2 comments about A History of Ottoman Architecture.

1. One cannot lavish enough superlatives on this work. The astounding, encyclopedic knowledge of the author of his subject matter, his loving dedication to it, and the insight and inconoclasism that permeates this tome all make for a wonderful reading. While every chapter of this book has something to recommend (especially the earlier chapters), I found the three chapters on the famous 16th century Ottoman master architect Mimar Sinan to be exceptionally poetic. I have recently carried an earlier edition of this book with me on a pilgrimage of sorts following the Sinan mosques in Istanbul from the earliest (Haseki Hu'rrem Mosque) through his more grand masterpieces such as the Sulaymaniae and his later sublime works such as Rustem Pasha and Sokollu Pasha mosques. All the details of interest were there as was the more arching overview of what the architect was up to and how he met or failed to meet the challenges at hand. The book covers the entire Anadoul plateau and some examples from the provinces. It is very informative on the influences of different architectural genres (the Byzantine and the Seljuk to name two obvious ones) on the Ottoman example. If art and architecture are windows into understanding and appreciating accomplishments of cultures and societies you would be hard put to find a better guide to Ottoman architectural and cultural achievements.



2. Goodwin's A History of Ottoman architecture was first published in 1971. Since then it has been the primary reference book on Ottoman architecture. Every student of this architectural tradition from first year university students to emeritius professors still use this book whenever they need information on a certain period or building. This book not only gives encyclopedic information, but also provides the reader with a certain point of view and masterfully done interpretation on specific issues. Goodwin's rich terminological and conceptual tools make the book valuable in respect to its scientific definitiveness and narrative. Each chapter contains drawings, plans and photographs of the buildings and of urban settings. Since Goodwin's book comprises the history of Ottoman architecture from its beginnings to its end, the reader should not expect to find the illustrations of all buildings. On the other hand, Goodwin not only deals with the primary Ottoman buildings of istanbul, but also gives descriptions and comparative evaluations of some of the minor buildings outside of the capital city. This last treat is generally lacking in other general histories of Ottoman architecture. Therefore, I highly recommend this book to anybody who is interested in great architectures of the world.

1 comments about How to Design & Build Decks & Patios.

1. This book was very informative and was all my husband and I needed to build our split level deck. We were able to easily enlarge a deck design from the book to fit out space.

5 comments about In a Spiritual Style: The Home as Sanctuary.

1. An inspirational book that can help make your home a more peaceful place to live, work, and meditate in. I enjoyed looking at the photos and reading the text. I would ceretainly recommend buying a copy.



2. This is one of my favorite books to look through. There are so many full color photographs of different altars and sacred spaces. I get so many ideas from this book. Its one of those books that you just pick up now and again for inspiriation. The author truly has the creative spark. My favorite are the photographs of the authors santeria shrines. The Orisha must be pleased with what the author has created for them. Ashe to Laura Cerwinske!



3. As you browse throught this book you will feel inspired in many ways; you will be inspired spiritually of course but also at looking at the world in a different way. In this book the differences between religions are erased, the belief in ancient dieties mesh with contemporary reflections of Jesus, Buddah, Hindu Shiva and Shakti figures, African fetish figures or sculptures are intermingled with Burmese textiles and Mexican altars , complete with crosses adorned with milagros are juxtaposed on other pages with devil wood carvings and images of death in the form of calaveras (skeletons). There is even a section on Santeria altars where the text explains the origins of the religion as coming with the slaves from Yoruba to Cuba and spreading throughout the Caribbean. The book is organized with a text and accompanying pictures of the history of sacred design and the meaning of santuary. If you look at the table of contents you will see that the author explores gardens, rooms and shrines, altars , art and artifacts. The text is less than spellbinding but the pictures are magnificent. The author takes you into several artists homes and naturally they are some of the most spectacular. If you are into wood work from New Mexico than you are in for a real treat. There is nearly a two page spread of renowned santero Ramon Jose Lopez bedroom that shows his "chapel" where he sleeps. The bed has six panels, featuring various saints, a room divider with more hand carved panels of saints, many styles of crosses, including an altar made of wood in form of a pyramid where each level is lit by candle light and colorful retablos. It is a sight to behold and helps explain the inspired beautiful work by Lopez. In general this is a book that opens up the possibilities for creativiy to flow and create your own santuary. Having a mini altar myself that continues to grow and having seen some impressive homes where sacred places exist , this book helps to borrow ideas from or develop some new ideas. The gardens featured range from simple, rustic places to elaborate arts of work complete with sculptural panels and life sized sculptures looking as though they are dancing in the garden in their inanimate state. The colorful pictures seem to reveal something new each time you look at the book, it as though the spirits reveal themselves when the time is right. A fine book for browsing after taking a break from the task at hand, this book will inspire you and elevate your senses as you look to the heavens and give thanks for all the beauty around you.



4. I found this book inspiring. Many different icons and symbolizations are represented from various sects of religion so I believe it has broad appeal. I witnessed glorious worlds beyond my own which to me is the very essence of opening a book in the first place. The photographs are lovely and each time through I have noticed something different in detail from the time before. Serenity flows from the pages.

   We were inspired by another book, Holy Personal by Laura Chester, and built a 10' x 12' meditation room in our back garden. In A Spiritual Style has only affirmed our desire to transform our interior living spaces into sacred, meaningful places of comfort and self-expression for our family as well.




5. Beautiful to browse through, but steeped in a sort of spiritual narcissism which I found distasteful. The writing is disjointed and overall, the book poorly organized. A disappointment.

1 comments about Row Houses: A Housing Typology.

1. This is an excellent piece of research on the all pervasive housing type; the rowhouse. It is not an historical overview; it is a series of speculative projects, some student projects, with beautifully realized works of architecture as well. They point towards certain areas of research, into new possibiities of the type; spatial and subdivision innovations, interesting responses to topography, accommodation of parking, and different levels of interaction with the street. Highly recommended.

4 comments about The Lighthouse Encyclopedia: The Definitive Reference.

1. An impressively organized and presented 288-page compendium of information, "The Lighthouse Encyclopedia: The Definitive Reference" by lighthouse enthusiast and expert Ray Jones provides a wealth of information and trivia that will be especially appreciated by lighthouse fans and students of maritime history. Offering answers to hundreds of questions about lighthouses, their history, key people associated with them, lighthouse technology, lighthouse organizations, as well as specific lighthouses, "The Lighthouse Encyclopedia" truly lives up to its title. Enhanced with a literally hundreds of full-color photographs and archival images of lighthouses, sidebars addressing light house preservation, lighthouse collectibles, and tips for photographing lighthouses, "The Lighthouse Encyclopedia" is a superb contribution to the growing library of lighthouse literature and a core addition to any personal, academic, or community library reference collection on the subject.



2. Wonderful photos, lots of information. Loved it
   I make clay sculptures and I created a lighthouse so this book came in handy for details needed.



3. Colorful & informative. If you like or love lighthouses this book should be in your collection. If you don't, buy it, place it on your coffee table (if you don't have young children) - and let others that visit your home enjoy it.



4. 
   Lighthouses have fascinated me for over 60 years. Although never seriously smitten by these structures,I will always go out of my way to visit one whenever I get the chance. I grew up in Nova Scotia which seemed to have a lighthouse around every bend in the roads along the coast.They are always an excellent place to stop for a picnic lunch. I lived in New Jersey for a few years and again many lighthouses were nearby.My favorite was the Highlands Twin Lights in Navesink,which I visited often.I now live near Toronto,and my Birding trips often lead me to lighthouses which ring lakes Ontario,Erie and Huron.Other Birding trips along the East Coast ,Cape Hatteras,Southern Florida and California are continually providing new and exciting lighthouses. I have never made a list of all I've seen;but the total must be well over 100.I often thought it would be fun to photograph,or maybe even draw them as a hobby;but just never get around to getting serious about it.
   So,when I come across a "Lighthouse" book,I am always interested;and there are many around.
   This book is very different for several reasons.It is more than just a bunch of pretty pictures.As its title says,it is an encyclopedia.It covers many aspects of lighthouses,including,history,preservation,lots of technical information,examples from many countries,hints on photographing them as well as their present status.Of course, any one of those subjects could fill numerous books. This author alone,has written 14 books on lighthouses, so one can't expect everything about all lighthouses to be found in this one book
   With that in mind,I have the following comments;
   The quality of the paper,printing and overall construction of the book is top of the line.
   The photographs range from mundane to excellent.This hit me as surprising.For instance Robert's photo of the Crisp Point Light on page 174 pales in comparison with his supurb photograph of the Dunkirk Light on page 177 .Again, we see the same thing with the Pigeon Point Light on page 222 and the Point Area Light on page 223.Then, we get those amazing photographs by Jean Guichard.You gotta wonder if he ever took a poor or average snapshot.Then again,I must admit ,the photo of the Peggy's Cove Light left me cold.Is this the best of the millions of photos taken of this super-famous lighthouse? Quite a few photos are attributed to magazines,the Coast Guard,Harbour Lights,etc.,which are very average.Again,there is the excellent photograph of the Port Bill Light,England ,courtesy Harbour Lights on page 235.The otherwise great shot of the Portland Head Light,on page 236, by Roberts,makes one wonder if it was Roberts or someone in the editing room who lost the top of the lighthouse.
   I was also somewhat disappointed over the part on "Lighthouses around the world".There were none that I can recall from such coastline countries as Russia,China,India,Japan .
   
   In spite of my comments,this book is an excellent resource for anyone with an interest in lighthouses. It would be a good companion to "Lighthouse Spotter's Guide" by Michael Rhein which I have already reviewed.

1 comments about Antoine Predock: Architect (Vol. 4).

1. this was an excellent read and an insightful look into the work of antoine predock. it was almost as good as the lecture by the architect himself

2 comments about Sustainable Residential Interiors.

1. If you're a design professional or homeowner looking for a detailed reference manual on sustainabilty for your home - look no further. This is a thoughtfully compiled book with interesting as well as practical information to help make good choices as you make your home healthier for your family AND for the planet. The well designed projects are beautiful, showing green can be good looking too.



2. This book has the format of a text book and it is a fundamental read for any architect, interior designer or product designer. Very clear explanation of materials and systems used in construction, what is bad about them, what is the better alternative and why we should, as resposible beings, be practising sustainability. Not just recommended, it should be compulsory reading for every building professional and student!

No comments about Wesk Architect (Architecture).

4 comments about Straw Bale Details: A Manual for Designers and Builders (Natural Building Series).

1. I have quite a few strawbale books, and I think this one I probably could have done without. Don't plan on using this book alone to do any projects.



2. I was very excited about receiving this book but I was very disappointed when I did. Not much info and the black and white drawings have a Notes section that is not numbered to correspond with the drawings or the one page text for each section. Overall, I feel this book was not a help at all.



3. If you're interested in strawbale building this is a nice little book on many of the details involved.
   The first 20 or so pages tell about various facets of the concept, they're followed by several short chapters (each with a written detail section)on things like walls, windows, foundations, electrical wiring and so on. Each of these sections consists primarily of architectural detail drawings of the chapter subject.
   There's a lot of detail here but I don't think it's enough for the total novice to go out and build from. You(if you're a novice)will need a lot more information on construction than is provided here. I guess that Amazon probably has all of the books you'll need, I think they do have all of the strawbale books listed in the short bibliography, those are worth a look.



4. This is a great book for people who have looked at the picture books and decided to build in strawbale. It is excellent whether you are an owner builder planning to prepare your own plans, or simply want to pass the detail on to your architect or draftsperson. I like the spiral bound layout which allows you to leave the book open without breaking the spine. The authors have considered most types of strawbale construction (e.g. with and without cellar, timber floored, concrete slab,etc) but a big negative for me was that it deals only with single storey details. I want to build two storey and would have appreciated information on how to incorporate the middle floor into the strawbale walls, both for load-bearing and post-and-beam buildings. If you've read architectural plans before, you'll be able to decode how to build a strawbale house... if you can't, you won't have a use for this book. All in all - a winner for the serious strawbale builder (cheaper than a strawbale workshop and you get a resource you can keep!)

1 comments about Edwin Lutyens. Country Houses (Country Life).

1. Lutyens excelled in the creation of great country homes. He designed in the best English tradition and his estates on the exterior often looked like they had been there for decades or a century or more. Of course he is most famous for his Vicroy's House in New Delhi and his work with Baker on the master plan for imperial Delhi of the British Raj. Lutyen's was a British treasure, one of the great traditional English architects. This book has enlightening text and wonderful images, it really shows off his work in its best light. Highly recommended indeed.