1 comments about Building New York: The Rise and Rise of the Greatest City on Earth.

1. Beginning with the 1811 grid plan of 100 foot wide north-south avenues and 155 cross streets set at 200 foot intervals this book shows the story of how Manhattan came to be in a brilliant collection of photographs. Actually the pictures begin with engravings dating from before photographs existed, but the book is mostly photographs from the late 1800's to the drawings of the proposed Fredom Tower at the World Trade Center site.
   
   The photographs cover Manhattan. How central park came to be is discussed as are the bridges and tunnels that provide access to the city. Sailing ships from an 1883 picture are near those of the New York Naval Shipyard (which alone built more ships during World War II than did all of Japan). Air liners from a TWA DC-3 to Pan Am's new Boing 707 at their dramatic terminal at Idlewild is only a page away from a Pan-Am clipper flying boat at La Guardia's Marine Air Terminal.
   
   This is a very dramatic collection of pictures that truly reflects the Rise and Rise of the Greatest City on Earth.

1 comments about City Walks: Amsterdam: 50 Adventures on Foot (City Walks).

1. Amsterdam is so small, and many guide books cover all the highlights, that you really don't need this. Also, the print is rather small on these small cards. Buy Rick Steve's book instead.

2 comments about Chinese Symbolism and Art Motifs: A Comprehensive Handbook on Symbolism in Chinese Art through the Ages.

1. While this is clearly a pioneer and classic work in its field, there are, today, newer works that surpass this volume, first published 67 years ago, without many updates throughout its many reprints, in its usefulness. For example, the author includes literary references as well as art references (in other words, linguistic references that one does not see in art), so it is sometimes difficult to know if a particular object has different meanings "literally" from "figuratively". Additionally, the index is way too cursory, so there have been times when it has been extremely difficult to re-find something that one knows one has seen or read in the volume. A third shortfall is the use of line drawings as opposed to real photographs. There is a reason why we have the saying, "A picture is worth 1,000 words". Nevertheless, Williams was a ground-breaker in this area and this volume belongs in the library of anyone with a serious interest in the subject.



2. Now in its fourth edition, Chinese Symbolism And Art Motifs: A Comprehensive Handbook On Symbolism In Chinese Art Through The Ages is a straightforward survey of recurring symbols in Chinese artwork from ancient times to the modern day. Divided into entries devoted to each symbol ("dragon", "phoenix", "the eight immortals", "the five elements" and much more), which are in turn presented in alphabetical order, Chinese Symbolism And Art Motifs includes over 400 black-and-white illustrations and an index for quick and easy reference. The text succinctly surveys different uses of each symbol, and also presents the names for symbols and important historical or mythical Chinese figures in Chinese characters as well as in translation. An easy-to-use guidebook especially recommended for college libraries and students and scholars of Chinese art.

2 comments about In Tiers of Glory: The Organic Development of Catholic Church Architecture Through the Ages.

1. Michael Rose's In Tiers of Glory is an excellent follow-up to his earlier book Ugly As Sin. Whereas the earlier book delved into the theology and philosophy of church architecture in order to show how it had been derailed by modernists with an obsession with novelty and an aversion to orthodox Christianity, In Tiers of Glory examines the historical aspects of the Catholic tradition in church architecture. Written for the layman, it is amazingly clear, concise and accurate. Chapter 10 on the return of Iconoclasm and the advent of modernism is worth the price alone. Its greatest asset perhaps is that it is generously illustrated with dozens of examples of beautiful church architecture (along with a few warty toads for contrast).



2. The standard stereotype of history, architectural or otherwise, imagines humanity leaping from one sea-change to the next. In the study of architectural history, one style gives way to the next as each generation of designers seek to outdo one another in the name of progress. However, with In Tiers of Glory Michael Rose seeks to understand not these ruptures but the more important element of the underlying continuity of principle that runs throughout the development of church design. It is this unity which ties the various styles of Christian architecture together like a vast tectonic Communion of Saints. And, as Michael Rose shows us, it is the deliberate rupture of those common elements that stretch across the centuries, done in the name of a false modernity, that has led to the current decadence of sacred art.
   
   Unlike past attempts to reform Christian architecture, art and worship, In Tiers of Glory is not merely revivalist: it proposes no single idyllic golden age of architecture but instead opens our eyes to see the beauties of every age (and the organic continuity which ties them together) and urges us to learn from them, synthesize them, and with these lessons, evangelize the art of the future.
   
   Rose does us a great service by liberating us from the trap of the "spirit of the age" and showing us we can choose beauty over banality. Indeed, as he shows us, many architects already have. In his final chapter, "The Wisdom of Hindsight," he showcases the works of contemporary architects, such as Thomas Gordon Smith and Duncan Stroik, who have drawn on more than two thousand years of experience rather than merely pursue change for change's sake. Magnificently illustrated with color photographs and specially-commissioned watercolor renderings, In Tiers of Glory is not only a joy for the committed architect to read, but also a must for any layperson looking to be educated about the history--and the future--of church architecture.

No comments about Designing for Alzheimer's Disease: Strategies for Creating Better Care Environments (Wiley Series in Healthcare and Senior Living Design).

2 comments about Then and Now: San Fernando Valley.

1. During my last visit to Los Angeles in February last year, I came to ride in the San Fernando Valley through the Metro Orange Line. I did not have anything specific to do in the Valley, but I was curious enough to explore what was, for me, a yet undiscovered part of the City of Angels. I jumped out the bus in several stations along the way and took a walk around those neighborhoods I've been in (Woodland Hills, Canoga Park, Reseda, Winnetka and North Hollywood). It's amazing to see how different the Valley is from the rest of L.A., although most of its neighborhoods belong to Los Angeles proper. Mostly residential, there is a more peaceful and less pretentious atmosphere lying in the air there than in any other neighborhood south of Santa Monica Mountains. The perfect portrayal of a typical American suburb. By the way, Desperate Housewives is taped there (in Universal City Studios, if I am not wrong).
   
   I bought this book as soon as I discovered it, and just when I received the package and opened the book, I instantly felt that "deja vu" thing...
   
   As the title suggests, you will find old pictures of some of the most memorable spots in the Valley and how they look like today after years. Even if I am not really that intimate to the Valley like any resident is, I adored the book. Words from a guy that, unexplainably, fell in love with such singular, unusual to outsiders and quiet place within the world-class Los Angeles.



2. Maybe it's because I am a native and resident of the valley. But the book does not appeal to me that much. Some of the then and now photos are unnecessary. Some are interesting. Overall, it could have been improved by showing photos of "significant" sites.

2 comments about Gardens at Hatfield.

1. Tale of John Tradescant the gardener is featured in historical novel ''Earthly Joys'' by Philippa Gregory; Sequel ''Virgin Earth'' continues the saga with his son also named John Tradescant whose journeys include the New World.



2. 
   As The Dowager Marchioness of Salisbury writes in her comprehensive Introduction, "In recorded time, the story of the gardens at Hatfield begins in the early years of the seventeenth century, but my imagination plays with the idea that the tale could have begun forty years earlier, with the seeds of their creation being sown in the mind of a young boy......" She presents much more than a chronicle of recreation in her introduction; she also offers an intriguing story.
   
   The Dowager Marchioness is an expert guide as she lived at Hatfield House until 2004 where she planned and oversaw the recreation of this incomparably beautiful garden covering some 45 acres of the 7000 acre estate. Described by one as the greatest British gardener of the twentieth century, she takes readers on aan all-encompassing tour of this remarkable garden as her vision for it is fulfilled.
   
   Photographer Sue Snell, an acclaimed documentary and horticultural photographer, is an astute recorder as she follows the garden's progress over a period of eight years in all seasons. Some 250 color photographs superbly illustrate the 144 page text.
   
   A double page plan of the garden gives readers an overview of the terrain as well as an appreciation for the scope of this undertaking. The volume is divided into four sections, the North, which includes approaches and the North Court. We find the Old Palace in the West section as well as the Lime Walk and the lovely Holly Walk and the Wilderness.
   
   The Mount Garden, found in the South section, is breathtaking. Finally, the East section features a grand Orchard, delectable Kitchen Garden, and what estate is complete without a Vineyard?
   
   Not only garden lovers but all will enjoy and treasure this beautifully rendered volume.
   
   - Gail Cooke

No comments about Castles in Wales: History-Spectale-Romance.

No comments about Living in Hungary (Living In . . .).

1 comments about Christian Rome: Past and Present: Early Christian Rome Catacombs and Basilicas.

1. Very highly recommended for students of Christian History and Roman Catholic Architecture, Christian Rome: Early Christian Rome Catacombs And Basilicas by Philippe Pergola is an informed and informative survey of archaeology and history of Christian Rome, featuring a profusion of full-color illustrations with translucent overlays that give the reader an accurate impression of what the often dilapidated relics once looked like. An astounding and superbly presented tour of both antiquarian architecture and culture, Christian Rome is an amazing visual and informational journey presented in a spiral bound format and part of the outstanding Getty Trust Publications' "Past & Present" series.