No comments about York Interior Design, 1935-1985, Vol. 1: Inventors of Tradition.

2 comments about Italian Splendor.

1. The book itself is a work of art. I actually have two copies of this book, the original first edition Hardcover in Italian, and the Hardcover reprint edition from 2004. Italia Meravigliosa, I bought with the idea that any text in its original language is better than anything translated. That would probably be true if my skills in Italian came anywhere close to what I would like to think they are.
   The book is a beautiful journey through Italy to places that you would never get to see, even if you lived in Italy. The book is laid out well with exquisite pictures on every page. A special bonus is the fact that the text accompanying the pictures is presented outside the picture itself so that the beauty of the picture is unmarred by text superimposed over it.
   The book visits 57 places, with historical background, things to look for in the pictures, and interesting little facts in the narration at the beginning of each new place. The pictures that follow are all relevant to the text presented, with enough information to enjoy and understand the pictures, without a lot of repetitive information. A lot of thought went into everything presented in the book. It is a refreshing change from similar books that present the same information over and over disguised in different versions of the same thing. There is a nice map that helps pinpoint the locations of all the places for you, so you never have to admit that without it, you would have no idea where these places were.
   Since I have both the original edition plus the reprint addition, I can provide the differences in the two. While they are both hardcover editions, containing the same amount of pages and the same information on the pages, there are some surprising differences. The original version is ½" thicker than the reprint edition and almost a pound heavier. The original version seems to be printed on better quality paper, and has a more solid binding. This would not be noticeable except for the fact that I own both copies and one is noticeably larger than the other. My advice: Take this book, get a glass of wine, wrap yourself in a blanket by the fireplace and you will be transported on journey through Italy. No matter how many times I have read this book and looked at the pictures, I always seem to see something in the pictures that I never saw before. It will definitely be a great addition to your book collection.



2. Italian Splendor is simply splendid, and much more than just a coffee table show-off. It is a beautifully produced book, dominated (as it should be) by the wonderful photography of Roberto Schezen.

   The descriptions by art expert Ralph Toledano are succinct and respectful and contain some interesting anecdotes. Best of all, they are short enough to just whet the appetite for the photographs.

   This book takes you into the fabulous homes of the rich and aristocratic families of Italy and Sicily. From the exquisitely simple La Rocca Pisana, Lonigo to the amazingly rich Palazzo Doria Pamphilij in Rome, each house is different and interesting. Some are astonishing, like the Palazzo, Panza di Biumo, which has a peculiar mixture of ancient frescoes and abstract modern art that works in an odd sort of way. Many are private homes not open to the public, and therefore not able to be viewed in any other way except through this book. Unless you happen to be royalty yourself, of course!

   The book was researched over 18 months by Jack Basehart, who must be incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to get to know all of these marvellous houses. Thanks for sharing them with us, Jack....

   ...And how about turning this book into a documentary series?

   PS. If you can get hold of it, I think the hardback is well worth the extra money. This is a book you're going to want to keep.

No comments about New Apartments.

3 comments about Early Georgian Interiors (Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in Britis).

1. Exactly the book I'd hoped it would be. A wonderful source of information and inspiration.



2. This is a beautifully realized book on a most deserving subject. The text is highly informative and the images are vivid. The craftmanship of these interiors is astounding. Early Georgian furniture and interior design is so elegant and it does not overwelm, like its contemporary styles like Louis XIV, the woodwork and molding in these homes is just breathtaking. If you have any interest in the Georgian style or just appreciate beautiful interiors then you will love this book.



3. As a classically trained english architect I find myself in a unique position to authoritively review this book. And what a book. That perfect blend of photos (most of them colour), drawings - both plans and renderings, and an informative text. This is a must for anyone interested in early Georgian Interiors, as it comprehensively covers interior architecture, decoration, furniture/artwork, and the general design aesthetic of this era. If only we still had the artisians and cratspeople to still build like this. It is an inspiration to any aspiring classical architect.

5 comments about Feng Shui Principles for Building and Remodeling : Creating a Space That Meets Your Needs and Promotes Well-Being.

1. I am going to build muy custom house and I want to do it according to the Feng Shui. I was expecting to find many Feng Shui floor plans samples...well let me tell you that not, it has not many Feng Shui floor plans, such a few, and most of them do not match what the book says. I mean that most of the foor plans are not according to Feng Shui bagua grid (occidental), i.e.: bathroom is Wealth area, when it is known in all schools that bathroom can't be placed there.
   I found just 1 floor plan, so it is not worthly to get this book if you are looking for Feng Shui floor plans.



2. The School of Pyramid Feng Shui is adapted to the ocidental people. No focus on directions belonging to an element or not. Is centered in the harmony of the nature cycles where all the elements of nature (colors, sounds, shapes, etc.)and people with their houses must achieved balance. Very good reading. With lots of questions and cases, thinking in all situations (a home for a familiy, for a couple, or just one person). If you liked, probably you'll buy (like me) the other book of Nancilee Wydra "Feng Shui goes to the office".



3. This is a great book! It is not based on the traditional feng shui, but ascribes to pyramid feng shui. So if you are looking for why everyone in the house experiences the same illness that cropped up when you moved in, this may not fit the bill. But it addresses the flow of chi and the balance of yin/yang in detail. It is a great read and opens you up to the different sounds, textures, smells and visual apects of your home that makes a home interesting and appealing to everyone that experiences it. It literally brings your awareness to the fact that your home is a live energy.



4. As a registered interior designer and certified Feng Shui professional, I found this book to be an interesting read. It will help designers and architects, as well as homeowners, analyze space and make informed decisions as to build or remodel. The charts are easy to follow and right on point. This book is filled with illustrations that are wonderful in demonstrating the ideas being presented. The "forward thinking" floorplans at the end of the book show that these two authors understand the diversity of how people live today and how their homes could be better designed to meet their needs.



5. I found this book to be a "must read" if you are planning to build or remodel and it is easy to understand. My husband and I are building a home and we found this book to be a vital resource for our decision making. It helped us select the outside colors, wall colors, flooring, lighting, window coverings, as well as furniture placement. In our meeting to finalize the floor plan with the builder, his wife was so impressed with our feedback and rationale that she asked me to get her the book!

No comments about Glass House: Building for Open Living.

No comments about Working: 20 Projects in Process.

2 comments about Understanding Color: An Introduction for Designers, 2nd Edition.

1. Pretty good with examples, and ways to utilize color. This is a keeper in the collection for me.



2. This book is pretty good. It explains the different color wheels, how we see color, value, saturation, harmony, and so much more. It is pretty thorough and easy to read. I recommend this book for anyone needing to understand color theory.
   
   Minetta Minnick

No comments about Designing a Quality Lighting Environment.

4 comments about Old Florida: Florida's Magnificent Homes, Gardens and Vintage Attractions.

1. Forget theme park world that most people associate with Florida today, OLD FLORIDA chronicles the vintage, the off beat and the unusual places that recall a time not too long ago before the Sunshine state was over run by tourism.
   
   We used to spend some time in Florida visiting a great aunt in Dunedin and this book is a reminder of what we missed along the way--and things I'd like to return to see (if the kids will let us bypass Orlando). Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' farmhouse is definitely on the list as are some of the other places chronicled in this book.
   
   The photographers, Steve Gross and Susan Daley, who also produced and photographed OLD HOUSES, SANTA FE: HOUSES & GARDENS, and CATSKILLS COUNTRY STYLE, as well as their recent release, CREOLE HOUSES, appreciate and photograph these unusual places that should be both seen and preserved. Their work provides an armchair glimpse into another time--each place is preserved and kept in its own unique manner and fortunately brought to life, and held for posterity, in the evocative vision of these photographers. We all need to see the built environment a bit more as they do and appreciate what we still have from the past before it is beseiged by homogenous strip malls and McMansions. Gross and Daley help inspire and lead the way.



2. Who knew? Browsing the bookstore shelves for a present for a dear friend recently retired to the Sunshine State I came upon this fine book, OLD FLORIDA. This book is a gem! The excellent photographs show all the great gardens and historic houses like the ones in St Agustine we love to visit and many we plan to. I will be ordering several more to give as gifts.



3. I love this book! It is a beautiful tour of OLD FLORIDA"S lost treasures of architecture and all the facinating houses and gardens that most tourists never go to. In this age of over development and franchise attractions this beautifully photographed book showed us many wonderous places that make Florida unique. When I found this book I was amazed and looked up the authors, Sue Daley and Steve Gross. It turns out that they have done several books of this sort. They also did a book on Sante Fe and another one on the Catskills and both are as beautiful and interesting as OLD FLORIDA. They are both photographers who seem to be able to find both historic and contemporary houses to photograph that one would love to visit. This is what makes their books so good, their sophisticated eye for showing a place through it's houses and people who created them and we can't wait to see where their books will take us next.



4. Once upon a time, Rizzoli was a publisher of beautiful and definitive books. How the mighty have fallen. "Old Florida" is sadly typical of Rizzoli's current product: hit-or-miss photography accompanied by text barely worthy of a tourist brochure. Recommended only if you need some eye-candy to glance at while clicking between A&E and the TravelChannel.
   If you really want to learn about Florida history and architecture, consider these books instead: "Speedway to Sunshine: The Story of the Florida East Coast Railway" and "Mizner's Florida: American Resort Architecture."