3 comments about Mosaics of the Greek and Roman World.

1. I bought this book because I have always appreciated the beauty of mosaics and I want to install some in my house someday. This book provides a thorough (but not tedious) explanation of the history of, and original purposes for, mosaics. The pictures and explanations provide a good understanding of the art form (although many pictures in black and white may frustrate some readers). However, if you couldn't care less about the history of mosaic art, and you are only interested in making some cute mosaic items to give as gifts or to decorate small surfaces in your home yourself with your own original designs, you may be happier with one of the more basic mosaic design books available on Amazon. If you have an appreciation for art history, however, this book will not disapoint.



2. I purchased this book to gain color references for the mosaics.....unfortunately, the majority of this book contains black and white plates. If you are planning on using this book as a reference for color, forget it.



3. The new book by Katherine Dunbabin is a welcome addition to the already excellent catalogue of Cambridge Press. Ms. Dunbabin once more proves her value as a historian by showing that the study of Art in ancient times goes beyond aesthetics and the sphere of nobles and palaces. Her work on Section II "Technique and Production" brings to life the craftsmen and workshops that made the mosaics, but also the social relationships involved in the creation of all forms of Art. Another strong point of the book is the quality of the images depicted in it, both the photo reproductions and the graphic drawings of the mosaics are astounding. The variety of subjects shown in the mosaics allow the modern reader to have a pretty good idea of the ambiance and way of life of the times. It is also interesting that at the end of each chapter Ms. Dunbabin indicates a list of related bibliography with recent works. I can only be sorry that her own classical work "The Mosaics of Roman North Africa" is out of print. This pioneer work should be reprinted.

3 comments about Houses of God: Religious Architecture for a New Millenium.

1. Over the span of my professional career, I have focused on religious architecture. Having done extensive research on the topic over the course of my career, this book stands out as the finest compilation on this building type. The projects and religious organizations are diverse. What they all have in common is the quality of design and the search for appropriateness in architecture for worship.



2. As an admirer of all kinds of architecture, a real estate writer and a somewhat recent protestant convert to the Roman Church, I found this book intelligent and appealing at many levels. I have a deep love for orthodoxy and traditional architecture which I have learned in the Catholic Church, but I have also been graced with looking beyond trans-historical spaces to find God and communion in the ACTIONS of the liturgy, the GATHERING of a community, the silence found in open SPACES, modern or not. Andy Warhol may have said it best once that "the best thing to have anywhere is space," and to fill it with art or icons seemed sad---paraphrasing. I now understand what he meant. Gothic Cathedrals served a purpose for educationa and catechism with many pieces parts and light and art. But those days are gone in a fast modern world where we seek the simple. In this book the venerable Crosbie shows sensitivity and respect for each faith and each style. The photographs are stunning, the plans and cut sections are clear and easy to read and decipher; the art direction and clear crisp layouts let the building breath and pray and speak for themselves without heavy academic comments. I may not have liked 100% of the structures, but so little is written about new, working, and smartly done houses for worship this is a Godsend. No pun intended. I highly recommend it to the spiritual enthusiast or student, liturgists, architects, or those who like modern or contemporary structures.



3. A beautiful volume exploring a very diverse collection of religious facilities - small and large, urban and rural, contemporary and traditional. A great primer on design possibilities for Judeo-Christian religious facilities.

   The only variant it may be lacking in is ultra-contemporary mega-churches. . . but then, few of those are really pretty to look at.

1 comments about Flagler's St Augustine Hotels: The Ponce De Leon, the Alcazar, and the Casa Monica.

1. Dr. Graham is an awesome teacher, I highly reccomend his book even though I have not read it. Although, anything by him must be good. Read Brinkley!

1 comments about The Architecture of Baltimore: An Illustrated History.

1. If you're intersted in the development of East Coast architecture, this is an invaluable tool, particularly if you're familiar with the City of the Chesapeake Bay.

No comments about The Glass House.

1 comments about Minimalism DesignSource.

1. The DesignSource series is very good if you want some compact, all-photo design books. Minimalism contains a few sections, including some hotel and industrial spaces, but most of it is residential. THe homes featured are featured in many other books on lofts, minimalism, and modern design. If you're browsing through a design section, you'll get familiar with these spaces. They are also featured in other DesignSource books.
   
   THe downsides to these books are that they don't feature sourcing info and because they are so small, the pictures are also smaller. THe upside is that they are compact, so if you're a designer you can lug them around easily, and they are packed with a lot of inspiration.

2 comments about Classic Savannah: History, Houses, and Gardens.

1. This book does this singular city justice. It is full of vivid images and fascinating text. Savannah is one of those great cities of the South..like Galveston, Charleston, and New Orleans that retains its own uniqueness while staying true to its southern roots. It is refreshing that so many of Savannah's great old homes have survivied, so many of these homes are just spectacular. The gorgeous old city layed out by Oglethorpe is still intact and well perserved. Savannah takes great pride in its city and its continued restoration is testement to that fact. Wonderful book on a historic town.



2. This has some famous Savannah landmarks such as: Juliette Gordon Lowe House, Isaiah Davenport House, Telfair House, Mercer House, and William Scarborough House. The pictures are great even if you have already seen the houses in real life. It's mostly English Regency and Federal architecture. This is my coffee table book because I grew up in Savannah which is one of the most beautiful cities in the world hands down.

1 comments about Hans Scharoun, 1893-1972: Outsider of Modernism (Taschen Basic Architecture).

1. All this collection's books look like the same. There's almost all projects of the architect in title, and their life, with good pictures and text. I recommend it for those who want to know more about the architect.

2 comments about Harmonious Home: Smart Planning for a Home That Really Works.

1. The book's aim seems to be to make the most of an old English country house or a quirky city apartment. It doesn't look like it would apply as well to a freshly built house. Most of the discussion seems to be aimed at remodeling existing spaces.
   Strengths: Lots of well-captioned and clear photos & thought provoking checklists sprinkled throughout
   Drawbacks: some rooms used multiple times (different angles)in the photos



2. The book's aim seems to be to make the most of an old English country house or a quirky city apartment. It doesn't look like it would apply as well to a freshly built house. Most of the discussion seems to be aimed at remodeling existing spaces.
   Strengths: Lots of well-captioned and clear photos & thought provoking checklists sprinkled throughout
   Drawbacks: some rooms used multiple times (different angles)in the photos

2 comments about Architecture and Utopia: Design and Capitalist Development.

1. This book is almost as much about the language used to criticize architecture than architecture itself. It is very dense and hard to read.



2. I have placed about 8 orders the same day as this product and this came the fastest. thanks!