5 comments about Greene & Greene Creating a Style.

1. Having seen several of the houses designed by the Greenes, the book was nice in putting these into perspective. It points out the salient features that distinguished the houses. Like the very overt dark, thick wooden beams. Both on the exterior and inside. Along with the joins between the beams and other structural elements being curved. Giving an effect akin to being inside a giant doll house. While the book does not describe it in those terms, if you look at the interior photos in the book, it really can seem this way.
   
   The book also is good in describing other Greene houses outside Los Angeles. I'd only seen some in LA. But the brothers also has commissions in northern California, executed in their style.



2. good, but not quite what I expected. However, for fans of these still a good read



3. A little thin on content but the illustrations and pictures are top rate and provide many excellent ideas for those looking for craftsman design elements.



4. One wishes that this book would have been at the same size as the team;s earlier work, the Brad Pitt book on the Blacker House and the Passion & Legacy.
   
   The content is great, all new photos wtith the color and depth that has not been seen in the work of others, They really show what Greene & Greene was really about, attention to color and detail. These are some of the most beautiful photographs of buildings and furniture, etc, that I have ever seen.
   
   When looking at the photos in the back of the book, I wonder if I have ever really "seen" the Greene's work since these photographs show much more than I ever remember.
   
   I hope there are more books in the pipeline by these two fellows. They make it so interesting and rewarding. Keep these prices coming too!



5. by Randell L. Makinson...If you have studied the works of Greene and Greene..this is the book for you...one of the most comprehensive covering their history and architecture..this was the first time in published form EDITION...EVEN has their individual works discussed and illustrated. copyright 1977...

5 comments about Nancy Lancaster: Her Life, Her World, Her Art.

1. A wonderful life story about the woman who helped us all know how to live life at the top. What style, what grace, what spunk - I simply adore her & this was the first book that introduced her to the world. I am traveling to England to tour her homes in 2 weeks & re-read this again along with the other books on her life.



2. Nancy Lancaster, daughter of one of the fabled Langhorne sisters of Virginia, is a worthy biographical subject on her own. From the time she married until her death at the great age of 97 in 1994, she lived in splendor, most of which she created herself.

   Nancy was born in Abermarle county, VA in 1897 at Mirador, the plantation of her grandfather, Chiswell (Chillie) Langhorne. She was raised there and in Richmond until the sudden death of her parents when she was a teenager. The lovely Nancy lived with aunts (Irene, who was the prototype of the famous Gibson Girl and Nancy, who became Lady Astor and was the first woman to be elected to Parliament). She married Henry Field, of the fabulously wealthy Marshall Field family, but five months later he died suddenly of a minor operation. Subsequently, she remarried Ronald Tree, American born, but raised in England. The Trees, if possible, were even wealthier than the Fields. Nancy's goal was to live at Mirador, but Ronald's ties and ambitions in politics were all in England. She spent the greater part of her life in England and became renowned for her brilliant decorating of her grand country houses and her skill as a charming hostess.

   The book is part biography (Becker) interspersed with Nancy's own recollections that are printed in boldface. The first part of the book is excellent in giving a real feel of the very conservative upper class South still recovering from the ravages of the Civil War. Nancy draws vivid word pictures of her family and surroundings. She displays a vibrant wit and sense of humor. From the time of her second marriage forward, the emphasis is on her homes and how she decorated them.

   Though I am not a big fan of "tell-all" types of memoirs, "Nancy Lancaster" is downright curious in the way factual information is elided or ignored. She was very close to all her famous aunts, yet never mentions when or how they died except for Lady Astor. She states Lady Astor was the "last" of the sisters, and that is the first the reader knows the other four are deceased. Nancy has an older brother, who is mentioned twice in the entire book. We aren't told if he was a black sheep, disliked by Nancy or ran off to South America. Nancy seems to have a fond relationship with Ronald Tree but for unknown reasons divorces him in 1945 and marries (briefly we suppose, as he never is mentioned again) "Jubie" Lancaster.

   All readers will not enjoy the heavy emphasis on how she renovated, decorated, and beautified all her homes and gardens. The book lacks enough pictures to show adequately what she has done. I found the book highly readable, but unless you have an interest in early 20th century English society, stately homes and Virginia, you will be disappointed.
   -sweetmolly-Amazon.com Reviewer




3. Robert Becker has written a fascinating book on the life of Nancy Lancaster which I have just read in the summer of 2000. It is even more timely with the new biography of Sister Parrish just out this summer. Becker is an extremely good story teller, with a fine ability to capture the life and times of his subject. My family is from the same area of Virginia, and he has the piedmont Virginia people described in the most believeable way, including expressions of the eras covered. The technique of incorporating Nancy Lancaster's own account in the body of the book is most effective. I was worried in reading the introduction that it might be intrusive, but not so. The book made me think of Eleanor Brown of Mcmillan and Company in New York, and Sarah Hunter Kelly - all decorators of the same generation. Hats off to Robert Becker!!! Nicholas Bragg



4. I could not put this book down! This woman, who most of the public probably never heard of, lived a fascinating life. The world WAS a smaller place long ago and far away....



5. Robert Becker's richly detailed look at the British and American "upper crust," and his entertaining account of their private world and its decline, reminded me of an episode of "Masterpiece Theater" or the book "Brideshead Revisited." While I thought the renderings of Nancy Lancaster's decorating and garden designs fascinating, I was most absorbed in the life that went on behind closed doors in the houses, and the people -- Winston Churchill, the Prince of Wales, Lady Astor, David Niven -- who crossed the houses' thresholds. Wonderful photographs also. I was not prepared to like a biography about a decorator and her work, but because of the way Becker wove together the social and political history of the time, and descriptions of the houses she owned and decorated, with the events of this extraordinary woman's life, I couldn't put it down.

5 comments about Contemporary.

1. I feel this book should be titled more as to the content. The design work in the book is primarily l950's and l960's.
   This was not what I expected when I purchased a "Contemporary" book. I felt it should reflect at the most the early 2000's to date. I feel it is worth while for my purpose now which will be a donation to the local library.



2. Woah! This is one of the coolest books ever! I very seldom have given 5 stars to anything, but this one deserves it! Jackson really went out of her way in obtaining these pictures-the real deal, too. If you've ever seen a retro Armstrong flooring ad, a home modernizing magazine from the 50s-60s, Matt Maranian's book "Pad", or anything on retro ranch homes and furniture, this one takes the cake! It's also gives a pseudo-history of midcentury architecture, through pictures-and it's amazing how many pictures are here. I haven't purchased the books "Modernism Revisited", "Inspiring Interiors from Armstrong", or "The Eames Primer", although I plan to get these, but if you or someone you know are into this period, this is definitely a book to obtain. I have a friend that just went ape over it when he saw it. Now he wants to go retro, too. Another book that I've had my eyes on is "Modern Retro Living with Midcentury Modern". Once I get these, I'll leave reviews, as well. Don't hesitate to get this one if you're into this period, also!



3. If you like the direct innovative designs of the 50's & 60's this book will provide a great overview with lots of photos.
   It would have been nice to see more coverage of the furnishing specifics, especially DUNBAR and Edward Wormley - my personal favorites.

   Put on some lounge music, pour a martini and enjoy!




4. This is a pretty cool book. The photos are honest, as they're from the era instead of reconstructed rooms today. Very in depth also; it covers furniture, architecture, glassware, kitchens, textiles and other home furnishings.



5. This book is a great general guide to what was 'contemporary' - including architecture of the home, public building and office. In addition, it delves into interior design - including glass, wall treatments, flooring and furniture. The prospective reader should be made aware right off that this book is written from the British perspective - one will see British English spellings of words, and names of British companies. However, the vast majority of the book deals with American developments, which is more pertinant to the US reader. I call this book a great 'general' introduction because it digs about 75% of the way into each subject. But how many other books can cover so many subjects as well? None that I've been able to find so far. The book is richly illustrated, including some photos which span the entire page. The text is interesting and easy to understand. After reading each chapter of the book, you are left with a good basic undertanding of what you've just read. The pictures themselves are generally period photos, which really help the reader see what 'contemporary' was to the eyes of the folks living at that time. If you are contemplating purchasing a 'contemporary house', or perhaps decorating in the 'contemporary' style, this book will give you some good ideas. Overall, a very enjoyable book - it would make a good present, and look great sitting on your coffee table!

1 comments about Architecture in Detail: Spaces (Architecture in Detail).

1. This serie is absolut outstanding, You will love it if your are a hardcore fan of the simple expression of complex thoughts in good architectur.

5 comments about Diamond Baratta Design.

1. The Diamond-Baretta Design book gives braided rugs a great outing. Being a longtime braider it does my heart good to see Jan Jurta's great rugs showcased in such a fine manner. The colors and decor are exciting and let us know that braided rugs will fit in a lot of different venues and don't necessarily have to be dark and country.
   
   Recommended if you are planning an expensive redecorating project or if you're just dreaming you can afford it.



2. Great style and advice from Diamond and Baratta. The photos alone are worth the investment. Surprisingly embraces contemporary design as well as traditional. Recommended.



3. Diamond and Baratta are two of my favorite Designers! This book displays the ecclectic environments they help their clients create!



4. This book was written by the designers themselves. After working together for twenty-five years they decided to create a selection of their favorite designs for publication. Their most telling comment was that it became apparent that each of the twenty four projects in this book reflect the clients personalities and passions. As they say: 'We think of our clients as partners and muses and see ourselves as interpreters of their dreams by listening very carefully to them.'
   
   Perhaps the most outstand characteristics of their designs that come through in project after project is the bold use of bright, often primary colors. Not long after that comes a spark of insight as they talk about things like the fabric or lamps or furniture that they had made for this or that project.
   
   All design is a matter of personal taste and desire. The Diamond Baratta designs are bold and striking, but as they say in the quote above, these are not for everyone. I have a hard time imagining some of these homes in a house with four or five kids.
   
   A very interesting book of bold designs that makes for a good idea book.



5. Basically Diamond Baratta Design is a lovely picture book - If you are a decorator or decorating your own home it can be a good source of inspiration or at least a few ideas .If just a fan of decorators it might disappoint as there is little substantive background information about their careers and philosophy. A good mate to this volume would be a book about Dorothy Draper as the Diamond Baretta team follow through on many of her ideas about color and scale.

No comments about The Charged Void: Architecture.

No comments about Spas for Your Home.

5 comments about Southwest Style : A Home-Lover's Guide to Architecture and Design.

1. Living in Ontario, Canada and designing an adobe like home is difficult and we need lots of inspirational books. This one is highly valued in our home during this design period and we recommend this book for anyone in our circumstances. We found it inspirational and useful to our architect who has little exposure to the southwestern style. But...we need more books just like this and find it difficult to buy a book on your site without you providing additional information about the book...for exmample...peeks inside at some of the photographs. That would be so useful. But don't hesitate to order this one; it is well worth the investment.



2. Given my passion for the southwest, I expected to love this book, but I didn't. Certainly I found the photos lovely, but somehow the overall package does not convey the excitement, spirituality, and drama of the region. In other words, the book is a little flat. And what I expected to be a good read turned out to be more of an encyclopedia style rundown of facts (in other words, boring). The book comes off as a cold report on what is in fact a fabulously exciting and inspiring region.



3. The pictures are pretty but the book is a boring read.



4. Extremely beautiful and informative. Finally a substantive look at the style of the southwest.



5. I do NOT find this book limiting; when searching for decorating style of the SW; there is so FEW out there, it is refreshing to find one that covers such a broad area of the SW. I LOVE THIS book...Normal decorating books have so LITTLE of this area and for those of us who LOVE IT, the book is wonderful. REFRESHING and NOT CUTESY! At present I live in the Midwest of America and it is so limiting to NEW ideas so often. Our local library had this book, and I was searching to see how many others were out there, not many... so I MAY end having to OWN this book.

   Thank you for carrying this as well as several others pertaining to this area of the USA.

No comments about Brandscaping: Worlds of Experience in Retail Design.

5 comments about Designing With Light.

1. I am a trained architect working in the field of residential design. There is an immense desire for information on lighting design and scant little available. This book is one of many I have found that capitalizes on that problem but fails to deliver any worthwhile assistance. I am not criticizing the architecture which this coffee table volume serves mainly to promote. I just wish it offered some useful guidance pertinent to other less idiosyncratic applications. A better choice is Sally Storey's "Lighting by Design".



2. The book is good, not AMAZING! but it is a nice walk into the world of architectural lighting trough a group pf great projects.
   Architects: good choice for ideas, if you are interested in lighting.
   Lighting Designers: I won't lie to you, it is nice, but only that.
   Good for Beginners...



3. Architects work with light as one of the basic components of design. Unlike the more technical and morphological aspects of building, light is very difficult to learn and understand without direct experience. Knowledge of the nature and effects of light comes by seeing examples and thinking about them. This book provides the next best thing to being there.
   
   Discussions of light usually tend to the poles of the technical or the mystical. "Designing With Light" approaches it as a medium and discipline. The book provides wonderful examples and also begins a necessary process of categorization to help build a basic 'vocabulary' of light and its behavior. Victoria Meyers is an accomplished architect whose work exhibits a sensitive handling of her topic. I look forward to Volume Two, in which her analytic eye and mind continues the difficult project of making knowledge of this 'ineffable' subject more systematized and communicable.



4. Victoria Meyers leaves no stone unturned as she weaves through the worlds of Architecture, Art, and Science to illustrate the broad and intricate capacities of light.
   If you are familiar with the work of hanrahanMeyers you will not be surprised to find the genuinely breath-taking spreads that are to be found within its covers. The pages of this book are jam-packed with beautiful imagery and words that are sure to inspire any creative mind as much as it has mine !



5. Designing with light is a georgeous book. I love the title as well. It has amazing photos and it is stunning to look at. Every page is like a new adventure. It is one of the best design or architecture books I have ever seen. This book makes a beautiful coffee table book that you would love to share with your guests. The author shows a vast knowledge of architecture and the way that light aids in creating sophistication in design. I would highly reccommend this book for any artist's, architect's, designer's or anyone's collection for that matter. Bravo!