2 comments about The Main Line: Country Houses 1870-1930.

1. I had been waiting for a book on this subject for some time so you can imagine my excitement when this book came out. I am sorry to say that it's somewhat of a disappointment, I expected a better researched book and also one that including some current color pictures of the surviving estates. The authors of the book on architects Delano and Aldrich did a wonderful job of combining great archival B&W photos with rich currect color pictures. The archival photos in this book are wonderful, but you finish the book wondering what the surviving estates look like today and in color, I really do hope the authors take this criticism to heart and make vol. II a five star book, they are not that far from it with this book and quite frankly the subject deserves it.



2. I bought this book two years ago when it came out and I had to reply to the simple comments of another critic on this page. The author put together an incredible group of old photographs from around the time the houses were built, showing exteriors, interiors, and gardens. He talked about the architects and the clients and about the designs of the houses, as well as giving a detailed history of the Main Line and how it came to be. Color photographs would have ruined the old-time feel of the book, which is beautiful in design and execution. Any educated eye will appreciate this book and the series that it is a part of. Congratulations to the author and the publisher.

No comments about New Prefab Architecture.

No comments about Will They Ever Finish Bruckner Boulevard?.

No comments about Superb Shops.

No comments about Oscar Niemeyer: Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2003.

5 comments about Building and Designing Decks.

1. I've just completed my first deck project, and it would not have been a success without this book. Not excessivly wordy, but to the point on every aspect of construction. Given patience, common sense, the right tools, and this book, you have everything you need to build a great deck. Other books give you some standard methods of construction, which are helpful as a reference, but this allows you to create something more than standard.



2. After successfully completing a bookcase I decided I'd tackle a bigger project - a 500 sq. ft. second-story multi-level cantilevered deck. It took me a long time by myself, but I did it and every single thing I needed to know was in this book. Design issues, code requirements, foundation work, hardware, and clearly illustrated instructions for each procedure. I spent about a month reading this book, walking the space, and sketching designs. I frequently referenced the book during the construction and always found solutions I needed. The guy delivering the French doors commented that my "contractor" was doing a very professional job!

   As a side note, the author presents a variety of railing designs but prefers a "porch-style" railing. This was MUCH more time consuming than I expected, but is my single favorite feature of my deck.

   The gallery of deck photos was good, though many of the exotic design elements could not be built with the information in this book alone. In my opinion you can't look at too many design photos while preparing your own, and I did browse a number of other books and magazines for this purpose. But for the technical details, this book was my bible.




3. I will be building my first deck in the near future and have purchased several "how to" books on the subject. This book is far and away superior. For starters, it has construction PHOTOS where most books have only drawings. It's so much easier grasp the techniques when looking at a photo. Also, when reading the other books, I always seemed to have many unanswered questions. This book answered them all. Don't make my mistake - buy this book first. It's the only one you'll need.



4. This book proved invaluable when my wife and I built our second-story deck five years ago. The design tips on layout and construction techniques turned what could have been just an ordinary rectangular deck into (if I may say so) a work of art. Although we are both engineers, it was still very useful to see the photos and diagrams describing exactly how each step should be completed, and also how to add the little touches that noticeably increase the professionalism of the finished job.



5. Used this book several years ago on my first and only deck. It was recommended by someone at work, and since has made the rounds with all the people at work building decks, with positive reviews. I still get complements on my deck, in no small part due to this book. Highly recommended.

No comments about Urban Pioneers.

5 comments about Victorian Dream Homes: 160 Victorian & Farmhouse Plans from Three Master Designers.

1. I was extremely disappointed when I finally got my hands on this book, because I was expecting another Dover-style collection of period house plans. I was unimpressed by the "Victorian-inspired" designs because they're only Victorian enough to fool the casual observer. Only the ones from Historical Replications were any good in my opinion, and there were precious few of those. All the rest were rambling modern homes with a few cornices and a porch, only the outsides referencing real Victorian architecture.



2. Although I am not in the market to build a house, I love Victorian architecture and house plans in general. I never get tired of looking through it and have had my copy for several years.



3. The introduction is very informative regarding the various styles of Victorian homes. There is an abundance of modernized Victorian plans. Unfortunately, of the 160 plans, only a handful included attic space. Authentic Victorian homes were rarely built without attics. If you are planning on building a three-story authentic Victorian home with a full basement, be advised there are only a few plans contained in this volume.



4. I thoroughly enjoyed this home planning and design book. Larry Garnett & Associates offers some wonderful designs in the first of this books three sections. If you are looking for "Authentic Victorian" designs this may not be the book for you. However, if you love Victorian style as I do, but prefer modern amenities this book is PERFECT.



5. I was surprised to find most similar books at the local bookstore priced under $9, but if this book was truly victorian it would be worth it. But the BACK cover expands the title to "VICTORIAN AND VICTORIAN-INSPIRED FARMHOUSES". These are not the homes you'd expect to see in Cape May, NJ, but there are some floorplans I really like. But if it lacked the "victorian-inspired" and was under $9 retail, it would be much improved.

No comments about Georgian and Regency Architecture (Chaucer Press Architecture Library) (Chaucer Press Architecture Library).

No comments about Specialty Food Store Design.