3 comments about Manual of Low-Slope Roof Systems.

1. I gave this book 4 stars and not 5 because it was not large enough. It should have been the next size format, so that the drawings would render better. That said, however, I must recommend this for several reasons: 1, there is a paucity of books on roofing, a mundane subject at best and of interest to few people. However, for those people, not much to choose from. "Low slope roof" is industry parlance for a commercial/industrial roof which will have layers of hot tar and roofing felt, then gravel, placed on a generally flat roof. This book explains it all, from a history of this type of roof, to various materials used, what to watch for, how to write specifications, and problems that might occur in the design or construction phases. 2, for those architects that design or specify roofs, it explains roofing in depth, and helps avoid expensive mistakes that experience alone woould teach.

   Although the book is expensive, the information given is worth every penny. Those who will buy this book will know that.




2. I reviewed this book for research on my own book, "The Roofing and Cladding System Handbook" by Robert N. Reid. It was a helpful book for anyone with a low slope roof and the diagrams and figures provided some really good information on causes of roofing failures in low slope systems and wind loads. The book also provided very good information for roofing asphalt. I acutally reviewed both the early version written in 1982 and this version written in 1996. I felt that this book is a very good book but it is especially helpful for roofing consultants, and others who specialize in roofing construction and problems.



3. In the opening chapters the authors identify many roofing industry problems... insufficient owner budgets, over-reliance on warranties, insufficient work inspection, poor design and construction, and lack of maintenance.

   Building owners, roofing designers, architects - the types of readers most likely to have an interest in this book - will know the problems first hand. And will appreciate the wealth of information presented. This text:

   Identifies and discusses in depth the myriad causes of roof failure; Presents roof design principles in light of current research; Reviews factors that influence roof design; Review the various (generic) roof systems in depth; And offers guidance for specifying and inspecting roofing work.

   The writing style is clear and consise, supported with graphs, current survey information, and other technical data.

   Readers will be armed with enough information to sort through the information and misinformation published by roof system manufacturers, select the best roof systems for their roof conditions and budgets, develop sound designs, and plow through most procurement and construction obstacles.

   Highly recommended.

4 comments about Richard Neutra: And The Search for Modern Architecture.

1. This book is the benchmark on Richard Neutra's work, it's thorough, has wonderful, vivid images, and the text is scholarly, but easy to read. I have always been a huge fan of Mr. Neutra's work, it is so clean, open, and modern. His buildings really fit Southern California perfect, the sunshine and the dry ocean breezes meld well with his modern asthetic. If you have any interest in Moderne architecture or are just a fan of the singular Mr. Neutra, then I highly recommend this book.



2. to an architect the purpose of this book is unclear. The subject is an architect with an extremely interesting life, who designed very interesting buildings. The subtitle of the book gives us the impression that the book is about architecture. In reality it only gives us a very poor impression of the buildings designed by Neutra: only very small pictures are displayed of what he designed. family snap-shots on the other hand, are everywhere and in larger sizes.
   Of course this can be a purpose of the writer. However, the uncritical way and blind admiration for Neutra makes the book boring to read and tiresome.
   I suggest that anyone that is interested in the works of Neutra buy another book, with better, and more pictures of his buildings and floor plans to go with them. His buildings deserve it.



3. this is an excellent account of the life and works of richard neutra. i would recommend this book to anyone interested in modern architecture, both regionally and internationally. More color images would have been appreciated, although this does not detract from the overall attractiveness of the book.



4. The classic Neutra companion; very informative. Although I would have liked to have seen current color photographs of the great RJN's work along with the extensive B&W ones (actually I believe a volume of that nature is in the works), this retrospective is nonetheless very broad in its scope and has many interesting stories about the building of the structures during Neutra's life. Also contains a complete list of his buildings and houses, along with locations and dates of construction.

4 comments about The Splendor of France: Great Chateaux, Mansions, and Country Houses.

1. A great and large collection of huge impressive photos for any Francophile that loves the French countryside and it's haute-couture architecture. A super reference for artists and travelers.



2. This is a nice book on an amazing subject. Maybe I expected too much from this book, I don't know, but though I liked it very much indeed, it did not blow me away. Something was missing, I think it was Versailles and Fountainbleau and maybe Sceaux. I just thought most of the greatest chateaux where absent, although I loved the section on Vaux le Vicomte, now that is a spectacular chateaux by anyones definition; maybe the most beautiful in France...Louis XIV thought so. The photographs where first rate and I did enjoy the book, I just wanted more. Having said that I do recommend it to anyone who in interested in this subject; for those it really is a book worth owning.



3. I got this because I really missed France after studying architecture there for a semester. This book really captured the same feeling of many of the historical sites I visited. My favorites are Chenonceau and Vaux-le-Vicomte, the French chateaux with formal garden.

   This paper back version is only 287 pages much shorter then the first hardcover that was about 400-500 pages. I don't quite remembered, but I think there were some lesser chateaux taken out. I found the hardcover for $130 at a local architectural bookstore. So, this definitely a steal at Amazon price of $28.

   The pictures are very big; every other page is a full page photograph. Some pages have a smaller picture and a written summary. This is more of a picture book with very little written texts, so you can't really use it for writing a resource paper. The picture of the building or site is very clean, since most of these places are full of tourist and it is funny seeing it empty. There are photographs of Chateaux, garden, interior design with furniture, and sculpture.

   If you like France and garden after the Baroque period, this is a nice book. It would be a five star if they didn't condense the book from the in-depth first edition.




4. This book is an absolute treasure to anyone who loves French architecture and decoration. It contains spledid photographs of French Chateaux inside and out. While expensive it is worth every cent and then some. A Must!

No comments about English Architecture (World of Art).

1 comments about Architectural Inspiration: Styles, Details and Sources.

1. This book is an outstanding display of custom idea's for the entire home. The photo's bring to life 1000's of interior and exterior shots, that give you idea's from all over North America. Different styles, materials, concepts, roof lines, sidings and unique designs are fully explored throughout the book. If you want idea's while building a custom home, that are state of the art, and displayed with beautiful photographic pictures that you can build from, this is an excellent book to have. The text fully explains the use of materials and explain sections of the pictures that I would not generally have seen. I have only just received my copy of Architectural Inspirational and have received some excellent feedback from my friends and neighbours whom I have shared my recent purchase.

No comments about Calcutta.

3 comments about Festa Veneziana a Ca'Toga: The Imaginative World of a Venetian Artist in Napa Valley.

1. The House That Faux Built As the author of The House that FAux Built-Transform Your Home with Paint Plaster and Creativity, I shared the faux-cademy stage with the the author of this book and we traded books at the end. I was thrilled and amazed at his creativity. It is an exceptional book full of great ideas. Even better, I was able to visit the house this summer on a tour. If you ever get the chance do it! In the meantime defn. buy the book, Adrienne van Dooren



2. carlo lives the artist's life surrounded by a world of his own creation, and shows us that it is our mission to create and spread beauty in this world, with our skill, and our hopes and dreams. plus, it looks like he knows how to throw a good party. bravo maestro!



3. What a joyous occasion it becomes to whirl through the new book on Venetian-born Carlo Marchiori, a master of many arts, who now lives and works in Calistoga, Ca., the northern-most town in Napa Valley. The book not only presents his life and work in a colorful, well-photographed journal, but it has the magical touch of Carlo's own imagination for the styling of the photographs, layout, and storyline. Now his mastery of arts includes book design as well as painting, drawing, sculpture, construction, architecture, and costume design!

   A self-proclaimed great illusionist, he nontheless informs us of the historical references in his art while capturing our imaginations on an illustrated magical journey back through time. The book is storybook, history, and journal, all rolled into one, and written with Carlo's great sense of humor and gusto for life. From the moment you turn the first page, you are captured by Renaissance man Marchiori's presentation, all colorful, fun, and fantastic. It is a delightful glimpse into his most beautiful imaginings, and they are bountiful. You laugh, smile, ooooo, and ahhhhh, and see life above the mundane, as does Carlo!

   It is interesting to note that he allows tours of his home, and has a shop and artist studio in Calistoga, where various pieces of his art are sold. These are extraordinary experiences not to be missed while in Napa Valley.

No comments about Piranesi As Designer.

1 comments about Painting Your Favorite Birds Step by Step.

1. This book is an excellent step by step guide to painting Birds, the author has really thought about her subjects and even has given a little review about each bird at the start of the project wich makes it all the more interesting, loads of pictures, and the instructions are easy to follow. Overall an excellent book.

2 comments about Gilded Vessel: The Lustrous Life and Art of Beatrice Wood.

1. I bought this for a very good friend of mine and she just loves the book. She met Beatrice once as both of us lived in Ojai, CA where Beatrice lived for many years. We have been to her house also. My friend just loved her and her particular style of art.
   
   Sincerely, Terry W. Chaffee



2. THE GILTED VESSEL is a beautiful book about an amazing woman and potter. Her life is more wonderful than any fiction and her pottery is exquisite. The only flaw is that it is too short; I want more.