5 comments about Art of The Stonemason.

1. This is an excellent book, a stonemason myself, it really does give a true insight of the art or skill involved in stonemasonary. The illustration are excellent, with several cross sections to show the reader how stone walls are built.



2. I became interested in the art of stone masonry a couple of years ago. This book is by far the most excellent one I have seen, and I have researched back as far as the 1870's. Mr. Cramb is definitely an artisan beyond compare.
   
   If for aesthetic value alone, this book would be worth every penny.



3. As I am the son of the author,and also the stonemason who's work is featured in some of the pictures in the book ,I have to give the book the highest rating possible.I know my father spent at least 10 years drafting , planning and trying to find a publisher, and now that the book is out of print it is astounding to see how much its value has increased.I have the original drawings my father made (all framed of course) and also the original draft and photos that are featured in the book. I am very proud to have been a small part in what was a very succesful publication.Maybe one day I'll write a sequel !! might call it "the craft of the stonemason",but thats something I'll have to sit down and think about.



4. The author provides hard and fast do's and don'ts derived from his experience of many years. If you want to learn how to build a traditional mortared stone wall this is the best book around. With or without the color photos, buy it.



5. Another good book on traditional stone masonry. I wish there was some some colour photos in it. It does have some information that is not found in other stone mason books. Add it to your Stone Masonry library.

5 comments about Understanding Architecture: Its Elements, History, And Meaning (Icon Editions).

1. This book is one of the seminal readings for architectural history, and the reason is that the contents are well-thought-out, well-researched, and interestingly written.
   That said, shouldn't such a book, one you'll keep a good long time as a reference, come with a binding that doesn't fall apart on the first open? Sumeria and Mesopotamia are ready to leap out of the spine. It's a real travesty and the publisher should be embarassed. I'd have returned it if I didn't need it for a class.
   As for the contents, I'd say that Roth is a great scholar and writer. He's also done or reworked many of the very solid illustrations in the book, and the book is a good read as well as a good reference. You can pick up the thread anywhere and don't necessarily have to read in chronological order. Worth buying a copy (that doesn't fall apart in your hands.)



2. As Marion Dean Ross Professor of Architectural History at the University of Oregon at Eugene, Leland M. Roth summarized his research and experience in "Understanding Architecture: Its Elements, History, And Meaning."
   
   Having done extensive graduate studies in architecture, landscape architecture and urban planning, I always find the history and meaning of architecture, gardens and places fascinating.
   
   "Understanding Architecture: Its Elements, History, And Meaning" is a feast for people like me. It is separated into 2 parts. Part I covers elements of architecture including "Commoditie" (Function), "Firmeness" (Structure), "Delight" (Space, Acoustic and Aesthetic), architecture as part of natural environment, architecture, memory and economics. Part II covers history and meaning of Western architecture from the dawn of the civilization to present, including "from caves to cities," the architecture of Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt, Greek architecture, Roman architecture, Early Christian and Byzantine architecture, Medieval architecture, Renaissance architecture, Baroque and Rococo architecture, the origin and development and versions of Modernism, and various schools of Postmodernism.
   
   "Understanding Architecture: Its Elements, History, And Meaning" has 652 pages and many line drawings and good interior black-and-white photos. It is a valuable survey of Western architecture from the dawn of the civilization to present.



3. Excellent text of architectural history, with good information and explanations of each style in cronological order and lots of sections on examples and masters of each epoch. Lots of pictures of plans and sections! I only wish I had had it for the assignments I had to do last semester! I do wish it had more color fotos instead of black and white. Like all architecture books, it's a little too expensive, but reasonable for the comparatives I found localy. Excellent book, Highly recommended for architecture students and enthusiasts alike.



4. I'm a college instructor for beginning level Architecture Appreciation, and the Leland Roth book is an excellent choice to use for such a class. It is concise, informative and for the students, easy to read. Also, for their purposes, because the book is mostly black and white, it is rather cost efficient in an age of over-priced rip-off textbooks. The only problem with the book is that it can really stand to be updated. There is no chapter about Decontructivism or anything that followed, and the book ends with Mario Botta in 1993, which these days is antiquity already. Roth must know that his book is a gold standard for such a class. Knowing this, it is imperative that he revise it soon. it's too good of a product to stop 12 years ago.



5. This is a very well written approach to the understanding of Architecture and Urbanism. In the first half of the book, Roth analyzes the basic concepts or "elements" that conform today's Architecture. The second half of this clear and readable text is dedicated to the investigation of the history and significance of Architecture. These enjoyable and didactic thirteen chapters are an excellent starting point for a journey into past and present Architecture

5 comments about Space: Japanese Design Solutions.

1. This book is fine in almost everything but the floor plans that are missing. It's small and compact which goes with the theme but a floor plan would have been a great addition in simplifying the readability of it. Most of all it would be great if I could learn how to do them instead and of only admiring these houses.



2. This book... I liked it so much I even use it as a gift! Extremely happy!



3. it would make a marvelous coffee table book, except it's half the size of one. or maybe it makes a wonderful table book precisely because it is so easy to pick up and skim. regardless, don't let that deter you from getting this book, as it is remarkable in its showcasing of the creativity that small spaces foster. as you read both the words and pictures throughout the book, you will find yourself thinking "wow that makes so much sense!" and "i want that house!" over and over.
   a fantastic book, it will inspire you to either move to japan, or take the book to your architect and commission a house on the spot.



4. That's right, folks! Not a one! However, that hasn't put me off this little book.
   
   I've enjoyed this one for it's nifty little nooks and crannies and the way that others can realise good living in small spaces.
   
   This is a VERY Japanese style book. I would not necessarily agree on layouts of the homes but once again, I say unto you, I buy books for inspiration and I haven't been disappointed.



5. Just love the simplicity f spaces in japan, old and modern.

1 comments about Smart Guide: Basements: Step-by-Step Projects (Smart Guide).

1. Part of the outstanding "Smart Guide" series from Creative Homeowner, Basements: Step-By-Step Projects is a no-nonsense, "user friendly" collection of step-by-step projects to insulate walls, update plumbing, install new wiring, eliminate moisture problems and much more in the basement of one's home. Color photographs, diagrams, and detailed instructions distinguish this excellent do-it-yourself resource which is confidently recommended for personal "do-it-yourself" and Interior Design technical reference shelf collections.

3 comments about Small Bungalows.

1. Found this book very interesting. There were pictures and plans of the houses featured. There were also explanations of features inside and outside the houses. Enjoyed reading this book. One of my favorites



2. I believe the value (value for money) to be good. I got some very neat ideas for the house we will be building from this very book. The setup of the book is high quality and the photography is awesome, the lay-out is clear and an easy read. I also need to state that some of the material has absolutely nothing to do with bungalow style interiors A (Kelly green computer room with sixty-ish style blue purple figures?)



3. This is the perfect book for me. I am a big fan of Arts & Crafts homes and I love to look at home plans. This book has both. The plans have all the details one looks for in a bungalow, plus a modern open floor plan. I want to build them all.
   
   Janice
   in the Sierra

5 comments about EcoCities: Rebuilding Cities in Balance with Nature.

1. The most amazing book I have ever read...life-altering look at evolutionary coexistence. There is hope for our future...with others understanding and implementing ecocity principles. Please - I challenge you to read and use the book...our way of being depends on it.



2. Anyone involved in city planning or anyone that lives in a city should read this. Power of Proximity!



3. EcoCities is a book I have returned to repeatedly and discovered new insights every time. Register is no utopian dreamer; he's addressing real problems in contemporary urban design and land use patterns that cannot be sustained in a lower-energy future. Register's personality comes through loud and clear in his writing--this is no dry treatment of the subject.
   
   Through this book, Register helps us to envision with some specificity what urban landscapes light on automobiles but rich in biodiversity could look like. It's as if he's illustrating a series of before and after treatments of various spaces, but the before picture is now and the after is a future yet to be realized. Highly recommended reading for anyone who wants to help actively design their built environment towards sustainability.



4. Along with books like Natural Capitalism and Cradle to Cradle, Ecocities takes its place among the most important environmental tomes of our day. In a nutshell, Richard Register's vision (replete with a plan to get us there) could transform our world. In fact a structural response like ecocities (and smart growth) may be the best tools available to bring us to our only destination, sustainability. In his thoughtful book, Register waxes poetic on the environmental crisis we face, shares a grand vision for addressing the crisis -- while simultaneously improving our everyday lives -- and wraps it up with a road map for getting there. His many illustrations spark the imagination and are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. If you haven't read it, just do. Buy this important book now.



5. Here is an ambitious remit. Register gives a history of the development of cities. And he offers suggestions for what he calls eco-modern designs. That attempt to minimise energy consumption and maximise biodiversity. The former is an obvious laudable aim for any city and its occupants. Rising energy costs, due in part to ever increasing global industrialisation, can adversely affect everyone in a city. Reducing consumption is shown to involve such trends as more energy efficient cars.
   
   But he also advocates a greater biodiversity within cities. More gardens, including on rooftops. Multiple benefits are offered. A more pleasant recreational environment. And reduced cooling costs for buildings.
   
   Register offers a light leftist approach. He does not seem anticapitalist, unlike some radical environmentalists.

5 comments about Perfect Neutrals: Color You Can Live With.

1. I am delighted with this book, which is very current since it was just published in 2007. It covers every color in the palate, but in their muted, neutral versions. It's divided into several sections that show ideal ways to blend each neutral color family, including reds, purples, blues, yellows and greens, in addition to several shades of white, beige, gray, taupe and brown. Each section has fully referenced pictures of swatches of paints, fabrics, and flooring material. The paints are readily available in the USA from Benjamin Moore among other suppliers.
   
   The quality of the photography is outstanding, with crisp, clear detail. The book focuses on the work of a handful of designers in USA, England and South Africa. It is nice to see the geographic dispersion -- the South African rooms, for example, contain feather headdresses on the walls which are just extraordinary and something I've never seen in USA.
   
   If you are doing your own design, you can easily replicate what is presented here. Not only are there schemes to copy, but the author clearly presents a practical methodology to create lovely interiors using the "neutral" fabrics, paints and materials that are widely available today.
   
   I own lots of design books. This one ranks among the very best.



2. This book shows how many muted colors can become beautiful, new neutrals for your decorating. Each section is broken down into color palettes. Easy to flip to hues you are interested in. Colors used in photos (of famous int. designers) don't always agree with paint, fabric and rug swatch examples used in each section. Paint colors are all referenced, but furniture, etc are not.



3. I don't know much of decoration and having this book makes me feel like I have the best decoration book I could wish for...full of pictures and great ideas.



4. The book is well priced and full of beautiful color photo's showing this neutral concept that is always in style. Nice work on color boards of real materials that you can research. I see this influncing many of us to use more neurtalized colors in our palettes for our homes and places of work. As big user of the Munsel, color theory is alive and well and it shows in this book neutrals will always be in style they are the canvas and background that enhances the higher chroma colors.
   
   This will become a resource book for me.
   
   MS (Industral designer and colorist)



5. I was thrilled when I opened the package and discovered that my used copy of Perfect Neutrals was even nicer than I had anticipated! The cover in intact, and like the book, it shows no signs of wear. Prompt delivery, great price, and top quality--I am one happy customer!

No comments about Twentieth-Century Pattern Design.

5 comments about THE ARCHITECTURE OF LIGHT: Architectural Lighting Design Concepts and Techniques.

1. THIS WAS AN INTERESTING READ ALL AROUND. VERY INFORMATIVE, AND WELL WRITTEN. I ENJOYED THE SHORT CHAPTERS, IT MADE IT EASIER TO TO PICK UP WHERE I LEFT. THE AUTHOR DOES A GREAT JOB OF EXPLAINING LIGHTING IN A WAY THAT ANYONE CAN UNDERSTAND, NOT JUST PEOPLE IN THE LIGHTING FIELD. GOOOD JOB SAGE.



2. This book offers students a great introduction to the world of lighting design. It contains a logical path through this design process while giving the reader a sufficient amount of examples, pictures, etc. along the way. Having used this text myself, I feel it was an excellent course book and I am confident it will be a useful reference to have in the future.



3. This has sparked my interest in lighting design! This book is very useful. GET IT!!



4. This book is great, covering topics from reading manufactures cut sheets to the "physiology of vision." Its a great book to understand light and how light can be used. Perfect for design students!



5. INSPIRING, LEAVES YOU FEELING MORE KNOLEDGEABLE ABOUT LIGHTING DESIGN AND TECHNIQUES. GET THIS BOOK AND YOU WILL NEVER FEEL INTIMIDATED ABOUT LIGHTING LIKE YOU DID BEFORE.

No comments about Private Views: Inside the World's Greatest Homes (Architectural Digest).