1 comments about Antoine Predock: Architect (Vol. 4).

1. this was an excellent read and an insightful look into the work of antoine predock. it was almost as good as the lecture by the architect himself

5 comments about Reinventing the Wheel.

1. Fun book, brilliantly layed out, but would have liked to see the backsides. And really, the photographers were so lazy much of the time to not get the info disks in register with the die-cuts. I presume this was the author's collection or from like-minded collectors and/or conservators. This flouting of attention to detail is conspicuously disconjugate to the demanding esthete of this type of person. Enjoyable none the less. Despite my pleasure, in reference to my conclusion, I reject a reverse: I object; no obverse. Julian Mason, Beaufort SC



2. bought the book for the pictures and the paragraph about each one. haven't read most of the text and don't particularly care to.
   
   a shoulder surfer actually thought some of the wheels were real, the reproductions are that good.
   
   4 out of 5 because I didn't read/rate the text.



3. Jessica Helfland appears caught here between her inner love of collecting trivia, and her academic role: and while the graphics put on display her remarkable collection of wheels and volvelles her text unfortunately veers toward academic pontificating of the worst order as she uses her collection in an attempt to ruminate on how we see life, and how linearity as in the design and format of books (left-to-right, one page after another) is confining compared to the multidimensional viewpoint afforded by circles. Helfand's writing is rigidly locked into the very paradigm she criticises, and in the end her more human Foreword is by far the most interesting text in this handsome hard back volume.
   
   Handsome? Graphically, this is an outstanding book - well-designed, beautifully typeset, graphics gorgeously reproducing the collection of wheels, even the paper seems especially chosen - but I found Helfand's logic and her weak arguments quite frustrating. It reads like the first draft of a thesis - before the student's overseeing Professor has had a real go at the author. ("Come on - you've made a leap in logic here!")
   
   So this is one book where the pictures can do all the talking. The text and the often redundant captions (they describe what we can already see, thank you) is frankly superfluous.



4. interesting trivia and great for a collector of wheels but I was looking more for a visual mapping type of collection. Nice book for nostalgia seekers.



5. This book is an excellent research on the subjet with very good examples. Interesting for designers.

4 comments about Graphic Design as a Second Language: Bob Gill (Hands on Graphics).

1. This excellent book details the work process used by the famed graphic artist Bob Gill. The author defines graphic design as organizing a problem and then providing a superior solution. He says that a great designer must find a way of making the problem interesting. "Unless you can begin with an interesting problem, it is unlikely you will end up with an interesting solution."
   
   The structure of the book follows this method through numerous real-world projects. For each example, the author describes the original problem (e.g. create a logo for a company that makes very small models). Then the problem is redefined (e.g. create a logo that, even when enlarged to cover the side of a truck, seems small). Then his solution to the problem is shown (e.g. the small logo is gingerly held between the thumb and index finger of a large hand). The various chapters (Connections, Found Objects, Clich?s, etc.) show a variety of ways that redefining the problem may be accomplished.
   
   Many of the design examples from his portfolio are somewhat dated (the author even mentions this fact), but that's of little importance. The book provides a general work process to follow and he succeeds brilliantly - his method is fantastically useful.



2. Anyone can learn to use a computer and exotic software.
   It's having and executing a great idea that separates the pros from the copy shop hacks.
   Bob Gill, widely acknowledged as "the best of the best," is a brilliant designer who has written the only books I've ever read that actually teach you "how" to develop a successful graphic design concept.
   Without usign any exotic software tricks Gill gets right to the heart of the matter and shares, in example after example, his personal solutions to a variety of design problems.
   If you really want to learn how to be a graphic designer, this is the book you need to read.



3. This book is great. Aside from any typographical issue with the book the information is proven worth while. The book opens your mind to see relationships between concept and execution that will actually reach your target audience. You learn some of the "common sense" of what graphic design that requires a genius to point out in a simple and straight forward manner.



4. After reading all the rave reviews I ordered this book and after flipping through it, decided to return it. Nothing was remotely inspiring. Supposedly pro, but book design and layout design amateurish. Like 2 spaces set between sentences? Save your money.

2 comments about A History of American Architecture: Buildings in Their Cultural and Technological Context.

1. This is easy reading with appropos illustrations. Just the right amount of detail for the traveller who is interested in architecture.



2. I found Mr. Gelernter's book in the public library as I was researching a project. After reading it, I thought it was so useful that I decided to buy it for my own library.

   Many art and architecture books are just recitations of dry facts, dates and theories, with no historical or sociological context. Not so Gelernter's "A History of American Architecture."

   The correlation of buildings with their context, and the inclusion of early Native American architecture, make this a thought provoking introduction to the history of architecture in America.

2 comments about China Modern.

1. This book is at the cutting-edge of today's modern Chinese interior design. The selection of the featured projects covers a wide range of style. Generally speaking, the majority of these projects are great works (except for one HK house). I have personally been to several of the places featured in this book. The text and the pictures captured the beauty of these places and provided rich information about the cultural values behind decoration and designing. Simply put, this is a high quality book. I can feel that the authors are really serious about the content and have done a lot of research. If you like Chinese style and modern decoration, this is definitely an excellent source.



2. written by obviously one of the region's foremost authorities on Chinese design and interiors having been in Hongkong with Elle Decor and other excellent publications for many years, Sharon Leece knows her way around the traditional feng shui and new leanings of the China elite as well as the western expat with a home and heart in Asia. Creative and informative text and fabulous photos take the reader on a trip into another world of China Decor uptil now unseen but sure to be come a trend worldwide. Check out her other China interior books for even more wonderful shots of lush and lavish spaces.

5 comments about California Interiors: Interieurs Californiens (Jumbo).

1. I was disappointed in this book. The photos appear so dated that I actually double-checked the copyright date and was surprised to see that it is a fairly recent release. What troubled me most was that it seemed incohesive, with no theme or direction. Saeks usually does an outstanding job with her design books, but I'm sorry I purchased this one.



2. California is such a huge state that anyone tackling a book like this is faced with a daunting task. Diane manages to provide an illuminating look at the variety of interiors that make up the "California style". The photos are rich and the commentary has a sense of humor that is lacking in most interior design books. All in all, an indispensable book for all designers and their clients!



3. In writing about design, it's not merely about being right, but rather being able to capture the essence of important details that convey a coherent message. Diane Dorrans Saeks has done just that in California Interiors.

   This sophisticated book is the definitive source for California interior design and the spirit that inspires it. It is certainly comprehensive, but more significantly, it is compelling in its focus. Every detail makes you want to investigate closely with a magnifying glass, yet it is the overall statement that lingers. And as beautiful as this book is to look at, its real importance and value is found through the insight offered in its text. It not only offers a record of what has been done, it also serves as an inspiration to discover what has yet to be achieved. It is a great resource to have, an inspired gift to give and a wonderful one to receive. California Interiors will keep calling you back, and I can say that each visit will be filled with rewards.




4. Europeans love California almost as much as Californians love California. They value the intellectual and artistic contributions from California as free from continental conventions. Ms. Saeks has given us a beautiful and telling book that looks at California design through the European eye. The author captures the projected images and real substance embodied by California life.

   European curiosity about California includes how we project pop culture, innovate technology and engage in utopian experiments. This book addresses, understands, explores, explains, shows and celebrates the spirit and intellect that inform this Promised Land of the American West. All the themes are here: Natural World, Ceremonial Space, Personal Innovation, California Modernism, Technology, and Craft. This book is the next best thing to visiting artful friends who live in personal houses located in storied landscapes.

   California has always lionized outsiders, and "California Interiors" has the spirit of all the forces that make California one of the goofiest, most beautiful and highly creative places on the planet. Where else could you see the Eames Case Study House a page flip from sage John Dickinson, this-close-to this year's IT girl Kelly Lasser? The project photographs and printing are spectular Taschen quality.

   Europeans in general and at Taschen in particular have design all figured out. They know what's good, has value, lasts, engages, indulges, uplifts and is new. They know what California design will be remembered for...as it emerges. There's beauty on every page of "California Interiors". Buy this book.




5. I've read all of Dianne Dorrans Saeks books and own many of them. I eagerly await each new addition so I was very dissapointed in California Interiors.It appears to be written and photographed for a European market. It's all stuff we've seen over and over again with no cohesive theme. The graphics aren't up to her usual standards, the book doesn't seem to have any design. It looks as though it's a first time effort.

4 comments about Trellises and Arbors.

1. Really pretty pictures, nice recommendations of possible plants to grow up the trellises, etc., but unless your a master carpenter, or able to use pictures, you'll never build any of them!! There's no diagrams or plans in the entire book!!



2. I really enjoyed this book, being my first Sunset guide to gardening. With all of the excellent photos and drawings it gives you plenty of ideas for building outdoor structures. Granted, it is a short book and you won't be an expert after reading it, but it gives you plenty of information to get started with building beautiful garden trellises and arbors.



3. this book is basically a pretty overview of ideas. i expected to see more information on how to construct arbors and or trellises. there were also too many pages devoted to climbing plants for the arbors.



4. I've enjoyed countless hours curled up with my well-worn copy of "Trellises and Arbors." It's clearly written with numerous photos and drawings that show the details of construction. It even discusses choices of fasteners, woods, and alternative building materials. It also includes tables to calculate the materials you'll need to use. This book has encouraged me (a construction novice) to begin work on a grape arbor in my back yard.

No comments about In Search of the Perfect House: 500 of the Best Buildings in Britain & Ireland.

5 comments about Legal Aspects of Architecture, Engineering, and the Construction Process.

1. I recieved my book and there are pages missing. Page 518-551 are gone. I have called your company three time to have this issue resolved but everytime I am told the computers are down and that they cannot look at my account. This has been the worst buying experience. I am trying to take a class and missing these pages is really messing me up. I expect somone to fix this error. I find it hard to believe that the computers at a dot com company are down everytime I call!!!!!!



2. We used this book for our senior level construction law class and it was a fantastic textbook. I feel that the reading was very thorough when presenting topics and the homework problems really reinforced the reading. This is a great text to own, especially when dealing with a professor who likes to throw a whole lot of back and forth debate with the class. *A must for anyone entering the construction insutry* -M.



3. Excellent Book, It a wealth of Materials and mandatory reading for Construction Management program at the University Of Washington Master Program in Civil and Construction.. The material is spot on for Construction management



4. First, I am not a lawyer, but a praticing design/ contruction professional. I have used this book for years. I find it very well written and easy to use. I have loaned it to so many lawyers when thing get tight that I don't remember all of them. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has to deal with contracts and construction. When things start to go sour, its a great resource for all parties involved.



5. This is probably the most comprehensive construction law book I have ever read. It is an absolute must for a law student taking construction law.

1 comments about 101 of the World's Tallest Buildings.

1. I am an avid architectural and skyscraper lover. I recommend this book to any skyscraper lover. I must admit that I have a small skyscraper book library, but I think this title is one of the inprint for most recently completed skyscrapers from around the world. Along with a section of buildings still under completion or just about to be completed. The photography throughout the book is superb with full-color photography with all the buildings included. A MUST HAVE!
   
   I also recommend all the books in the "Tall Buildings" series from Images Publishing which includes: Sky-High Living, Tall Buildings of Asia and Australia and even the first edition to 101 called 100 of the Worlds Tallest Buildings. There will be another title that will be set released later in October entitled "Tall Buildings of Europe, Middle East and Africa"...Can't Wait for that one!