2 comments about Chinese Architecture: A Pictorial History (Dover Books on Architecture).

1. A large amount of scholarship, care and skill were put into writing this book. The detailed drawings reveal the structure of Chinese architecture (religious and monumental architecture, not commercial or domestic). The drawings are worth the price of the book, while the writing gets a bit boring. But, and this would entail changing the author's book drastically, it needs updating or overhauling--since the book was written 60-70 years ago (with a modern day foreward). It needs to go from Wade-Giles into the pinyin romanization of Chinese characters, and also needs a map or two highlighting where the structures are in China. A better book would be one that keeps his drawings, but uses his writing as source materials and then rewrites it to put things into a better context and flow.



2. Liang Sicheng is among one of the most outstanding Chinese scholars that I admire and respect deeply. As a young man,the beauty of Chinese architecture inspired him to be the first person who studied traditional Chinese architecture scientifically with western methods.After Liang graduated from U.Penn., he moved to Harvard and registered under Graduate School of Art& Science, where he chose the subject "Chinses Architecture". Because there had almost no references in the area, he promised his professor that he will back to China to collect first hand data, and than back to US to finish his study.
   The rest of his story is unbelievably dramatic.( You can find more details in <> by Wilma Fairbank)
   
   I am very glad for the reprint of this cheaper edition, this is the book that every historian of Chinese architecture should have.Highly recommended to Chinese historians as well as architecture lover.

5 comments about Paul Rudolph: The Florida Houses.

1. This book is an wonderful mix of photographs, drawings and text that give great insight into the work of Rudolph's understanding of the Florida's climate and the technology available in his day. It is a must for anyone seriously interested in modern architecture. What an amazing architect, what an amazing book!



2. I have the hardcover version of this book, and I must say the graphic design, color, printing, editing, text, and even the dimensions of the all seem wonderfully appropriate. I know the format of this, The Florida Houses, is similar to that of The Late Work in the same series; however it is far more successful when showcasing the building logic and detail elegance in early work of Rudolph and Twitchell than the later "brutal" style Rudoplh explored.
   
   A total package as well as totally classy. I suggest the hardcover.



3. surpreendent phase of this great american architect.
   the book explain small buildings with great significations.



4. I found myself becoming nostalgic looking through the pages of this book. Having grown up in Florida, I was stunned to see that the house I lived in had been a knock-off of one of Rudolph's houses. His early Florida houses were widely emulated for their clean lines and passive solar designs. It is an impressive collection, and illustrates the lighter side of Rudolph before he became caught up in the monumental forms that dominated the latter part of his career.

   You might call him the John Lautner of Florida, creating a lifestyle as much as an architecture. You could see Travis McGee laying back in one of these houses, drinking a beer as he waits for the elusive flash of green. Rudolph really captured the spirit of Florida in the 40's and 50's. Simple, well-thought out designs that are as relavent today as they were then.




5. As the Case Study program got under way in southern California, Rudolph launched his own from his office in Sarasota on FloridaÕs Gulf coast. For two decades (with time off for U.S. Navy service) he created (first with Ralph Twitchell and then independently) a succession of airy pavilions that mitigated the steamy heat and filtered the brilliant light. In Ezra StollerÕs crisp period photographs these houses seem almost dreamlikeÑtoo graceful and pure to endure storms and the crass consumerism of waterfront development. And yet, despite the pressure of escalating land prices and the cult of gigantism, most of these houses have survived in their original form, and several have been lovingly restored. Every aficionado of mid-century modern should buy this elegant volume. (Michael Webb is the book reviewer for LA Architect magazine.)

No comments about Mendelsohn (Taschen Basic Architecture).

No comments about 25 Tropical Houses in Singapore and Malaysia.

1 comments about Farmhouse: Classic Homesteads Of North America.

1. Good book, nicely written & put together. Easily read for enjoyment.
   Not a book for learning technique, layouts, or building methods.

No comments about French Architectural Ornament: From Versailles, Fontainebleau and Other Palaces (Dover Books on Architecture).

2 comments about Marrakech: Living on the Edge of the Desert.

1. What an inspirational book, beautiful photos, just makes you want to go and visit, so instead you can create I little bit of Marrakech in your own home which I have decided to do with some lovely paint and lots of cushions a great book to flip through and dream



2. 
   Marrakech, that magically mysterious place in Southern Morocco - just the sound of the name gives birth to visions of intrigue, romance, secrets. It is, perhaps, the city many of us dream of visiting. Well, if Marrakech is not included in your vacation plans this year you can enjoy an in-depth colorful tour through the pages of this beautiful volume.
   
   Readers will find a telling description of the glories of this city: "With the coming of twilight Marrakech gives itself up to all manner of seduction, the senses discover the thrill of happiness. On the horizon it seems that all the purple in the world, in its infinite shades, has chosen the Atlas chain as its domicile...."
   
   Thanks to the spectacular photography by Florentine artist Massimo Listri we know this to be true. His camera takes us behind the high walls and enormous cedar doors of Moroccan houses to discover magnificently decorated interiors, with a melange of colors, fabrics and lighting all reflecting the blend of cultures found in the city - Berber, French, Spanish and Arab.
   
   One finds traditional homes called Dar as well as the magnificent palaces with interior gardens known as Riad. Some 27 residences are featured as well as twelve outside of the city. Each is unique, delightful with shaded yards, fountains and pools enhancing the lives of those who dwell on the edge of the desert. Where else would we find a pool with mother-of-pearl lining the bottom or a home in which artists have used "what might be called chiffon painting," which involves "processing the layers of plaster with a thin fabric, the only way to obtain certain faded blues and linen grays...."
   
   Daniel Rey, author of numerous travel accounts for Conde Nast Traveller and the Louis Vuitton City Guides, divides his time between Rome and Marrakesh. His narrative is a splendid companion to Listri's photographs as he details behind the scenes life in this contemporary Eden.
   
   If you have not already dreamed of Marrakech you surely will after browsing through this lush volume, which is surely one of the most enticing books to be found.
   
   - Gail Cooke

5 comments about Contemporary.

1. I feel this book should be titled more as to the content. The design work in the book is primarily l950's and l960's.
   This was not what I expected when I purchased a "Contemporary" book. I felt it should reflect at the most the early 2000's to date. I feel it is worth while for my purpose now which will be a donation to the local library.



2. Woah! This is one of the coolest books ever! I very seldom have given 5 stars to anything, but this one deserves it! Jackson really went out of her way in obtaining these pictures-the real deal, too. If you've ever seen a retro Armstrong flooring ad, a home modernizing magazine from the 50s-60s, Matt Maranian's book "Pad", or anything on retro ranch homes and furniture, this one takes the cake! It's also gives a pseudo-history of midcentury architecture, through pictures-and it's amazing how many pictures are here. I haven't purchased the books "Modernism Revisited", "Inspiring Interiors from Armstrong", or "The Eames Primer", although I plan to get these, but if you or someone you know are into this period, this is definitely a book to obtain. I have a friend that just went ape over it when he saw it. Now he wants to go retro, too. Another book that I've had my eyes on is "Modern Retro Living with Midcentury Modern". Once I get these, I'll leave reviews, as well. Don't hesitate to get this one if you're into this period, also!



3. If you like the direct innovative designs of the 50's & 60's this book will provide a great overview with lots of photos.
   It would have been nice to see more coverage of the furnishing specifics, especially DUNBAR and Edward Wormley - my personal favorites.

   Put on some lounge music, pour a martini and enjoy!




4. This is a pretty cool book. The photos are honest, as they're from the era instead of reconstructed rooms today. Very in depth also; it covers furniture, architecture, glassware, kitchens, textiles and other home furnishings.



5. This book is a great general guide to what was 'contemporary' - including architecture of the home, public building and office. In addition, it delves into interior design - including glass, wall treatments, flooring and furniture. The prospective reader should be made aware right off that this book is written from the British perspective - one will see British English spellings of words, and names of British companies. However, the vast majority of the book deals with American developments, which is more pertinant to the US reader. I call this book a great 'general' introduction because it digs about 75% of the way into each subject. But how many other books can cover so many subjects as well? None that I've been able to find so far. The book is richly illustrated, including some photos which span the entire page. The text is interesting and easy to understand. After reading each chapter of the book, you are left with a good basic undertanding of what you've just read. The pictures themselves are generally period photos, which really help the reader see what 'contemporary' was to the eyes of the folks living at that time. If you are contemplating purchasing a 'contemporary house', or perhaps decorating in the 'contemporary' style, this book will give you some good ideas. Overall, a very enjoyable book - it would make a good present, and look great sitting on your coffee table!

3 comments about Historic Houses of the Hudson River Valley.

1. Wow, the reviewer above, Mr. Briss, is harsh on this book. Dude, did the author kick your cat or something, lord. This book is not the second coming, granted, but it is a nice book, with well presented images and interesting, if not scholarly text, I really dont know what Mr. Briss expected, but honestly this is not a bad book for the price, I mean if you are into this sort of thing which frankly, I am. One star for this this book is obtuse and mean spirted, and frankly, just plain nonsensical. It's really a three star book, but i gave it four because, the old queen above gave it such a thrashing.



2. I bought this for my husband (he requested it specifically) as a gift. He is very happy with it. Note that we enjoy it more as a coffee table book than as deep research material!



3. Gregory Long writes in his introduction to this new book that he aims to update the Eberlein & Hubbard classic "Historic Houses of the Hudson River." He misses that mark. He discusses fewer houses than do Eberlein & Hubbard, and substitutes pedantry for insight. A first-time author, his text lurches from the slangy to the stilted. Long does better with the photography. Some of his pictures are very pretty.

No comments about Frank Lloyd Wright, 1867-1959: Building for Democracy (Taschen Basic Architecture).