No comments about Dream Homes New Jersey (Dream Homes).

4 comments about La Foce: A Garden and Landscape in Tuscany (Penn Studies in Landscape Architecture).

1. I bought this book having seen a copy in the house we were staying in in Italy. We were then inspired to go & see the garden. A very interesting account of the history of the garden & a very accurate representation of what you will see if you visit the garden.



2. First I must make it clear that I have been interested in Iris Origo for a long time. When I discovered this book, it was a delight because it not only showed a perspective on Iris and Antonio Origo's life, but it contains beautiful photographs and drawings and is a joy to own. I find myself looking it up with the flimsiest of reasons, and enjoy it every time.



3. This is an excellent book. It bodes one well to have read Iris Origo's autobiography to help understand much of the background of La Foce, although Benedetta Origo does an excellent job of providing background, too. The combination of the estate's background, color photographs and sketches by the authors makes this book an excellent buy, especially if one is interested in Italian gardens and their development. Maps, too, have been included to give one a sense of location. Beautifully done.



4. La Foce is an attractive Tuscan villa which is presented here in text and pictures. The text offers a picture of one family's history, including interesting archival photographs and drawings. What makes this book truly spectacular, however, are Morna Livingston's photographs, presented in a beautiful layout and printed on a silky white paper which heightens the luminesence of the incredible Tuscan colors. In more than one hundred photographs Livingiston captures the villa's gardens in every light and season. There are stunning images of the broader landscape and fascinating details of both the architecture and the plants. For those who have wondered just what the attraction of Tuscany is, you will find the answer here. For those who already know, this will serve as a reminder.

1 comments about Towns and Town-Making Principles.

1. This book should be read by every county commissioner and township trustee not to mention mayor & govenor. THESE are the majority of the decision makers out in the hinterlands and many are volunteers who have little or no knowledge of the impact their decisions will have on generations to come. This book is a valuable tool and blueprint to making better land planning decisions and encouraging the best kind of development possible - all by way of models.

1 comments about Special Forces Camps in Vietnam 1961-70 (Fortress).

1. I have looked for such a publication for many years. The descriptions are vivid and detailed. It is an excellent reference for those interested in the history of the conflict as well as for modelers and wargaming enthusiasts. My only complaint is that I would have gladly paid more for a larger publication with many more pictures and illustrations. Heartily recommended.

No comments about Energy-Efficiency Upgrades: Principles, Details, Examples (Detail Practice).

1 comments about Historic Houses of Philadelphia : A Tour of the Region's Museum Homes.

1. Roger Moss's new book on the historic house museums in greater Philadelphia fills a void that has existed for a long time. From the turn of the century through the 1920's there were many guides published to help a newly mobile society re-discover the landmarks that the new highways were both making more accessible and threatening. The Bicentennial did not bring a major updating of the available literature, but it did give many local historical societies and sites a major boost. This new book spotlights many of the smaller house museums in groupings meant to encourage touring. While not an architectural guide, the design of the buildings is given equal emphasis with descriptions of the history and collections. There are many interesting themes that are independent of specific buildings. The introduction recaps the history of historic preservation in Philadelphia in the context of the national movement, with the early effort to preserve Independence Hall and other 's! hrines' of democracy. A theme of this topic is the relationship of private citizens and the government. Many of the sites described are only still in existence due to the efforts of concerned individuals, families, or grass roots organizations. Women play a particularly important role, again through individual efforts or through groups such as the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Colonial Dames, or women's groups connected with museums. The huge number (relatively speaking) of historic sites in the immediate area makes any kind of guide a daunting proposition. Moss cites almost 200 house museums alone. His criteria for inclusion in this book consisted of location, original use as a residence, being open to the public without a special appointment, and finally, those houses where the interiors and collections are also distinguished. The fifty properties are grouped geographically to encourage visitation of multiple sites in one trip. The text aids in planning da! y trips. The text is very informative, with the themes pr! eviously mentioned, and interesting anecdotal information. For example, an owner of the Physick House stripped out most of the original woodwork because of her phobia about dust. The Barclay Farmstead is a 32 acre park in the middle of Cherry Hill, The Solitude sits in the middle of the Philadelphia Zoo, Woodlands in a cemetery. Harriton in Bryn Mawr was originally a tobacco plantation with slaves. Henry Mercer's 44 room house in Doylestown with 44 rooms 200 windows and 18 fireplaces is built entirely of reinforced concrete. The generous support of the Barra Foundation ensured that the production of the book is of the highest quality, and available at a moderate price. The photography by the noted local architectural specialist Tom Crane is first rate. In combination with the text the illustrations are a strong enticement to take a few weeks off, hop in a car, and start checking off the list.

5 comments about Architecture Colors (Preservation Press).

1. I give this book to new parents all the time. I love the use of architectural elements. Its great for the adults reading it as well. Of course, I am an architect so my perspective may be skewed a bit. And the children of all of my architectural colleagues seem to enjoy it!



2. As an architect, I enjoy giving these books as gifts because they are different from your run of the mill children's books. I like how they use building pieces to teach about basic shapes and colors. It is not a book that highlights popular or historic architecture - its more about the components.



3. as architects and parents to a young child, we were excited to discover this series of books. however, we were left feeling a little disappointed when it arrived and the buildings used to illustrate the colors were unidentifiable and rather blase examples of architecture when there are so many high-profile buildings out there that would not only teach, but open a child's mind to what a building can be.



4. The children's heavy cardboard book demonstrates a wonderful idea well executed. My grandson at 3 loves it!



5. This small cardboard book features photographs of buildings and architectural details. The photographs are beautiful - curious subjects in luminescent hues; there is no text other than the names of the colors. If you are a parent bored to tears with green frogs and red balloons, this book is a lifesaver. It is not clear to me what aspect of this book interests my two year old son, but it has been among his top ten for the past four months

No comments about Home Studio Home: Providence, RI (Place Space).

No comments about Building Type Basics for Office Buildings (Building Type Basics Series).

No comments about Urban Retreats.