2 comments about Brunelleschi: Studies of His Technology and Inventions (Dover Books on Architecture).

1. Although i knew this book, it always surprises me. One of the best issues about it is that, although based upon a deep research, the author does not goes around issuing theories and opinions: when he is not sure about something, just declares it. Great for people tired of ego-based theories, and fond of reality.



2. Gustina Scaglia's Brunelleschi: Studies Of His Technology And Inventions republishes a seminal 1970 study of an early pioneer of the Italian Renaissance whose architectural ideas changed Europe. His achievements are detailed in a title which surveys not just the art of his works, but the scientific and technological ideas behind them.

5 comments about Higher: A Historic Race to the Sky and the Making of a City.

1. As stated in an earlier review, this is a good book for anyone interested in NY buildings and history. The Empire State Building is my favorite building, and I have a large collection of books and photography regarding it. This book is an excellant addition to that collection.
   
   Though I know a great deal about the men and times behind the creation of the Empire State Building and some regarding the Chryslar, this book fascinated with additional information on both and all new information regarding 40 Wall Street. Neal Bascomb gives you a good account of the money men and their egos behind the financing of these buildings. He gives you the history and motivation of the architects. Neal also gives you the background on the men who built the buildings--which is usually lacking in other books.
   
   It was also interesting to read this book today with all that is going on with the economy. Though the situation today is not as bad as then, a lot of the same things happened. Now as then, especially here in Miami, there are going to be quite a few empty buildings dottig the skylines for the next five years.
   
   If you liked "The Devil and the White City", you'll like this book.



2. Very interesting coverage of the subject. Very focussed on three landmark buildings and the personalities involved in their conception and construction. It was fascinating to learn where these people came from and what happened to them after these huge projects. Many really suffered for their art and industry. I had read a bit on this subject before but this book really added to my knowledge. I have rarely been so entertained and engrossed by a non-fiction book. Highly recommended.



3. I certainly enjoyed _Higher_, but it could have been a better book. Bascomb needs an editor: usages are awkward, some of the passages read as though they were padding added to a slimmer first version, and when the author steps back to sketch the bigger picture the prose, all too often, turns purple. Not altogether his fault: too many authors today try to write a movie rather than a book. Oddly, for a book about architecture and the construction of specific buildings, there are surprisingly few photos -- not that I expected or wanted a coffee table book, but the very visual story here could have been better illustrated. Those of us who like this sort of book, and I do, despite the quibbling and caviling above, should also read Daniel Okrent's _Great Fortune: The Epic of Rockefeller Center_, which is every bit as interesting and a better-written book, all in all.



4. The 1920's was all about reaching new heights in America - the roaring 20's emphasized a fast-paced lifestyle where there were no limits. It was this "anything goes" attitude that led to the construction of skyscrapers in New York City that were just as much a symbol of the times as they were practical business investments. In this book that chronicles the race to be the tallest between 3 New York landmarks - the Chrysler Building, 40 Wall Street, and The Empire State Building - egos collide, markets tumble, and relationship are broken. The author weaves a very readable tale that focuses on both the financial and architectural icons who led to the construction of these buildings. If bricks and mortar also interest you, then this will do the trick as well. Throughout the book you are taken to the construction sites and learn what its like to catch a burning hot rivet a quarter mile up in the air, all while balancing on a single beam and bracing against high winds and frigid temperatures. Overall, a very good book that manages to tell the "story" of these now prominent buildings. I would give it 4.5 stars if I could.



5. This book, not only glorifies the American spirit, but serves as an excellent reference for what New York was like in the late 1920's. Through architectually acurrate, this book focuses on more that any review can project. This is the best history book I've read since the Guardians by Geoff Kabaservice.

5 comments about $500 Room Makeovers.

1. Lisa Quinn offers real life, wonderfully creative ideas and tips for budget challenged decorating in this book. Divided into four categories (dramatic, classic, exotic, children's)with four to six example rooms per category, Quinn provides multiple pages of details and photographs for each room. There are tons of ideas & easy how-to projects here & Quinn's witty approach has you laughing. Although I've read it several times now, I still reference it, not only for budget conscious ideas but also for general inspiration on color schemes & design styles. It's become an unexpected but welcome addition to my all-around decorating library. My only complaint is that it's just not long enough! Quinn's design and writing style are so enjoyable, you want more...hopefully there's a sequel in the works!



2. What a great book. I love to redo my rooms for less and this is a book that everyone should have on their shelves.



3. This was a great book that lived up to its title. All makeovers were indeed under $500 and most had at least a few dollars to spare. We'd be hard pressed to be able to replicate any of the rooms for the same prices however, as Quinn frequently uses Ebay to snag her deals. (This is not a bad thing, just an FYI.) Quinn illustrates many different styles from playful to elegance for many different types of people; baby, child, teen, college, first apartment, empty nesters, parents, retired... everyone is represented. She gives a bit of background on the the people and why they need a change, tells the reader what is good about the room and what is bad about it, tells you how much she spent and shows the before photo next to the after photo. She gives tips on what to be on the look for when trying to replicate the particular style, give tips (with diagrams) on what makes the room work, encourages alternate uses for household items and at the end Quinn gives a brief tutorial on how to do one or two of the projects she did for each room. I enjoyed this book and think others will too.



4. "Living in a home that doesn't reflect your personal style is like wearing someone else's shoes: They may do the job, but they will never feel right." --Lisa Quinn
   
   I just love this idea. I have been looking for inspiration to make my house more of a home and I have found it in Miss Quinn's book. She is right your home should really be a place that suits you , not just a roof and walls.
   She has so many great ideas to choose from like the pot rack over the bed as a canopy I love that. This book is great for someone who has a fear of interior design, it makes it easy.



5. This book is so creative and incredibly inspiring! Lisa Quinn really knows her stuff. She has innovative twists on everyday objects that can suit anyone's style (and you can mix and match between rooms). I especially love the "sexy bedroom" on the cover. What a brilliant idea to screw desk lamps into the wall! I highly recommend this book for people looking for some inexpensive inspiration to brighten up their abode.

2 comments about Castles of the Western World: With 240 Illustrations (Magnificent Castles).

1. I ordered this book as a surprise for my son's 15th birthday. I only wish that Castles of the Western World had been a "peek-inside book." The front cover aside, there are no color pictures (which is not a bad thing, but the photos displayed are quite dull). I am no professional photographer, but the subjects of black and white photos must be composed and presented artfully, but the pictures in this book are not. This book has all the appeal of an old textbook--without the requisite dust.



2. I love castles and these are just absolutely beautiful. They give you the feeling that you want to live in them - bar the drafty rooms, etc. Also, they make you wonder who might have lived in them and what kind of history the castles have. If I ever have the good fortune to travel to any of these places, I would most definitely look up these castles.

No comments about Small Brick Houses of the Twenties (Dover Books on Architecture).

5 comments about Blueprint Affordable.

1. "If you dream of an architecturally distinctive house filled with graceful, beautiful materials, a space that has been customized to fit your lifestyle, but think you can't afford it - you have come to the right book."
   
   There are ten houses in Blueprint Affordable and if you are budget minded and also want a beautiful house, your dream can become a reality. There is an affordability checklist to show you how you can omit basements or work with your architect to create a floor plan that encourages natural ventilation to save on air conditioning costs, etc.
   
   Contents:
   
   From fish-and-Chips Stand to Beachfront Home
   Quaint Ocean-View Cottage
   A Contemporary Rendition of a Traditional Design
   An Innovatively Remodeled California Bungalow
   Rustic Elegance Beside the River
   A casual House in a New Kind of Neighborhood
   Midwest Ultramodern
   High Design on the Kansas Prairie
   The Colorado Barn, Reinterpreted
   Streamlined Sophistication on Martha's Vineyard
   
   Each house project has the cost per square foot and detailed information on how the house was constructed or remodeled. The interior pictures should give some ideas for decorating and design. There are floor plans and notes about saving money.
   
   I liked the lighting ideas in quite a few kitchens and yellow chair sitting out on the deck of the bungalow looked so inviting. They had also painted the walls yellow and it looks beautiful. All of the houses are unique architectural designs and after reading this book, I'm convinced a house with big windows is best. All that filtered sunlight streaming into the rooms through beautiful sheer curtains.
   
   When I live in a house, I dream of the simplicity of apartment living. When I'm in an apartment I miss my own deck and privacy. So, I think a smaller home is the solution. I need a house that is low maintenance and that is unique. This book gives many ideas for building your own house or you may just enjoy the decorating ideas. I could handle living in a house by the sea.
   
   This book is probably one of the sturdiest books I've ever seen. It is very well made and will last for a long time.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review



2. The theme is low-cost style and, sure enough, the ten houses featured, many if not most of them renovations, show some examples of this. The problem is, the accompanying text adds nothing--e.g. lower your home cost by eliminating the basement. Isn't this obvious? There's very little information in here, and what there is reveals only a vague understanding of how houses are built and what things cost.



3. With 8 examples of new construction and 2 remodels/renovations, this book offers up many coherent and sensible ideas for building a well-designed house on a budget. The suggestions and guidelines are presented in a clear, easy-to-follow format, and the featured houses are in a wide range of style, location, and cost. Particularly useful are the clearly written photo captions, which at a glimpse provide the salient details of the house in question. Kodis also includes an Affordability Checklist, which is a useful rundown of the key points to remember when designing/building a house on a budget. There is a focus on materials and well-executed floor plans, as well as numerous lower-cost alternatives to more expensive features and details. The author also describes ways to splurge, even when money is tight. Another bonus: most of the homes in the book are modest in size. This book is an excellent addition to my architecture library.



4. Don't expect any practical advice from this book on how to limit your building costs. It is just a lot of pictures of contemporary styled homes showcasing the use of concrete, steel and plywood.



5. Michelle Kodis' previous effort, "Blueprint Small", was an excellent resource for designing small residences (less than 1500 square feet). The book was well laid out, had some very good photography, and the designs of the residences themselves were all quite striking. This new book is just as good, if not better. The focus now is on complete residences that not only look really spectacular, but also come in with a respectably low price tag (in terms of price per square foot of living space). When it comes time for me to move from a condo into a house, I'll definitely be using this book as a reference... can't wait to see what Michelle will come out with next!

5 comments about Manhattan Skyscrapers.

1. This excellent coffee-table book has two things going for it -- great pictures and great writing. The skyscrapers of New York City are beautifully presented, in chronological order, by both the photographer and the author. The revised and expanded edition that I purchased also had an excellent tribute to the past and future versions of the World Trade Center towers that went down in September, 2001.
   
   I highly recommend this book for anyone who is, like myself, a tall-building enthusiast -- and even more so for those who are fans of the 'big apple.' I give the book 5 stars for being everything it claims to be and more.



2. Although a Brit, my wife and I lived in Manhattan for quite a long time. We remember ground breaking for The World Trade twin towers, the day the first tower became taller than the Empire State building, and seeing the
   dreadful dust cloud, days after 9/11 as we over flew to Newark Int'l. Everything is here in this book, the 19th century, beautifully detailed buildings to the latest, breathtaking architecture, and finally an impression of Freedom Tower. This is a coffee table book par excellance, the superb pictures using parallax corrected cameras, and the associated text is detailed enough to be understood by non-technical folk like me. For anyone with a love for Manhattan and all it's architectural idiosyncronies, this is the one to ownManhattan Skyscrapers: Revised and Expanded Edition



3. My nephew just completed his masters degree in architecture and is now working in New York City. He loved receiving this book as a gift from us. The photographs and text are very well done.



4. Excellent photos but too much emphasis on the newest boxy glass cubes.



5. The city of New York hosts some of the most memorable skyscrapers in the world: for those unable to personally visit, Manhattan Skyscrapers provides a newly revised, expanded edition to present over eighty of the best of Manhattan's skyscrapers. Though full-page color portraits of each are packed into each feature, equally striking is the blend of historical background, architectural insight and details Nash provides in each accompanying description. A 'then and now' feel is created by the color contemporary photo facing a page of vintage or black and white illustration. Highly recommended for any fan of Manhattan or urban architectural style.

1 comments about Frank Lloyd Wright's Chicago.

1. I am a big fan of FLW and I have enjoyed looking thru this book many times. The photos are great and the homes are arranged very well. This is one good book.

4 comments about 101 Classic Homes of the Twenties: Floor Plans and Photographs.

1. As another reviewer pointed out, this book is really a straight reprint of the 1925 Harris, McHenry and Baker Lumber company. It's a book of house plans (not whole kits) offered for sale.
   
   Unlike some of the kit home catalogs, this book showed actual photographs of the finished properties.
   
   For those restoring a 1920s home to its original grandeur, this is a wonderful book. If you're just a nut about old houses and enjoy studying the early 20th Century architecture, you'll love the vintage photos.
   
   One of the things I loved about the book was finding that my home town (Portsmouth, VA) was loaded with houses pictured in this book. I grew up in a section called "Waterview" and found six houses from this book in that one area.
   
   So, apparently these homes were quite popular in certain locales.
   
   All that aside, as someone with a deep, abiding love of historic architecture, I would highly recommend this book. It's interesting, informative and a wonderful window into our past.
   
   Rose
   author, The Houses That Sears Built
   co-author, California's Kit Homes



2. This book is a good starting point for anyone interested in the homes built in the 1920-1930's. The plans are small, but do give you an idea of the basic setup.



3. This is a reprint of a house plan catalog from 1925; originally, it was the catalog of the Harris, McHenry & Baker Co., a lumber company. These books from Dover are exact reprints of original plan books from the turn of the century (1880-1925, roughly - this book is one of the latest years in the series). Dover adds little or no modern explanations, just presenting the catalog as it was. So when one looks to review these books, one isn't really judging the modern-day publisher, or editing, or writing. To judge the books, one has to compare each one to others of its kind, and then to decide whether the material in it is thorough and complete according to the standards of its time. Since there are several dozen of these catalogs published by Dover, we have the basis for such a comparison.

   This particular homes catalog has several unusual elements to it which make it worth adding to a collection. For starters, almost all of the houses are illustrated with photographs, rather than drawings, so we are seeing actual, finished models of the houses. The photographs include some things we'd be unlikely to see in a drawing or artist's rendering, for example, the photo of the Webster model shows the driveway, and the garage with carriage-house type doors behind the house. And the Kingston shows a car in the driveway - just the rear of the car, I couldn't identify the make or model, but it is neat to see a nice middle-class house with a car, something we couldn't take for granted in earlier years.

   Some plan books have no text except the price listings and how to order; others have entire sections of articles, or extensive suggestions as to furnishings, colors to finish the house in, etc. This book falls in between those extremes as to amount of text, but what's actually written for each house, although short, is quite unusual. The company is apparently trying to push social engineering along with new homes. For example, here's the text accompanying the photo of the Van Buren model: "Clean men, both of hand and heart, are invariably the product of happy home unions. It is around the harmonious hearthstone where the glow of mutual interest and understanding temper the finer senses that men mould character of sterling worth. It would be a violation of a natural law if homes in The Van Buren class should produce other than men of clean purpose." And here's the text for the Dumont Duplex: "The Dumont cannot be surpassed as a double house, and will make homes of exceptional advantages and refinements for those whose experience and education have taught them the value of good fellowship and neighborly kindness. Learning to co-operate with our fellow creatures is the secret of overcoming selfishness and all of its poisoning effects upon our better selves." Well! Is that the best reason for living in multi-family housing you've ever heard?

   This book is late enough into the century that we can take interior bathrooms for granted; the 1920's are quite modern compared to 15 years earlier. A plan book from 1912, for example, still has half the houses without indoor baths, and many not wired for electricity. On the other hand, there are not yet garages featured automatically with the houses, and the kitchen stoves still need a chimney vented to the outside. I greatly enjoy comparing books from a few years apart, to see the progress being made. Many of the houses have the "built-in" features that became popular in the teens: built-in fold-down ironing boards, breakfast nooks with built-in bench seating, laundry chutes from upstairs to downstairs, built-in bookcases next to the fireplace or between the living room and dining room.

   There are quite a few houses that seem ahead of their time as to modern features. The Van Buren has two bathrooms upstairs, one for the master bedroom and the other for all the other bedrooms. Both bathrooms have both a bathtub and a shower stall. In fact, looking at the floor plan for the Van Buren, one could imagine living in it today fairly easily, with just the addition of a bit more kitchen counter space. The Chesterfield, likewise, is a house I'd love to live in, with not only two full bathrooms, but built-in bookcases downstairs, and built0in window seats upstairs in the bedrooms, a walk-through pantry with more built-in cabinets than most, and beautiful balconies. The Webster has a "radio room" off the dining room - presumably for the hobbyist! It also has a downstairs powder room as well as the usual upstairs bathroom. The Westhaven offers a dumbwaiter to the basement (presumably where there is storage), a separate laundry room, a downstairs washroom with both toilet and a double sink and an upstairs bathroom, as well as a sewing room, a clothes chute, an indoor refrigerator instead of an ice box that has to be near the back door, and a waste-burner disposal. (Remember, this is before we were worried about air pollution! A waste burner was very modern then!) Most of the houses still have the refrigerators situated right by the back door, still assuming the need for ice delivery, and many with slots for milk delivery as well, but there were the first few real refrigerators, as well as real washing machines, at this time, and this company appears to be forward thinking enough to have designed houses for these brand-new conveniences.

   In summary: a must for continuity from "old" houses to "modern" and also for the unusual text which will keep you amused.




4. This faithful reproduction of a 1920's home plans catalogue offers a wide range of plans covering many different styles and house sizes.

   Each page provides a photograph or rendering of the house exterior, a floor plan including dimensions, and a "unique" promotional blurb which shows how times have changed!

   On the downside, all homes are shown in black and white and there are no interior views to indicate finishings, accessories or furniture for those who are looking for a restoration resource book. The last few pages, however, do include sections on possible additions, garage styles and renderings of interior and exterior doors.

No comments about Contemporary Controversies in Psychoanalytic Theory, Technique, and Their Applications.