3 comments about The Architecture of Paris.

1. This is above and beyond any guide book i have seen. The Michelin Green Guide, Paris, has good introductory essays and synopses of all significant sites, whereas Ayers gives extensive historical, architectural, construction and descriptive detail of every site in every arrondissement as well as 18 Ile de France destinations, not just the 16 pages on Versailles; all presented with a definite, though unobtrusive, aesthetic point of view (or maybe i just happen to agree with him). In addition, there are masterly synthesis essays on urban development, housing, metro/RER, arcades and passages, bridges and street furniture. Not for quick reading or casual tourism, despite its "intended use in the field ... [or] the armchair," this book is suitable for upper division undergrad and graduate courses... or anyone who really loves Paris.



2. As an architectural history major, I find this to be a seminal guide to the architecture of Paris. Besides the in-depth descriptions that tell you more than just "built in 1860 by Charles Garnier," the book is helpfully organized by arrondissement (neighborhood) to make any self-guided walking tour an educational itinerary of your choice.



3. Paris is so blessed with wonderful architecture, be it from the time of Louis XIV or Chirac. This guide is very current and well researched and the images really pop. Paris is layed out so well and its buildings take advantage of the sight lines. Paris had been relatively lucky with modern buildings, for the most part they have not infringed on Paris's great historic buildings; thank you La Defense. Thank God, after the hideous intrusion on Montparnasse of that huge modern tower, the city set up stringent rules and created La Defense on the western city limits..ah the French, they are great at the aesthetics. If you have any interest in this singular city, then I highly recommend this wonderful book.

1 comments about The Cathedrals of England (World of Art).

1. Alec Clifton-Taylor discusses the history of English cathedrals from Norman times to the present day. Those unfamiliar with architectural terminology are advised to keep the glossary marked, as you'll be turning to it a lot. But Clifton-Taylor is enthusiastic about cathedrals and communicates his enthusiasm, so he is an outstanding tour guide. And the photography is spectacular. Highly recommended.

No comments about Earth Architecture.

No comments about Ecohouse, Third Edition.

No comments about Ideas: More Houses (Ideas).

2 comments about Spectacular Homes of the Southwest (Spectacular Homes).

1. There are far better books on Southwest design and interiors. Very few of the homes in this book exibit what I would call Southwestern flavor, either traditional or modern. Spend your money on Santa Fe Style, Southwest Style, Desert Style, Behind Adobe Walls, or the one on John Gaw Meem.



2. Seems as if the books is just a display of the works by several interior designers

4 comments about The Lost Meaning of Classical Architecture: Speculations on Ornament from Vitruvius to Venturi.

1. its wonderful to read details regarding the birth of greek architecture, the birth of classicism. the heads above arches, those sorry warriors, beaten. the blood letting flutes, fat dripping thigh bones, guttae from the triglyphs if i remember correctly. no wonder classicism is so haunting - sometimes touching - the echinus shape on the capital of tuscan and doric is also the name for "hedgehog" - its gently sloping butt is the same and also for "little cake" as in the sloping crescendo of a risin cupcake's belly. humane architecture has its birth in death - modernism is only intellectual. a subjective dream of babel. in the study of words are clues to the strength of classical architecture.



2. I bought this book and finished it the day it arrived. I couldn't put it down. It reads like a detective story for architecture enthusiasts. Hersey begins this work by introducing a cluster of tropes that at first seem disparate items. As he develops his arguments (and there are many) he weaves a beautiful tapestry with these tropes. Hersey brings the roots of Greek architecture alive (literally). If he were a philosopher I would be tempted to compare him to Nietzsche in his ability to uncover the conceptual ruins of ancient art. I also recommend Hersey's other work, but this one is my favorite.



3. The book discusses the persistence of ideas and the ways that ancient belief systems can work their way right into our language and the way we perceive the world. This is certainly a major contribution to the philosophical literature architectural historians have produced.



4. A marvelous marriage of language and the language of Architecture. Finally, someone has had the courage and talent to take this thing back to the (bloody) beginning. I have read it a couple of times, and given it to about 6 friends.

1 comments about Terraces (Small Books).

1. For the Mexican Publishing House, AM Editores, who have released some good books in the past, series as Arquitectos Mexicanos, Espacios, and others, which nothing more than a collection of pretty photos without any architectural details, or drawings, and a directory of architects, which shows that the publications are just paid advertisement, and not a selection of architecture selected by the value of design.
   
   The Small Book series is probably deceiving, as they are actually not small books, but thin, and very thin high quality brochures with a collection of photos that have already been published in prior collections.
   At a modest price of 2.5 Dollars in Mexico, they cater to the architecture student, and the occasional architecture reader, who are eager to see some of the 'cool' and contemporary projects done by the not so famous Mexican Architects, often young and emerging.
   
   I would skip the entire Small Book series collection, and buy their other full sized books.

1 comments about Building with Lime: A Practical Introduction.

1. An unassuming cover and title do not come close to revealing the riches within. This book embodies a passion rarely found in how-to-manuals that belies the author's awareness that he is archiving an artform that has been nearly lost to us. Very well-organized, easy to read and thorough, this should be the bible of building and sculpting with lime.
   
   The introduction alone will change the way you see concrete (i.e. portland cement) forever. If you are even remotely concerned with a healthy and sustainable future for our cities, this book is a must-have.

No comments about Waterfront Homes.