and the mathematical approach may intimidate some, but for other acoustical consultants and engineers interested in the field of building acoustics, I would definitely recommend this text.



4. I just received my copy, and have yet to dive into. However it appears up to date (2006) in that it covers modelling and auralization concepts. The scope of the book is expanded compared to Eagan's excellent text. Take a look at the table of contents on line for an idea of the topics.
   
   It appears to be well written. The mathematics of sound are covered. This should be a standard reference text for a general knowledge of architectural acoustics.
   
   July 2007 - I use this book as one of my primary references. It has excellent breadth and detail.



5. I have a copy of Long's Architectural Acoustics and have read a number of sections. The book is remarkably complete and Long has correctly embodied current literature. I recommend it for professionals and architects who have some mathematics. Leo Beranek

2 comments about Stone Houses: Colonial to Contemporary.

1. Full of beautiful photo's of exteriors and interiors of 43 different Stone Houses built in America from prehistoric times through the twenty-first century, along with descriptions of each house and discussions on each time period. This is a great book for anyone interested in stone work of any kind.



2. Stone Houses is a splendid survey which focuses exclusively on residential architecture in the USA. The book begins with several breathtaking photographs of historical sites in the Southwest where the Anasazi built beguiling settlements out of local stone over one thousand years ago. It then proceeds to document numerous stone structures of interest from colonial times right through to the present. Moreover, in addition to his commentary on the buildings presented within the pages of this beautifully realized volume, Lee Goff provides a thoughtful discussion of the qualities of stone itself which makes for such a superb, durable building material in the first instance as well as an inspirational source for imaginative residential design. To quote briefly from the introduction: "Stone has different moods. It can be warm or cold, protective or inhospitable. Before all else, however, stone evokes an image of power, strength, impregnability and endurance. Even more subliminally it conveys a sense of the primordial...Instinctively, we feel the millions of years ago the stones were formed. Thus, the materials of nature become the material of shelter, and the form the shelter takes in turn reflects the origin of the stone and the house's setting, connecting the dwelling and its inhabitants to the most permanent world of all-the natural world."

   Stone was the first material used for shelter. It can be (and has been) assembled in any number of creative, aesthetically pleasing ways. Stone Houses takes us on a wondrous tour of many of the possibilities inherent to this medium of construction. "Whether cottage or château, cabin or castle, stone houses embody feelings of romance and the picturesque. Their walls speak of permanence and history; their stones give whispered accounts of their prehistoric creation. They are an ongoing part of what Tennyson referred to as 'the eternal landscape of the past.' "

No comments about Engineering Analysis with COSMOSWorks Professional 2008.