5 comments about Las Vegas Then and Now (Then & Now).

1. It's a nice big book with plenty of contrasting photos of various locales in Las Vegas.
   
   Each photo, old and new, comes with a brief description and/or historical fact of the structure or location. The info is informative and interesting.
   
   While I enjoyed the photos that were presented, the format makes it too "black and white". So basically you get the very beginning photo and then the most current photo(usually in the 21st century).
   
   Would've been nice if they could've included some transition photos, as a lot of casinos went thru various changes throughout the years.
   
   Overall though, I enjoyed the book as it managed to evoke my deep memories of Sin City.



2. I purchased the book for my son-in-law who enjoyed it VERY MUCH. Great Book.
   Shirley Nordby



3. this is a nice book with very beautiful photos ,a must for people who like
   to learn about other cities evolution.



4. I drove through Las Vegas in 1975 and was so unimpressed I didn't even stop and get out of the car. I wanted to see if this book had any photos from that era and was pleased to find out my memory wasn't faulty. I was also there in the mid '60s and the late '90s and the book didn't let me down on those memories, either.



5. I was finally able to visit Las Vegas last year and bought several Vegas books as souvenirs. Unfortunately, most of the books only provided information on present-day Las Vegas. Also wanted were pictures of the Las Vegas I had seen on TV as a kid. After all, that is what gave it its magic & attraction to me.
   
   This book provides that. Pictures of the old & new are featured on opposite pages for easy comparison. The pictures are large, sharp, & clear, & are of excellent quality to this layman's eye. They are also accompanied by short paragraphs of essential facts such as build dates & owners, along with information peculiar to the specific buildings.
   
   I highly recommend this book to the nostalgist.

5 comments about The American City : What Works, What Doesn't.

1. This book goes into great detail a wide range of topics related to real estate development. It has a good framework of 6 key ingredients to success in real estate.



2. The writing is clear and concise and Garvin does a great job of making the material interesting and relevant!



3. Mr. Garvin addresses the key factors that actually create effective change for cities today. He places a heavy emphasis on sound real estate financing, but he also demonstrates the need for effective government action and political leadership to spur private develoopments. When combined with good design and a proper reading of market forces, American Cities can and will be changed for the benefit of all its citizens.

   Readers must understand, however, that Mr. Garvin does not ascribe what is "Best for the City." Each city represents a unique example and requires specific consideration when planning its future. Instead, Mr. Garvin brilliantly provides an accurate set of tools to direct a city's future, thus allowing the reader to determine what the future of his or her city should be.

   Whether you're intersted in planning the future of your city or simply learning what influences the development of your city, I highly recommend this book.




4. Garvin's text is of course a classic for students of American cities. As a sourcebook on successes and failures in cities all over the country it is unsurpassed. Garvin shows a depth of knowledge in planning issues that is deeply rooted in expertise in real estate development, economics, and politics. His insights into "what works" shows a lifetime of knowing the ins and outs of how urban developments get done in the real world.

   The one shortcoming of "The American City" is Garvin's lack of attention to such planning concepts as participatory planning and community building. His "six ingredients of success" make a convenient tool for teaching basic planning concepts, but the text falls short in explaining the theortical underpinnings of planning today. Students walk away from Garvin's book convinced that good planning is esentially good real estate development. Little thought is given to concepts of fairness or social justice. Garvin never asks the student, for instance, "who are we planning for?" These theortical questions are essential to give students a deeper and more nuanced view of urban planning.




5. When Alexander Garvin's "The American City" was first published in 1996, it fast became a classic text in universities all over the country in the study of the city. Because it is an incredibly rich and profoundly insightful interdisciplinary exploration of all aspects of the planning of cities, it has been eagerly embraced by students of architecture, planning, urban studies, government, finance, and even sociology. Because it is so compelling written and marvelously accessible, however, it has also become a beloved book by lay people interested in any and every aspect of what determines the life and success of the created environment in which they live.

   Since most of the original edition was actually completed by 1990, it did not include the last decade of development in the fast-changing world of urban thinking. In this second edition, Mr. Garvin brings his study of the city into the twenty-first century, including examples, issues, and trends that did not exist at the time the first edition was written. More strikingly, however, he has also succeeded in reorganizing and restating his original material-sometimes subtly, and sometimes more extensively-in even more powerful and effective ways. But whether it is the almost completely new chapter on Retail Shopping, or the only mostly preserved gem from the first edition on Parks and Playgrounds, all of the clarity and vitality so characteristic of Mr. Garvin's writing are enhanced in this new edition. The new edition also features numerous new photographs-a particular treat to the many readers who especially appreciate the masterful way he has illustrated his points with visual images, virtually all taken by Mr. Garvin himself. (Since he is firmly committed to the principle that one actually has to experience and explore in person the environments one is studying, the author makes sure to use images that reflect his own personal vision, which fortunately for us is as artistically pleasing as it is intellectually informative.)

   Whether one wishes to understand the history of American cities, learn the principles of real estate development, research the trends in government involvement in housing and urban renewal, get insight into why particular undertakings in particular cities worked or failed, or, most excitingly, sense the incredible complexity and interaction of all those forces (historical, political, architectural, legislative, sociological, economic, etc.) that determine and describe the life of the city, this book is a must-read-and one that is as enjoyable as it is informative and enlightening.

1 comments about CPM in Construction Management (Pro Engineering).

1. The original edition of this revised book dates from the early 1980's, so predates the use of personal computers for scheduling. The careful, methodical thinking that was essential when paper and pencil or mainframe computers were the only choices, is evident in the organization and subject matter of this book. Although currently popular PC scheduling software is addressed in this edition, the discipline of the underlying knowledge and methods are always evident. A welcome contrast to scheduling texts that want to "get to the good stuff", such as schedule acceleration, before building a firm foundation.
   
   The use of case studies from both construction and manufactoring were particluarly relavant. This is the most comprehensive and clear book on this subject I have found.
   
   Choosing Project Success - A Guide for Building Professionals

1 comments about Spa & Health Club Design.

1. With the increasing understanding of the importance of exercise, has also come the understanding that the old fashioned gym like Rocky might have used, upstairs over the pool hall, has given way to places designed to attract the upper scale clientelle of today.
   
   Ms. Castillo has carefully collected a set of photographs of newly built spa and health clubs from around the world. Literally from all over the world: Australia, Vienna, Canada, China, all over Europe. These spa's represent what the best architects are doing in this area. The book is an idea book for people interested in the area. This would include no only architects, but people like hotel management, spa operators, or even the home owner looking to put in his own unit.
   
   For me two points really stand out in these designs:
   
   1. The integration of the new, almost exoctic spa into a standard hotel design, or perhaps fit into an existing building of any age or architecture.
   
   2. The large use of water. This can be swiming pools, fountains, hot tubs or whatever. It seems that water is an integral part of the new spa.
   
   Beautiful photographs carefully selected to illustrate what can be done.

2 comments about Sears House Designs of the Thirties (Dover Books on Architecture).

1. I felt this book had too many interior drawings & that the plans were all too similar. While I know this book is a reproduction catalogue, other books from this genre have more varied styles illustrated in their floor plans.



2. Dover Publishing (God bless 'em) reprinted the 1926 Sears Modern Homes catalog many years ago and that reprint (apparently) enjoyed quite a bit of success. And that book - the 1926 reprint - was one of the books that turned me on to Sears Homes.
   
   This is another reprint of a Sears Modern Homes catalog, specifically the 1932 catalog. In their description, Dover calls it a "rare" catalog and it's not as common as the others but I don't know that I'd call it RARE.
   
   The only downside is the lack of color. The 1932 catalog was a beauty with lots of bright colors but that's a minor point here.
   
   I'm delighted to see this catalog reprinted. It shows the Sears Modern Homes program from a slightly different angle, with their "special order" homes featured. These fine and fancy homes were far cries from the kit bungalows that made Sears famous.
   
   It also has several testimonials and lots of cool trivia. For the Sears Home Aficionado, this one is worth the money.
   
   Rose
   author, "The Houses That Sears Built"
   and co-author, "California's Kit Homes"

3 comments about The Games We Played: The Golden Age of Board & Table Games.

1. Board games as we understand them in the 21st century, really began in the early nineteenth. Before then, children were really considered to be junior adults: time not spent in school was for work on the farm, or in a factory. Of course there was chess, checkers (draughts) or games like Go, and Senet. But these were primarily played by adults. With growing prosperity, and corresponding disposable income and spare time, came a realization of the value of play for children. This play could be used for socialization: instill values, increase literacy, and develop dexterity, without the kids knowing it. Since board games had this mission, as well as entertainment they make a unique window into the social history of the Victorian Era.
   
   "The Games We Played" does an excellent job of showing the changes wrought in American society reflected in board games. The rise of urbanization, development of a transportation infrastructure, and the nascent consumerism all are described via the illustrations. This is not an in depth social history, but association of major nineteenth century events, and how they affected games is pointed out. The illustrations alone are almost worth the price of the book, as they are practically works of art (in an era before lithographs, game art was hand painted by factory workers). The only weak areas of the book are the two chapters about travel; neither is more than a few pages, and the narrative is not of the level of the others in this work. Overall, if one has any interest in games, or social history this is worth considering.



2. Board game have long been a family passtime, and this history of the board game will intrigue any who enjoy games. Bright full-page color photos of vintage board and table games accompany descriptions of their themes and history. Games are organized around themes - chapters survey a surprising one hundred of popular American games, drawn from over five hundred given to the New York Historical Society by Arthur and Ellen Liman, flea market devotees who amassed a large collection. Highly recommended for collectors and game enthusiasts alike: The Games We Played is a perfect gift pick for the Christmas season!



3. Board games seem to have a monopoly on our entertaining
   pastimes: Their sales have doubled in the last year alone! And if
   your idea of a great game is Chutes & Ladders or Risk, they go to
   jail and do not pass go. Margaret K. Hofer's nifty volume brings
   together more than 100 eye-popping examples of rare and popular
   board games, organized by theme, such as sports, courtship and
   travel. The late 19th century and early 20th century games here are drawn from more than 500 such gems from The New York
   Historical Society's tremendous collection. What's most fascinating (besides the glorious color photos) is being reminded
   that as much as times change, some things (like games) don't. Take "The Elite Conversation Cards," manufactured in 1887. Think of it as a vintage "20 Questions" or a host of other games that can be found at Toys R Us .... courting couples "break the ice" with cards that ask such deep, thought-provoking questions
   such as "Are you inclined to boss the house?" and "Have you ever
   been in love?" Pass the dice, please.

5 comments about 25 Houses Under 2,500 Square Feet.

1. As with everything else from this author, it is just a collection of pretty pictures, with absolutely no detail on materials and construction techniques. There is a reason his books are so cheap.



2. This book shows some nice homes but, the point of the book is not based on design but on square footage.So if your looking for a book based on design only, u might try another book



3. Book had alot of cool homes, most seemed like vacation/guest houses though. Only problem I have with the book is the binding wasn't terribly strong. After lying it out and people looking thru it a few times the spine is broken.
   
   Small thing, good content



4. The houses presented in this book are great but I would not define them as small! Indeed this is a joke: in my opinion, a 2500 sq.ft. one-bedroom house is huge. Only a few of them are real family homes that one can live in.
   
   The presentation and format is great but more technical info (besides floorplans which are great) would be appreciated.
   
   In short, a beautiful book which requires some housework to get useful ideas out of it.



5. 25 Houses is an overall good book for the layperson. It's successful in showing that well-designed custom homes don't always have to be enormous. However, it lacks in depth for those who are looking for "how it was done". This book would really shine if there was information about materials used, custom details or the inspiration behind the designs.
   Also, there are a few examples of ordinary houses that, in my opinion, shouldn't be in this publication.

5 comments about Poolscaping: Gardening and Landscaping Around Your Swimming Pool and Spa.

1. I had high hopes due to high reviews, but I was very unhappy to find that only a small section of the book is actually about plants! You would think with a name like "Poolscaping" that the book would have had more to do about plants and landscaping around the pool. The book is instead divided in chapters about how to build a pool and many pictures on waterfalls and spa's. Very generic as a whole.



2. This book was an excellent resource for the designer looking to work with swimming pools. The ilustrated examples and artistic tips were an invauable inspiration for sparking the imagination when designing pools. Before reading this I did think of pools as slabs of concrete filled with water, but I believe this book has put far down the path of being able to design elegant swimming pools. I consider this a must read for any architectural designer.



3. Based on the description, I believed this book would be full of design ideas and photos of well-landscaped pools. It isn't. If you are looking (as I was) for examples to show a landscaper (or to do it yourself), you should look elsewhere.



4. This is one of the not so good books for pools like many many others. I don't know may be it is too hard to write for pools. There are inside some pictures but nothing to catch the eye neither spectacular. THis book was suppouse to guide you how to create your own pool but I have see much better books!
   So if you are going to spend money to build a pool keep on searching for another book!



5. Transform the swimming pool of a backyard into a Tuscan paradise with tiles and flowering plants, or create a pool with a beach-like presence filled with beach plants: that's the idea of Pool Scaping, a title which covers both swimming pool decor and appropriate landscaping around it. Pool Scaping is a lovely guide which covers the specifics of plants in a water surrounding.

2 comments about Color, Environment, & Human Response.

1. This is an excellent book. It's very interesting and was the first book of it's kind that I have read. I gives color and light suggestions for different environments such as schools, office spaces, etc. It gives detailed scientific information about why these colors and types of light are good to use in these environments that is easy to understand. I think this book is a must have for all interior designers who care about the effects the environment they design will have on the people that will be in it!



2. Help! My cousin in Brazil is trying to contact the author of this book. The letter he sent was returned to him as the address being no good. He had gotten the address out of the back of the book. Does anyone know how to contact the author?

2 comments about Infinity Pools.

1. I purchased this book to get an idea of infinity pool designs. Really it's more of a coffee table book. The pictures are beautiful, but it's very difficult to really assess what the pools look like as the pictures are more artistic than technical. The photo assignment for this book must've been a blast as the pictures are from luxury locations around the world.



2. Infinity pools, sometimes called infinity edge pool is a pool that has one or more edges of the book being submerged below water level so that the water surface merges with the horizon, providing the illusion of an infinite plane. As seen in this book this effect is particularly impressive when the invisible edge is set against a larger body of wter such as the ocean, or perched on an elevated so that the sky becomes the backdrop.
   
   This is an expensive pool, with the requirement for a trench to collect the water escaping over the submerged edge and then for a pump that will recirculate the water into the main pool. But when it is done correctly by skilled designers and contractors, the result is often stunning.
   
   This book pictures and describes thirty houses from literally around the world that incorporate infinity pools into their design. The book is beautifully photographed and printed and will serve as an idea book for architects and their customers.