3 comments about Castles: England + Scotland + Ireland + Wales.

1. My husband and I just returned from an amazing trip through England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, so this book seemed like the perfect Christmas gift for him. The book has beautiful photographs of some of the best known castles, however I was a little disappointed that the information on each castle was minimal. I was hoping for a little more background history on each one. I was also disappointed that our favorite, Ross Castle in Killarney Ireland was not included. Overall, it will make a nice keepsake to remember a trip of a lifetime, and I'm sure will have a place of honor on our coffee table for some time.



2. 
   Firstly what a wonderful name for an author of such a book, secondly what a wonderful book he has written. The British Isles is littered with castles of varying sizes and in various states of repair, or disrepair as the case may be. This book attempts to give you a guided tour of some of the best and there are far more than you think that are complete or almost complete.
   
   Many of the most famous castles in our history have crumbled to little more than a pile of stones and we can only romanticise about how they looked, who built them and lived there and the events that occurred during their long history
   
   But on the reverse of the coin we have castles that are still inhabited even today and one of the oldest, the tower of London is still in an excellent state of repair. Windsor is inhabited by the Queen and Warwick Castle and Leeds Castle look almost as good as the day they were built.
   
   In Scotland, Edinburgh and Stirling have stood the rigours of time and Caernarfon Castle in Wales is a legacy of Edward I, being built on the site of what was a Roman fortress and then a Norman motte and bailey. Another Welsh castle in the beautiful town of Conway has not stood the test of time so well, but the superstructure is more or less still there. There is something magical about a castle when you are inside it. Perhaps it is the presence of long dead residents, or the mighty deeds and events that happened within those enormous walls. Whatever it is this book helps to bring to life our history with a profusion of photographs and information galore. Almost everyone likes a Castle and this book takes you on a enchanting tour from ruins through to the splendour of a fully preserved structure.



3. I really wanted a nice comprehensive book about this subject. This is a wonderful product but the only thing I would suggest to make this a 5 star book would be more intensive pictures. There are a lot (multitudes in fact) of places, castles, ruins that are simply listed with no pictures or in-depth facts to accompany the listings. That was somewhat disappointing.

5 comments about Environmental Land Use Planning and Management.

1. this is a useful book for environmental planners and people who are concerned with environmental planning. its full coverage of environmental issues can help to understand these problem well.



2. Not exactly what I was expecting, but will be used for desk reference.



3. A refreshingly different perspective on the environment, how planners and water resources engineers relate to it, and land development.
   
   A must have just because.



4. When I was to order a book on Environmental Land Use Planning and Management, there were plenty on Amazon.com! Then I found, Butlers notes on this book, which leads me to purchase.
   This book is a great one in this topic. For almost all environmental planning questions that you can find an answer in it. The book is rich in literature survey and is clearly written by a teacher; as the material is highly digested and understandable. I think, only a "Master" Can Explain things with simple words.
   Of course, with this much explanations on the enviromental landuse planning and management, you should not expect the details of several methodologis, But for sure you can find a reference to find your answer when details are necessities.



5. There is little doubt that this book is the result of decades of experience, research, and teaching on the part of its author. John Randolph has compiled a fantastic resource that is the first place I turn when thinking about, writing about, or doing research on land use planning and its impacts on the natural environment. The book provides a foundational understanding of ecosystems, landscape ecology, soil characteristics, hydrological systems, habitat, and more and then clearly explains how land use choices impact the natural world. Through numerous real world examples, easy to follow exercises, and in depth exploration of his topics, Randolph also guides us toward more responsible land use choices. The dozens of full color maps and pictures further enhance the quality of this informative text. It is a pleasure to read and promises to serve as one of the top references on this subject for years to come.

No comments about New Perspectives: Designer Hotels (New Perspectives).

1 comments about Building Tips & Techniques (For Pros by Pros).

1. I like the books in this series, as they frequently give information missing in other how-to books. This book is the least helpful, but then, I am usually looking for specific information.

2 comments about 124 Distinctive House Designs and Floor Plans, 1929.

1. Originally published as The Fourth Edition of the 1929 Home Builder's Catalog, this 127-page reprint features 124 of the most popular housing styles of that era. Far and away, the predominant style featured is the Tudor Revival, but there are also Craftsman-style bungalows, modest cottages, Cape Cods, Colonial Revivals, Dutch Colonials and more.
   
   Some of these homes are quite grand, such as The Edgewater (p. 16), with more than 2,000 square feet of living area (not counting an optional sunporch). On page 6 is The Elyria, which is another reincarnation of The Sears Mitchell, with room dimensions altered by a few inches, to make it all legal. (So who copied from whom? Did Sears steal the design from Homebuilders or did Homebuilders steal it from Sears, or did they both take it from Aladdin - who also had their own version of this house?)
   
   The descriptions that accompany each home are almost stark, given the traditional puffery and verbosity of that era's advertising styles. The Cullor, on page 42 is described as, "A story and a half home that has a lot of character and living comfort. Shingles, siding and brick combined harmoniously to create a very pleasing exterior."
   
   And that's all they have to say about that.
   
   Good book. Fun read. And the wee tiny print is legible. A good addition to your library on architectural history.



2. Fine examples of a type of photorealistic drawing that you don't see anymore, which are reason enough to buy the book. The majority of homes are Tudor or Old English, like the ones on the cover, with just a few Colonials and Bungalows mixed in. The writing is quaint, with bedrooms called chambers, and mentions of breakfast nooks, servant's quarters, and telephone cabinets.

5 comments about Blueprint Small: Creative Ways to Live with Less.

1. The small spaces in this book represent a spectrum of locations, budgets and individual style and taste, but all were chosen because they prove that scaling back doesn't have to become a sacrifice in comfort, spaciousness, or beauty." ~Michelle Kodis
   
   Blueprint Small gives ideas for anyone interested in building or renovating a small home, office, or retreat space. It could be 240 or 2,400 square feet. I am almost jealous as I view page 14. How I wish for a private little space outside to escape for dinner or to sit in the sun. This is what I miss after selling our home. I need to find a new place with a private deck where my outdoor furniture can live happily. I love how the doors in this book open up to lovely patios and decks and how sunlight is streaming into the rooms making each house look so cozy and inviting.
   
   Contents:
   
   The Joys of California Living
   A Cost-Efficient Caretaker Apartment
   An Elegant Suburban Retreat
   Tranquility Above the Crowds
   Something Old, Something New
   A Fresh Angle
   Trailer Park Living with a Twist
   A Neighborly Development
   A Small Addition Makes a Big Difference
   A Contemporary Slant on a Traditional House
   
   One of the best ideas in this book is a room that functions as a bedroom and an office. Hey, that is my current situation. The designers put the bookshelves between the desk and the bed. That sounds like a great solution and the shelves were high enough that they actually look like a room divider.
   
   As you are in bed, you can see items on the shelves (in cute boxes) on the back side of the bookshelves and on the office side it is filled with books. So this book gave me some design ideas for my current situation.
   
   There are some basic blueprint designs and lots of fun full-color pictures showing what can be done with small spaces. The retreat idea with a swimming pool looks like a great writing location for a writer or could work as a studio for an artist. You would never know the trailer park home is a trailer. That is probably the most interesting house to study. If you have an interest in community gardens, there is section with a number of cottages all placed around a gardening area. The shelving in these cottages helped to save space and made the rooms look so cozy.
   
   While this is not a detailed guide for building your own home, it will give you lots of ideas and some pictures to show an architect.
   
   OK, I have to go reorganize my bedroom/office. This book gave me some great ideas.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review



2. This is a "must have" book for anyone who needs some inspiration and incentive for turning small spaces into fantastic living areas! Wow! Kodis's book offers a thorough look at creative and aesthetic solutions for all lifestyles. Complete with architectural renderings, floor plans, photographs, and excellent descriptions; the book appeals to a wide variety of tastes.
   Although Blueprint Small is an effective tool for getting started on projects, it's also darn good coffee table reading! I've given it to several friends as a gift, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. It's a wonderful combination of entertainment and utility.
   Kodis has a very clear and charming writing style that takes you eagerly from one chapter to the next . . . and has you wishing for more! She is professional and knowledgeable, but you don't have to be an architect to understand the book's content. It is truly a pleasure to read.
   I highly, HIGHLY recommend it!



3. I'd be lying if I said that most of the designs in "Blueprint Small" are my cup of tea (with the notable exception being the apartment in the Chicago highrise -- amazing!)... I'm more of a "white walls and clean, modern design" sort of person. However, this book does a very good job of showing a variety of innovative and imaginative designs, in a format that shows them from all sorts of angles. It also explains the reasons for decisions made by the architects and homeowners, which is something you don't often hear. Complaints that most people can't afford to do the things shown in this book are somewhat beside the point; if that were the case, "Architectural Digest" magazine wouldn't be as well known as it is. "Blueprint Small" exists in that same realm, where good design is appreciated for what it is. This book is a very good source for ideas for improving your own space; you don't have to hire an architect or an interior designer to appreciate what it has to offer.



4. Very few of the spaces shown incorporate the entire area the owners live in. Instead, some of these "small" spaces are 500-square-foot additions to much larger homes. It's not much of a challenge to make that work!

   This is a hodge-podge of designs with little theme, and Kodis' writing is some of the clunkiest in the home design field. Try any Taunton book, instead, such as one of the books in Sarah Susanka's excellent Not-So-Big House series.




5. The review for the book gave me the impression that it would deal with the experiences of people who live in small spaces, and give ideas of how to deal realistically with a small space. The book does not seem to deal with the reality that the vast majority of people who live in small homes are on a more conservative budget, and can not afford to do most of the decorating that is done in this book. I will agree that most of the spaces shown were small, but most of the decorations, and the remodelling that have been done, are not within the reach of most people who own small homes. In my opinion, this book is written for people who can afford a very large home, but choose, for whatever reasons, to live in a smaller home. I live very comfortably and have been able to restore my home in stages, but the things that are shown in this book are things that I could only do if I had large amounts of money to spend, or if I worked as a carpenter(and had large amounts of money to spend).

   The book is well written, and the pictures are presented in an appealing way, but I would only recommend this book for a someone who has the means to live in a larger house but chooses to renovate a smaller one.

No comments about Bohemian Modern LTD: Living in Silver Lake.

4 comments about The Ultimate Guide to Spas and Hot Tubs : Troubleshooting and Tricks of the Trade.

1. Software appears to work, but I was unable to update it because of a malfunction. Do Not expect help form the vendor, as a matter of fact you will be fortunate to recieve an answer from them. In short buy at your own risk!!!



2. This is helpful to understand the operations and "guts" of a hottub/spa, but not helpful in making decisions on which brand or type to buy initially. Once you have one, it is helpful in doing repairs yourself, and optimally maintaining it.



3. I own all of Tamminen's excellent pool and spa books. While I'm not a pool professional, I am a do-it-yourself person. Any question I have about installation, maintenance, and upkeep, I find the answers in Tamminen's books. I recommend this book to anyone with a spa or a hot tub. You'll find what you're looking for every time.



4. If you are looking for info on Spas and Hot Tubs, don't buy this book.
   Most of the info and photos are for Pools and the info on pools is outdated. The only time you see spas explained is when they are part of a pool!
   This looks like a 1970's book on Pools reprinted with a new cover showing spas. I was looking for info on Portable spa heaters and pumps. The book goes into great detail on gas!!! fired water heaters, and concrete???? spas!!!!
   For all of you Portable spa owners.......beware!!!!!!

4 comments about Redesigning the American Dream: Gender, Housing, and Family Life.

1. This book touches on a recognized problem, but is just a bunch of complaining and finger pointing without offering up real solutions. instead of pleading with men to change or architects to change, or city planner to change. Why not as the women to change? Marry a man that helps out with the kids and house, have too much to do? Don't have kids. Don't like the way cities / houses are designed? Design them differently. Want to change gender rolls? Raise your son in a way that will effect a change. Of course women are discriminated against, not the first or last group to have this problem, a group never got pulled out of it by someone else, the only way to do it is by yourself. This book should have been 50 pages long.



2. I re-read some of the chapters of this book, hoping to be able let her argument convince me that the way our homes are currently designed and geographically situated are founded on a sexist world view, creating significant detriment to society. I am not certain she was much help though. This is a pretty serious flaw since I am sympathetic to her thesis. Her arguments in support of her thesis are disjointed and use out of date information.
   
   One interesting feature of the book is that, where other authors would at most provide a couple alternatives or one encompassing school of thought as a solution, she briefly traces scores of possible alternatives. Most are only briefly mentioned, enough maybe to urge the reader to search out more information elsewhere.



3. This is the best book about architecture that I ever read. Although I am not a feminist, it revealed to me the relationship between a building and the society that produced it -- a revelation that seven years at architecture schools (Yale and Princeton) did not provide. Any designer who want to design for another person needs to understand the hidden cultural codes that influence their creation of a built environment. Reading this book was the best way for me to understand what impact social biases can have in design.



4. This book reads like a few (mostly mediocre) magazine articles pasted together- one chapter talks about the history of homes (and how every conceivable domestic arrangement ever invented turned out badly for women), another criticizes suburbia for isolating women (not really true now, since suburban women generally have cars), another talks about experiments in infill housing, another criticizes cities for being hostile to women - but I could never figure out exactly what this book was about, or what Hayden liked other than a few small-scale housing experiments here and there.

5 comments about Empire State Building: The Making of a Landmark.

1. Well, they didn't, but it's a classic anyway.
   
   This is a terrific book for anyone who wants to learn how great projects are visualized, actualized, and pressed through extremely challenging environmental circumstances. It's a source of inspiration for the dreamers and the practical alike.
   
   If you want to read about architecture and engineering, you get only a small dose here. It's more about the capitalization, visioning and building. But that story is magnetic and wonderful.
   
   Only thing they left out: that it was to this (then half-empty) building that Annhaeuser-Busch delivered the "first" case of legal beer to Al Smith at the end of Prohibition. Smith, the "wet" and the eternal optimist, exemplifies what this building was conceived to be: a vibrant and living testimony to the human spirit.
   
   So, it stands to reason that it survives now as New York's essential symbol.



2. This book is a must read for anyone interested in not only the Empire State Building, but in New York City history of the late 1920s and early 1930s. Who would think that a building completed in 1931 at 1250 feet high would still be the tallest building in NYC in 2007 (of course, we can't forget the tragic loss of the taller WTC Towers). This book covers the quick construction of the ESB, but also covers the politics and history behind the building's location (the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel used to be at the corner of 5th Ave and 34th Street) and the people involved. This is an interesting book about an exciting time where anything seemed possible in one of the world's greatest cities.



3. From the outset, the Empire State Building seemed to have had everything going against it. Although conceived during the 1920s boom years, most of the construction went on during the earliest years of the Depression, thereby putting the idea of high occupancy in the severest doubt. Its location wasn't ideal either. It was three miles north of the Wall Street district and a mile south of the center of the midtown business center. And it was ten blocks south of Grand Central Station and three avenues east of old Pennsylvania Station. The idea of mooring dirigibles was quickly scrapped after failed attempts. And sure enough, although the Empire State Building did get built, the tenants did not come. King Kong did, but he didn't pay rent.

   John Tauranac describes all this and more in his exhaustive book, THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING: THE MAKING OF A LANDMARK. Written in an engaging style, Tauranac's book is as elegant and interesting as the subject itself, while his wit is as colorful as the characters surrounding the Empire State Building's creation. The book covers the idea for the building, Raskob's and Smith's supervision, the monumental task of the construction workers, and, most importantly, the survival of the building to become THE emblem of America's cultural and economic reach while become THE identifying symbol of New York City. The generous amount of photographs add to the understanding and enjoyment of the book. Highly recommended.




4. This is an excellent work that details the history of the Empire State Building. I was a bit surprised to find how much the author managed to pack into my paperback. Everything from skyscraper height restrictions to land leases and modern restructuring of ownership for tax purposes (and all the "interesting" stuff in between). If you buy this book and you're not from New York, do yourself a favor and get a map of the area. So you can follow along in the early chapters.



5. I bought this book shortly after a trip to NYC in 2000, and found it to be an excellent history of one of the Big Apple's architectural jewels, the Empire State Building. It is full of intrigue, history, great anecdotes and one-of-a-kind photographs. If you're a visitor to Manhattan or a local resident, you owe it to yourself to read this book.