1 comments about Door Design.

1. Kinda dissapointed....
   
   You don't feel the idea that unifies all projects selected. Some of the door chosen are almost banal.

2 comments about Robert Brownjohn: Sex and Typography.

1. Some people, and they can be in any profession, shine so brightly that they obscure almost everyone around. Perhaps after shining so brightly it comes as little surprise that they often leave us early. Robert Brownjohn, Bj created designs for products, for posters, and most famously the titles for the James Bond movie 'Goldfinger' that were projected onto the body of a female model.
   
   This book is done in an interesting manner, I'd say a unique manner because I've never seen it done this way before, but there've been a lot of books I've not seen before.
   
   Originated by Bj's daughter Eliza, this book consists of quotations, paragraphs really, from thirty five people who knew him, worked with him or was otherwise connected with his life. These paragraphs are arranged in a more or less chronological order and intermix stories of his personal life with his education and work.
   
   Bj designs, as shown in the book, are still as fresh and original as when they were created. He died of a heart attack at the age of 45.



2. A freind of mine bought me this book for a gift and I did not put it down from the time I received it to the time I finished. Robert Brownjohn was a shortlived genius in the world of graphics and film. For any young designer it is an inspiration, for any experienced designer it is a reminder of how things used to work before clients became politically paranoid and obsessed with being different from the competition. It is a reminder to us all that design is what it is and can be anything you want it to be as long as the will is there. It leaves you with a sense of confidence to make you want to do better work and treat not only projects but also situations in life with kid gloves and just enjoy it. It is amazing what can happen if one does.
   
   It begins with a detailed history of his life from interviews taken from the likes of Alan Fletcher, Bob Gill and Ken Garland and many more influential names in the 60 and 70s. It then covers a few of his most famous and not so famous projects. Each as exciting as the other and approached in the same spontanious mannor that is Robert Brownjohn.

5 comments about Dogs In Their Gardens.

1. This book is a visual delight. The photographs are charming and well taken; it's such a stress reliever, it's almost as good as actually having a dog.



2. I LOVE this bright glossy book of 135 photos of British dogs in their 23 exceptional gardens from all over the world; 96pp; Jack Russell Terriers, Norfolk Terriers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Mastiffs, Aussies, Tibetan Terriers, Welsh Corgis and more--Yay!



3. Page Dickey is not one to favor animal types. Known as an authority on gardens, she has selected gardens of homes across the country to photograph - gardens that just happen to be the homes of a wide variety of Dogs! (Her other similar book gives the position of honor to Cats). In this series of garden vistas Dickey focuses on a wide assortment of garden styles while keeping her photographer's eye attuned to the resident dog of each garden. The combination of running commentary about the plants and trees, paths and resting places, with observations about how dogs can enhance a garden's atmosphere makes for a readable and visually delightful little book. A fine gift for those who love either gardens, or dogs, or hopefully who love the combination! Grady Harp, November 2004



4. This is definitely a picture book. The photographs are lovely and the write up for photographs are also great. However, I was not expecting a picture book. I was expecting a book listing or detailing dog friendly gardens. This book was not it, however the photos are appeasing.



5. "Dogs in the Gardens of the Rich and Famous" is probably a more descriptive title for this little book, but that's a minor distraction; the dogs are the stars of this book. The photos are without exception excellent and the accompanying text is good, especially when it focuses on the dogs. It was comforting to see the odd mutt featured in these pages, many adopted from Humane Societies. The passages about the pleasures of being with dogs while in the garden, particularly the ones pertaining to a dog named "May", make this book special. The book is printed on quality stock in a pleasing layout.

No comments about Portable Architecture: Design and Technology.

No comments about SCDA Architects MAS VI: Selected and Current Works (Master Architect Series).

4 comments about Boston: A Topographical History, Third Enlarged Edition.

1. I first read this book when I moved to Boston in the mid-1980's. Only after reading this book did I understand why I always got lost driving around the city. The old cowpath myth is far too banal compared to the real cause of the city's twisting mysteries: the perpetual reshaping of the city's landmass begun during the Mass Bay colony and continuing today. There's a reason the Big Dig happened here.
   
   I love this book. This is history told from a unique perspective and by a real pro. Whitehill's reputation as a distinguished historian is what initially drew me to this book. His skill as a storyteller and his dry New England wit kept me thoroughly engaged. I have re-read this book many times. It is at the top of my books-to-read-about-Boston list. I always recommend it to any new Bostonian I meet.
   
   I wish the old man had lived to see the Big Dig in all its engineering glory. His history of this grand project would have been a true delight.



2. This book is a fascinating account of how Boston grew and developed. It stays on the point, is concise, and really improves the understanding of this city. A must read for a Bostonian.



3. This is very good book about the City of Boston, as it was developed in stages. The Book explains the development and expansion of the city in time and according to location. It is very vivid and especially if you have been a pedestrian offen on the streets of Boston, It starts to make sense and starts to give joy. As I read the book I started to appreciate more and more the efforts of BRA and Back Bay Society.unfortunately before they acted quite a number of beautiful structures has gone.Book has very extensive history from 1700 to 1970's and than it is summary or may be it is a living history for you. There are numerous pictures but the number of pictures is not as much as those you may find in other types of books, like Boston in Pictures, etc. After all it is a narrative book but there is sufficient amount of pictures to help you visulize. I wish a more comprehensive book were to be produces to show in same pages all the developments, similar to "Boston, Than and Now" but with more older pictures and more story as this book has. Read this book and sit across the Charles on Cambridge Side than you start to see Trimont, Mill Dam, Neck. It is great book.



4. This book is ideal for anyone looking for a general account of Boston history. It acquants one with many of the important stages in the development of the city; covering the period from the colonial to approximately 1970. The information regarding the colonial period is excellent, as is the book itself. It is not specific, but provides an introduction to many great way points for further study.

2 comments about Bedrooms: California Design Library (California Design).

1. If you feel stumped for ideas on how to design a bedroom, and you have a limited budget, Bedrooms will help release you from that in-the-box mentality that you get from strolling through one too many furniture showrooms that encourage you to buy a complete bedroom set. Do not be fooled by the "(California Design)" in the title, this is not a book of California-esque bedroom design, rather, it's a book of interior design for the bedroom by a collection of California designers. The designs covered range from minimalist, to grand, to traditional, to just plain homey. Certainly, the numerous color photographs throughout represent people who, in most cases, probably spent a lot of money to have their bedrooms designed as shown, but it is not at all hard to imagine how to apply the same methods to your create own dream bedroom even with things you buy at a flea market.

   From this book I learned that I could mix and match furniture, not just in the bedroom, but elsewhere, and utilize the eclectic "stuff" I already own to create a comfortable atmosphere. You will not find a step-by-step guide in these pages, rather you will find lovely photos and frequently asked questions covered such as: Should a TV be in a bedroom and how? What can one do with a small room? How can I create a romantic bedroom? How can one design a room that will not look dated too soon? What paint colors are best for a bedroom?

   Aside from the design-ideas aspect of Bedrooms, I just enjoy looking at the photos for relaxation.




2. I am in the final stages of building my dream home and just purchased this book. I only wish I had bought it sooner! This book gives me the confidence to blend my antiques with new surroundings. Diane displays a variety of styles that will withstand the test of time.

4 comments about Arts and Crafts Gardens.

1. I absolutely love this book. I nearly salivated when I saw the numerous drawings and photos of garden structures and architecture- So I'm a "Structure" guy, not a "plant" guy. My wife literraly told me to stop bothering her because I kept showing her pictures of stairs, walls and pergolas. This really is a tremendous resource. I refer to this book whenever I need a bit of design inspiration. I found the sketches, along with photos, to be tremendously helpful.



2. This book is a great point of reference for anyone looking for formal garden inspiration. It is wonderful to see the way architecture and garden design can really complement one another so harmoniously. In these cases, neither would be nearly as interesting without the other.
   
   G. Jekyll's garden plans are very interesting to look at. They are giving me many thoughts on good plant combinations & spacing. Also, while her designs are filled with a lot of material, she seems to have a keen eye for leaving space as well.
   
   The attention to detail is wonderful and one can really see the benefit of meticulous planning. Rather than the plant and see what happens approach, it is actually possible to make very deliberate & specific choices.
   
   Now I just want to know who the poor people are who have to do the weeding, watering and pruning in these giant gardens - eeeks!



3. Gertrude Jekyll's expertise is evident in this finely written and illustrated book. It covers the Arts and Crafts era of fine gardening in extensive detail. She illustrates the garden relationship to the residence and outbuildings and what plants to use to create different effects.



4. First published in 1912 by `Country Life' as GARDENS FOR SMALL COUNTRY HOUSES, ARTS AND CRAFTS GARDENS by Gertrude Jekyll and Lawrence Weaver was republished years later as part of the Antique Collectors Club LTD, and now as a "revised edition with additional colo[u]r illustrations" by the Garden Art Press. More art book than instructive garden guide, the modern publication includes many black and white illustrations as well as layout drawings of the houses and grounds discussed, as well as detailed examples of other features, appearing in the earlier volume, along with beautiful color photos and illustrations depicting specific design elements as they appear today. Thus the reader can determine what the landscaper saw and planned, and how well her design worked then and years later. Jekyll's foresight and intuitive understanding of the "art" of garden design (which many of us learn about the hard way) as illustrated in this book, provides the modern reader with an idea of why Jekyll is still revered among garden designers.
   
   The book title, `Gardens for Small County Houses', may appear ludicrous to the contemporary reader, as it provides an overview of selected examples of various gardens the authors developed in Surrey, Berkshire, and Guildford, which by today's standards are quite large. Chapters cover houses and gardens in their entirety, and at least one covers the "Treatment of Small Sites" such as Cheyne Walk in Chelsea, a gorgeous town house site. Other chapters cover selected design elements, such as "balustrades and walls", "steps and stairways" and retaining walls. Most of these elements are used by modern landscape designers in large public settings and on a few "estates", but many cannot be adapted to the small scale urban garden. Many features of these "country" gardens were lifted from Roman villas and most of us don't own villas, however, some of the elements, such as pergolas, arbors, and trellises can and probably should be adapted to a modern urban garden.
   
   Because you probably wouldn't want to attempt to duplicate these designs on an average modern lot, the value of this book other than as a beautiful art book lies in its ability to inform. You will want to study it before you visit one of the notable "estates" where Jekyll worked in England.

2 comments about Alvar Aalto, 1898-1976: Paradise for the Man in the Street (Taschen Basic Architecture).

1. When they call this book "basic," they mean it. There is nothing deep or philosophical contained within these pages. Instead, this is an overview of the main works that Aalto produced during his career. Projects range from his Savoy vases to entire buildings. This is a good starting point for anyone who is interested in learning more about Aalto's work and nice to have as a basic reference. For the price, this little book can't be beat!



2. I love Aalto's work, but this book was just dry.
   I give it 3.5 only because it's meant to be an inexpensive introduction to Aalto's work, and it is inexpensive..but the writing is just dry. You really get nothing from the articles about the buildings..but it is a nice intro to the architect's life and it does showcase a few of his best works...albeit in a dry manner..
   
   If you aren't really interested in his work, this is perfect for you.
   But if you want a decent look into some of his buildings and materials and philosophy, then your going to have to splurge a little
   
   B-

4 comments about Materials: A Directory for Home Design.

1. Wow - this is a great book, especially if you like contemporary spaces. Good general information and many pictures with creative use of materials and textures. As a teacher I assigned this book for a class - negative: only two students were able to get the book, so now I am hunting for a replacement...



2. this is a great book. i used it as a reference source as i planned the renovation of a building i had recently purchased. it offers great info (and pics) on different materials and how they can be used in an interior space....
   highly recommended; esp. good for detailed overview/survey...



3. If you're studying Interior Design, you learn about hard and soft finishes and where you can apply what. If you're a novice, you just want ideas on what can go where. This book caters for both. Lots of picture with examples of hard finish materials and applications for it. It doesn't exhaust all the advantages and disadvantages of each hard finish, nor does it mention them all... but it's a great book for understanding what can go where!



4. There is a lot of good information, although it is very general. The photos are great for ideas of use of materials.