5 comments about Building Type Basics for Museums (Building Type Basics).

1. All this book does is show examples of built museums... these are not case studies. There is no investigation/analysis/questioning of what was built and why. It only gives you a small amount of information about the many museums we are already familiar with, and shows plans and drawings that are either too small or irrelevant. I would only use this to become familiar with some of the worlds modern museums, but you could also just find that on the internet. Beyond the case studies there is nothing else, no narrative, no discussion of specific program issues, no technical discussion of lighting, acoustics, way finding, etc. etc. Truly a joke unfortunately. Do not buy this if you actually want to learn about how to properly plan and design a museum.



2. I own 4 books from Building Type Basics Series. They are Retail Facility, Hospitality Facility, Theater Facility and Museum Facility. So far, I considered this Museum Facility Book as the worst of all 4. For Retail, Hospitality and Theater, these three have a lot of generic information such as historical background of building type, space component, principles of design, etc. They also give a lot of examples based on those generic issues, topic by topic. In this Museum book, it is all about examples with plans and very little background information for each museums. There are a lot of pictures and plans which are not of good quality (I actually didn't expect them to be because it is not the strength of the series). I intended to buy this book (which is expensive) to obtain pure information. I did not get it either.
   
   All I can say is, this book is not up to the par with the others in the same series that I own.



3. A well written, must have volume for all involved in museum planning, design, architecture, and related fields.



4. comprehensive volume providing detailed information on the design of museum and cultural facilities. vast amount of information.



5. a major source of vital information in the design of museums.

5 comments about Oil Painting - The Workshop Experience.

1. In the opening of the book, the artist mentions that he dropped out of art classes because of his instructors. I think he should have continued his art classes. I don't know if his paintings are meant to be just illustrative and are not real representations of what he does because I've seen his work before and it's not comparable to what is in this book.
   If I had to pay for his instructional teaching, then I would demand my money back. The only reason I haven't returned this book is that I misplaced the Amazon invoice and packing materials. In all honesty, I must say that my first oil painting I ever painted turned out better than anything this artist has in his book, and that was without any previous or prior knowledge, and I don't consider myself to be a great artist.
   Painting is like common sense - you either have it, or you don't.



2. I have read a good number of books on painting and this one is head and shoulders above the rest. I experienced an immediate improvement in the quality of my painting after reading this book.
   
   Some of the things I found valuable were Goerschner's explanation of how he achieves color harmony through the use of four "grays," the role of dynamic and static shapes in a composition, and his annotated "paint-on" critiques.
   
   This book contains complete and well rounded instruction -- I can't recommend it enough!



3. It's more suitable for beginners. There is not much information. There are some good suggestions. The book title attracted me. It's pretty basic.



4. I've been painting off and on for 50 years. This book is the best I've read, bar none, on how to free up your artistic creativity. I've read it through twice and keep it handy as a reference. The ideas within are expressed with simplicity and great skill, making the book a delight to read. The book is definitely a keeper. I highly recommend it for any serious oil or acrylic artist.



5. I am using this book (along with Kevin Macpherson's "Fill Your Oil Paintings with Light and Color" and Charles Sovek's "Oil Painting -Develop Your Natural Ability") as a foundation for my self-directed study in oil painting.

   Goershner's understanding of design and color, and his enthusiasm and clarity of teaching makes him a must-read for serious students of painting. My hope is to become as masterful as he is in his paintings: he manages to intrigue the viewer immediately, and uses superb compositional and color methods to elate and inspire, and leave the viewer wanting more.

   Through step by step examples in the book, he explains why his paintings work so well, and how you can develop the same competence. I particularly enjoyed his critiques of 12 student paintings which he then improves and explains why they now look so much better. What a superb way to learn!

   I've definitely become a Goershner fan and will be working with this book often.

2 comments about Le Modulor and Modulor 2 [ENGLISH EDITION].

1. The books arrived well packaged and on time. The books however were a little smaller than what I anticipated since the last time I reviewed these same books was at a local library, but nevertheless I was impressed that the books did come in a compacted design. For what better way to show off the design tool called the Modulor by placeing a picture of it on it's very own jacket that comes with the books. You feel as if the whole box set is some sort of handy carpenters tape measure to carry 'round with you.The inside of the book is full of explanatory remarks about perfecting, creating and applying this human scale ruler which incorporates the practical use of what is termed the Golden Section and thereby adhereing it to his/your own building designs. For those of you who are avid Golden Ratio/Section seekers these two books are a great gift idea and a great collectors item.The books also include many letters too from his colleagues who critique and sometimes try to disprove his modular idea, that it really works.I have included pictures to show you the overall appearance of both books and its smart jacket design. Therefore I say an excellant choice and would recommend to college students, Architects, and all those versed in the Arts in general



2. Le Corbusier had been working for some time on his Modulor system using these French decimal measurements but without much success. Then one of his collaborators, Py, said: "Isn't the height we are working with rather a French height? Have you ever noticed that in English detective novels the hero is always six feet tall?" Le Corbusier continues: " We then applied this standard. To our delight, the graduations of a new Modulor, based on a man six feet tall, translated themselves into round figures in feet and inches". (hardly surprising when you consider that this is a natural system of measure.).

4 comments about Irving J. Gill: Architect, 1870 - 1936.

1. The photographs are wonderful. Unfortunately, Mr. Rand has not done his research. He misidentified houses, their dates of construction and owners. His book is filled with works by authors already published some years ago. It is a cobbling of misinformation and script available elsewhere. It looks thrown together. There is no index. I cannot recommend this book.



2. When you look at Irving Gill's work, you can almost feel the southern california sunshine and the ocean breezes caressing your skin. I for one love his work, expecially his Art Deco white houses, they just exude cool. This book is a wonderful tribute to the man and his work. The text is highly informative and the images are crisp and vivid. If you have any interest in southern california shiek or just talented people and their art, then I believe you will not be disappointed in this work.



3. I just received this book in the mail. It is a great accompaniment to the "Architecture of Reform" book especially because this book has beautiful large color photographs! Great book!



4. This is a beautiful book of Marvin Rand's particular photo-stylistic vision of Gill's work, although it is very limited on written information. I would also recommend the fantastic Thomas Hines "Irving Gill and the Architecture of Reform," as well as the absolutely-required Esther McCoy "Five California Architects" as compliments to Rand's photos. In the end, it's about Gill's stunningly simple and beautiful work. The images, the details, the lost masterpieces (Dodge House), etc. are all wonderfully captured here. I waited nearly a year to get this book, and I was not disappointed. That said, anything on the California modernist pioneers is generally an interesting book purchase. Recommended for fans of Richard Neutra, Gregory Ain as well as the pipe-smoking American Bungalow set.

5 comments about Authentic Small Houses of the Twenties: Illustrations and Floor Plans of 254 Characteristic Homes (Dover Books on Architecture).

1. This is a Dover reprint of SMALL HOMES OF ARCHITECTURAL DISTINCTION: A BOOK OF SUGGESTED PLANS DESIGNED BY THE ARCHITECTS' SMALL HOUSE SERVICE BUREAU, INC., originally published by Harper & Brothers Publishers, New York and London, in 1929. Yes, it was a long title, but Dover is doing a disservice to old book collectors by changing the titles. That said, it is a good collection of examples that could be easily adapted for today's living, especially for those who want a not-so-big house. The cover says that there are 254 houses and each are shown with floor plans, including the second floor where applicable, and a view of the exterior, either a rendering or a black & white photo. In some examples, details are also presented with sketches or photos. This is highly recommended for all interested in traditional residential architecture.



2. If you like houses of this period, this book contains a good range of architectural styles and layouts.
   The houses are small even by the standards of the time, generally with 6 rooms. Most have comfortably cozy dimensions, and some are downright dinky. How did they arrange furniture in a bedroom only 8 feet square (and that isn't the smallest)?
   While the photos are good illustrations, I really like the drawings best. These also cover a range of styles. Art students, whether concentrating in freehand or technical drawing, would probably find these useful exercises to help them develop a technique that is comfortable for them.



3. Whenever I'm out driving through my neighborhood, inevitably another charming older home catches my eye and I race home to grab my copy of this great book. It's turned out to be a wonderful resource for my husband and me as we search for our first home. We already have an idea of the floor plan before we walk through the door. Also gives a lot of information about original fixtures/features that tend to change as homes are renovated through the years.



4. As all of history is cyclical, so is home architecture in America. Authentic Small Houses of the Twenties shows wonderful possibilities for houses that capture the "Not so Big House" ideal, a movement gaining momentum in this day of the McMansion. The product of a joint venture by the U. S. Dept. of Commerce and the American Institute of Architects after WWI, these house plans show marvelous use of interior space, detailing and economy. Although the house plans with sketches or photos of each shown are not available, as far as I know, in blueprint form for purchase, they furnish tremendous grist for the creative future home owner. A treasure!



5. I enjoy looking at architecture from the late 1800's to the early 1900's in America. It is possible to see how families of the past lived by viewing the floor plans in this book. Many of them would be very livable for today (updated with modern mechanics and appliances, of course!) for young families and retirees. My personal goal is to select one (the hardest part of all!) to build for my wife and myself to retire to (in about 15-20 years).

1 comments about Mexico City: Architecture & Design (And Guides).

1. Good. Still pretty up to date, all though they will have to release a new one very soon. Mexico City is changing constantly and new, beautiful buildings are being build. But its a good guide, and a good little present too.

5 comments about Painting Greeting Cards in Watercolor.

1. I live in Australia so expected 3 to 4 weeks for delivery of this book, it came in less than 2 weeks so was plesently suprised with it's early arrival and it was well packed. I really enjoy the step by step projects how too's, and tips and tricks with lots of pictures to guide you.



2. This is an exceptional watercolor book that offers over 35 step-by-step projects in miniature art. It is not just for beginners. It is packed with useful information on how to design a painting, vary a theme to create a series of paintings. By walking you through the various painting techniques, then using them in step-by-step projects, Jaqueline Penny shows you how to how to turn one small painting into variations based on such things as differing the arrangement, color schemes, weather themes, horizontal vs. vertical presentation, etc..
   
   Here are some excerpts from the Table of Contents:
   Chapter 3 guides you through 5 projects that vary one scene by changing the sky, color, season, time of day, size and location.
   
   Chapter 5 gives 8 projects that help you become more creative by showing how a subject can be painted different ways--project 18 is how to paint a pear, including how to paint a droplet of water on the pear. Project 19 is painting an apple half. Project 20 Painting Hard Rocks--the author then shows how that same scene can be painted again, but by using different painting techniques, it does not become the same picture, but one with a whole new statement. The next projects are soft rocks, coastal rocks, little rocks. Next, painting two adirondack chairs(facing the viewer), then varying that theme by painting them facing out away from you, and changing the scenery surrounding them.
   
   Penny also teaches how to set up your paper so you can paint several paintings all on the same board, and how to do such things as making a postcard with three related small paintings--one of a landscape, then zeroing in on what's in the landscape and painting a close up of some flowers, or seeing the landscape from a different perspective, or changing the angles of 3 related paintings on a postcard, etc..
   
   I love Chapter 20, because it really shows where creativity and imagination can take you, and it's FUN!! Penny demonstrates how you can allow paints to run together to skies and flowers, then how to make minature paintings for the walls by varying mat colors. She gives you ideas on how to use such things as drips dropping on wet paper to make a colorful flower scene, and how to use that colorful painting along with a colored border cut in various shapes to add interest and make a variety of different greeting cards.
   
   Project 35 is especially exciting for me. It's title is "Pure Fantasy Another Way" It shows you how a wet-on-wet floral painting with a lot of soft edges can be used to create a beautiful fantasy scene with a tiny boy who is about 1/1000th as big as the flower is standing on the stem to gaze at the flower....This idea is then FURTHER EXPANDED by taking that floral idea and changing the boy to a girl, with a different pose and slightly different floral scene, or adding poetry to the scene of zeroing in more to one or two flowers.
   
   This book really demonstrates the multitude of possibilities in painting greeting cards, miniature paintings for the home, post cards, etc. The lessons are not difficult, and are easy enough for beginners, but it is also good for someone who is beyond the beginner stage, as it is also a book about design and creativity.
   
   A Wonderful book, that will help you expand on ideas for watercolors.
   If you like the book Work Small, Learn Big, this might be a good companion.



3. Thank you Jacqueline Penney for making my introduction to watercolor painting fun, informative and very helpful.
   The book, Painting Greeting Cards in Watercolor, was a step by step introduction to watercolor painting through the practice of greeting card design. The lessons were fun, quick and very easy to follow, making the student beg to beging the next lesson. After every lesson I felt like I really learned something and was proud of my accomplishment. I'll be honest, as a first time watercolorist I would have given up if this book wasn't easy, fun and easy to understand. Luckily it was a superb introduction and I am very happy.
   Thank you again.



4. I really enjoy using this book for inspiration and practice. I don't use her ideas for greeting cards, but for small paintings. Most of the paintings can be finished rather quickly. The topics are appealing and I have sold a number of them. I like her 3-in-1 compositions, dividing the paper with masking tape and having related subjects treated differently within each block. It is a practical and user-friendly book, well worth the purchase.



5. I have painted all the pictures in Jacqueline's book. Her detailed instructions make copying her art miniatures easy. Her instructions apply not only to miniatures but also larger sized pictures. I have used several of her designs for greeting cards.

5 comments about The Spirit of St. Andrews.

1. I feel that the spiritual aspect of golf is sometimes overrated or overwrought in various writings. Here, however, is a long-lost gem wherein Mackenzie, typically, gets it just right. The last two chapters on the societal benefits of golf and golf courses are spot on. I would suggest that anyone who wished to truly understand the spirit of golf should read those chapters. It causes me to hope that there will be numerous quality golf courses built around Iraq and Afghanistan in the near future. If that could be accomplished and some of the local kids and healthy adults take to it, as inevitably they would, then we would achieve our goals of victory and the establishment of advanced societies in those places. It may take that to get there.



2. MacKenzie's "Spirit of St. Andrews" shows that his philosophy of golf course architecture is as relevant today as it was when this was written in the 1930s. The good doctor's writing flows with the charm of that era.



3. Not to be confused with a book centered on architecture, this, MacKenzie's unpublished and possibly unfinished volume on golf, is a general essay on the game and its facets.
   
   Because MacKenzie is famous for his courses, the obvious assumption is that this would be centered on course design. Rather, it is almost a reflection on what goes in to making a good course versus a bad one, what seperates good golfers from the hacks, and a whole other range of subjects. It even features a chapter on his disection of the golf swing.
   
   For someone looking purely for an architectural perspective, it would be better to look at his other book, Golf Architecture. This, on the other hand, is much more broad ranging. Most will only be interested in the first half, where the focus is on courses, their upkeep, and MacKenzie's personal involvement in the spread of golf. The latter, on the swing and a few random ideas on golf, will likely drag on the reader rather than offering the enlightenment we would hope for.



4. Lost manuscript now publlished for all of us to hear the thoughts of such an influential figure in our sport's history. Bob Jones wrote of him in the preface: "all his courses that I have played have been interesting; in every instance he has placed interest and enjoyment ahead of difficulty."

   Oh, that more modern designers would learn the lesson! He states that even the most emphatic golfer who says he's not interested in beauty is "subconsciously influenced by his surroundings." Easily the designer of some of golf's most influential hole scenes, this guy gives definite hints, e.g. Playing down fairways bordered by straight lines of trees is not only unartistic but makes tedious and uninteresting golf. Many green committees ruin one's handiwork by planting trees like rows of soldiers along the borders of the fairways."

   Love the poem he quotes on the analysis of paralysis: The Centipede was happy quite until a toad in fun said "Pray which leg goes over which?" This put his mind in such a pitch he lay distracted in a ditch considering how to run."




5. Great read and great sketches. When asked how he got such interesting, hilly, contoured greens, Dr. M once said, "Employ the biggest fool in the village and instruct him to make the greens all flat"

   Scary how much of the comments written in the early part of the century apply to today's game and course design. Once section about the controversy of the day re: limiting the flight of the ball is exaclt what we are hearing nearly again 70 years later

3 comments about Courtyards: Intimate Outdoor Spaces.

1. This book was recommended as a guide to developing sculpture gardens and outdoor living spaces. It is not. The photographs appear to be very dated as are the subject courtyards. It is a dull, unispired book.



2. Douglas Keister's Courtyards: Intimate Outdoor Spaces takes a rare look at the function, definition and purpose of a courtyard surveying courtyards around the world which grace both home and public establishment. Courtyards can be adapted to both large and small spaces, vary in greenery, stonework, and lighting, and are perfect additions for homeowners seeking to remodel with style. Turn a backyard into a courtyard setting or consider many options through the phone color exhibition of photographer Keister, paired with text which considers design options and successful examples.



3. The author has definitely done his homework. We are in the process of creating a courtyard in our back yard after having added a sunroom this past season. Our theme has been "New Orleans" for the sunroom ... even though we live in a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, we have visited New Orleans many times and consider it our "home away from home". There are courtyards from New Orleans featured in this book - but many from other places as well. Whatever you are looking for in courtyard ideas, you will find it here.

5 comments about Historic Millwork: A Guide to Restoring and Re-creating Doors, Windows, and Moldings of the Late Nineteenth through Mid-Twentieth Centuries.

1. This books was exactly what I was looking for. I do work on Victorian houses and this book puts everything in perspective. I can now tell what woodwork belongs in what house and not guess anymore. I can explain to customers what they have or had in their house and give a brief history behind their mill work. After reading this book you will be able to act as an authority on restoration work. When giving bids or discussing potential jobs with a client I can speak confidently and sell my services much more effectively. If you work on old houses the knowledge you will gain in this book will set you apart from the average modern day carpenter. The price is small compared to the education you will get from this book. If you love Victorian woodwork as I do, this book is a must have. It would take 20 other carefully selected books and numerous hours of research to arrive at the same depth of understanding of historic mill work as this book gives you in one long afternoon of reading. This author saved me a lot of time and confusion by producing such a book; my personal thanks!



2. Reading other reviews, I'm not sure why we have the overall impression that highly specialized references such as this should be bargain basement priced - the costs of writing and producing a book such as this are not inconsiderable, so I feel compelled to defend the author and publisher in that respect.
   
   That being said, I'm perhaps the ideal customer for this book in that my home - former military quarters - was built in 1910 and re-fitted by the military at least twice during its life. Trying to figure out what is original and what is retrofitted is very challenging and this book provides an excellent guide for my purposes.
   
   If you want pure gratification from a text with lots of color pictures you should know this is not a coffee table book, likewise, it is not a catalog. Nevertheless, I think the serious restoration-minded reader will be very satisfied, as I am.



3. Like several other reviewers, I found the book to be overpriced. The book provided neither extensive and in depth narrative history NOR extensive patterns. ...and I don't believe there was one color photograph to be found. Don't buy it until you've had it in your hands.



4. As you try and make a decision about this book I wanted to give an explanation as the author. I noticed the reviews above and wanted to clarify the purpose of the book. I don't want you to spend $70 dollars on a book that doesn't help.
   
   First, if you are looking for an old millwork catalog, this may not be your book. I wrote this book for architects trying to specify the correct doors, windows and moldings for historic buildings. I wrote this book for homeowners trying to figure out the millwork in their home and the subtle differences that take place during each architectural period. I wrote this book for contractors trying to restore an historic building with the proper details.
   
   1870-1940 is a unique 70 year period in which there are numerous architectural changes that effect the moldings and millwork details of a building.
   
   This book was written to help clarify how historic millwork was produced, who the major players were, how architectual and stylistic differences revealed themselves in the moldings and millwork of the home. I have broken out chapters by topic like windows or doors and then traced the changes in these products from 1870 to 1940. Hopefully, by reading this book you will be able to easily distinguish; a Victorian 5 panel door from an Arts and Crafts 2 panel, understand when colonades were popular and how they change, identify a Queen Anne sash, and recognize Victorian millwork from others.
   
   I hope this helps you get a clear picture of what you are buying.
   
   Thanks
   
   Brent Hull
   
   PS. I had to rate the book in order to submit this review.



5. This book is quite overpriced relative to similar books. Better titles are available from Dover (Universal Millwork Catalog), Lee Valley (Home Interiors of the 1920s), Linden Publishing (Modern Practical Joinery), Fredionia (Modern Carpentry) that cover the information and provide more information at about 1/3 to 1/4 the price for each book. It looks like that many examples are out of these books commonly available. Furthermore, this book has relatively few examples for each catagory. Before you spend the money on this book, check it out from your library or have them get it through interlibrary loan along with the other books mentioned.