2 comments about Norwegian Wood: The Thoughtful Architecture of Wenche Selmer.

1. I am biased by the fact that I am so very fond of the work done by Wenche Selmer. That being said the author has done a spectacular job of showcasing Selmer's accomplishments. Beautiful photographs abound and the text is quite substantive. My only complaint is that the floor plans that are included generally have no captions or notes and often no dimensions. Those floorplans that do have notes are in norwegian and as a result I spent a fair amount of time trying to puzzle out where the photographs were taken relative to the layout of the various buildings.



2. The Norwegian contribution to mid century modern architecture is not well known - let along the contribution by a mid century woman architect. With beautiful color photographs, plans and construction details, this presentation of the work of Wenche Selmer is a visual treat and a learning experience. The collection of cabins and second homes provides an in depth look at the results of carefull attention to the details of a home environment. As we seek alternatives to big and over the top houses, the book is a must for anyone who wishes for the beauty of simplicity and anyone interested in wood architecture.

No comments about Future Forms and Design for Sustainable Cities.

1 comments about Steven Ehrlich: A Dynamic Serenity----House Design.

1. Despite the architect's versatility, this book concentrates on his involvement in residential houses. All the works featured here are based in West Coast particularly Venice where Steven works and resides. There are a mere eleven works featured in this book, starting with the architect's own houses and ending appropriately with a massive house to be built for his client in Dubai. According to the author & reinforced by a short essay written by Steven Ehrlich himself, he endeavours to integrate humanity and sustainablity into his works. From a quick glance of his works here, they are in the traditions of Richard Neutra & Schlinder who left their marks in California. There are four components in this book contents: Venice -making much of little, additions & transformations, expanding into the landscape & lastly, the firm profile. The book is a mere 128 pages, & the presentation is okay enough. It's a good introduction to Steven Ehrlich. Interesting read.

1 comments about Catholic Churches of Detroit (MI) (Images of America).

1. Buyer beware!!!! I figured this book would show the INTERIORS of the churches, but it is 99% the OUTSIDE of the church. I could care less about that. I wanted to see the interiors, the altars, chapels, etc., etc. A major disappointment. I have no further use for it after having seen it. Glad I got it for a very low price. It will go to the library for their monthly sales.

No comments about Latin American Houses.

2 comments about Spa Design.

1. This book was delivered within the time frame given and it was in perfect condition. I was very satisfied.



2. Gone are the days when the Spa was a bare utilitarian swimming pool or perhaps a fitness center with rows of equipment designed by the Spanish Inquisition. This is a book showing the untimate in today's Spa's from all over Europe, all over the US, and from selected locations in India, Thailand, Japan and other countries.
   
   To be sure, the Spa is still very water oriented. Here are the pools you'd expect, the hot tubs, thermal baths, but also reflecting pools, fountains -- And yes, even some of the inquisition equipment.
   
   More important though, here are the most advanced building designs, artistic but still waterproof, lighting that is a part of the design, all arranged to create an ambiance that serves to relax and invigorate the visitor. All of this is depicted with supurb photography, high quality printing on heavy weight paper, and traditional sewn binding with headbands. This is an idea book based on today's most advanced designs.

3 comments about Tipi: Home of the Nomadic Buffalo Hunters.

1. Paul Gobel books are favorites of mine. The Grandchildren ask for them to be read every visit. When I purchased a tipi we were inspired by Mr Gobel's excellent books to create a traditional design with personal meaning.
   This book arrived in time for our initial use of the tipi and brought greater meaning to the experience of putting up the tipi and living in it for a week of Camp Grandma. We are looking forward to "furnishing" the tipi next summer.



2. Filled with insights and great respect for this horse culture. I passed a copy on to a friend of Mongolian descent who took it to Mongolia where it was received with great interest and reverence. The artwork and symbolism should be tremendously helpful to future generations of young tribal members and descendants as the memories fade ever further.



3. Paul Goble's TIPI: HOME OF THE NOMADIC BUFFALO HUNTERS blends traditional insights into tipi construction and development with a retelling of old-timers stories and a blending in of art to make for a fine survey of construction techniques, decorations, cultural meaning, and more. TIPI includes over a hundred color illustrations and drawings and makes for a vivid, outstanding survey of the spiritual and culture meaning of the Native American structure.

1 comments about Usonia, New York: Building a Community with Frank Lloyd Wright.

1. This is an excellent book: Well-written and thoroughly illustrated, it literally answered all my questions about this astonishing community in suburban NYC. Although I've walked through the community I now feel the need to return as a more informed observer!

2 comments about Church Cats.

1. Book arrived in a timely fashion and was in aboslutely pristine condition.



2. Very sweet. I wish churches in the US all had cats.

No comments about Exam Prep: Building Construction for the Fire Service (Exam Prep (Jones & Bartlett Publishers)).