1 comments about Frank Lloyd Wrights House on Kentuck Knob.

1. Don Hoffman's book gives and accurate description of how this magnificent home came into being from its inception to completion. It discusses how the sketches evolved due to the environmental considerations of the landscape showing how Kentuck Knob was build to coordinate the house and the hill upon which it was built into one organic structure.

   It explains Wright's architectural philosophy as to why he makes the decisions he did when building this house.

   Visually the book itself is elegantly designed with excellent photographs giving a true feel for the nature of the house and providing some insignt to the wise, artistically minded people whom conceived of and lived in Kentuck Knob so happily and with such a great respect for the environment which the house occupies.

   As a child I spent a great deal of time in this house, being close family friends with the original owners, so I would know if there were any inconsistancies with the book and reality and find it most accurately written.

   This would be a great gift for anyone interested in architecture, environmnetalism or whom is a particular fan of Frank Llyod Wright's architecture. Also it is so beautifully done that it would just be a pretty coffee table book to keep for yourself or for in a guest room.

No comments about Living in China (Taschen's Lifestyle).

1 comments about At Home in Greece.

1. Magical pictures, very good explanatory text, "at home in Greece" will take you directly to the inside of astonishing breathtaking mediterranean homes...the caviat...not BEING there to tke your own pictures....

5 comments about Damascus: Hidden Treasures of the Old City.

1. THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BOOKS ABOUT THE OLDEST CITY IN THE WORLD, MUST HAVE.



2. About this purchase I have all the good things to remmember and now share with all the other AMAZON customers.
   First, I tried to buy the same book from another seller ( A1Books ), but they sent a wrong book and after many emails, I have NOT a single reply. After a time I contacted the AMAZON and they provided a REFUND of the book as a kind of warranty for the buyer.
   Later, as I really needed the book ( I am building a palace in Islamic style in Rio de Janeiro)I bought the book directely from AMAZON. In some days I received the book fast and in very safe package.
   In order to see what I am making check: [...]
   Thanks!



3. Photos here are exquisite, great text in pursuit of a noble cause--saving the crumbling architectural treasures in Old Damascus. Would be tragic if these are forever lost--the feeling of standing in a mosaic courtyard with trees, a fountain in the middle, where just outside the bustle of the world moves by in the suq...this book brings back memories of the place, if you've ever been there. The one comfort is that if these houses do crumble beyond repair, at least they are preserved in some way in this beautiful book.
   
   Combine Syria's architectural treasures with the warmth of its people, its great food, and you see why it leaves such an impression with visitors.



4. Affordable entertaining book if you love Damascus like i do.Excellent pictures .No big lies like some authers who are experts!!!!. buy it you will love it.Give it as gift to any friend.



5. This book is a must for anyone who loves Damascus and is concerned about its deterioration. It's a must for any Damascene expatriate's living room coffee table book collection for sure. The photographs are absolutely stunning and the text is interesting and engaging. One flaw, however is that I would have liked to see the photographs and the text regarding specific houses cross-referenced, (perhaps in the appendix of houses' names in the back of the book) as photographs and texts about specific houses are scattered throughout the book and you have to find all the references yourself--very annoying. Other than that, it is a wonderful book for showing off a unique aspect of our beloved city. Some of these houses are being used as sets for Syrian soap operas-- look closely and you might recognize some!

3 comments about The French Quarter of New Orleans.

1. The French Quarter, by Jim Fraiser is one of countless books written about that unique, New Orleans neighborhood. It does stand out, however. In my opinion, it's the most comprehensive, beautiful book I've ever seen on the Quarter. West Freeman's photography is outstanding! Happilly, practically every major building is photographed. The history of the Quarter and of the architecture of the buildings is excellent and scholarly. I highly reccommend this magisterial book!



2. This is a really substantial, solid book that has nice binding, clear and attractive pictures and plenty of info about the demographics and attractions of New Orleans.
   It's a classy book which is one of those keepsakes you would be proud to pull out and use as a conversation piece whenever the big easy came up.
   I can honestly say this book was well worth the money.



3. Let me first say that this is a wonderful book, with wonderful photographs and interesting text, the books images really capture the Quarter, they are quite vivid and well thought out, more beautiful historic buildings at every turn of the page and thank God it was spared the wrath of Katrina, but this review is about the Cresent City. As an American, I am disgraced at the nations response to your plight, I will, personally donate my time and money to make this up to you, you are one of the great American cities and a national treasure, you will rebound, we Americans, particularly Southerners, like myself, will never allow you to sink into the Mississippi, we love you New Orleans and with our sweat and tears we will help you rebuild, no matter the cost, you will reserect like a phoenix, and I will be the one of the first to visit and celebrate your reemergence as one of the premier American cities, God Speed New Orleans.

2 comments about Minka: My Farmhouse in Japan.

1. 
   I loved this book! Rarely have I read a book that combines the richness of Japanese architecture, history and culture with the personal experiences of an American correspondent who simultaneously adopted a Japanese son and eventually gained a 18th century Japanese farmhouse in the process. It is a lively and fascinating account of John Roderick's life over a 50 year period of living in this country that remains an enigma to most foreigners. This is a refreshing look at a bit of Japanese archecture and family life accompanied by a witty, candid, and entertaining writing style. I strongly recommend it!



2. Describing the loving restoration of an 18th century Japanese farmhouse by a well-known AP correspondent, this book also gives intriguing glimpses into Japanese culture of today and yesterday. John Roderick is careful to point out that he could not have accomplished the restoration without the Japanese family who "adopted" him. I found the book hard to put down, so skillfully is it constructed.

2 comments about American Covered Bridges.

1. A great book on Covered Bridges except for the inclusion of one Canadian Bridge, the 45 river bridge in NB Canada. Its not in the US, LOL One mistake in an otherwise good book on historic covered bridges.



2. I AM A COVERED BRIDGE FANATIC AND I HAD THIS BOOK INTER-LIBRARY LOANED FROM MY LOCAL LIBRARY AND I AM GLAD THAT I HAD THE CHANCE TO READ IT! IT HAS BEAUTIFUL PHOTO'S AND NICE STORIES TO GO ALONG WITH THE PHOTO'S ! PLUS UNDER EACH PHOTO THEY TELL YOU WHERE EACH BRIDGE IS LOCATED SO IF YOU ARE LIKE I AM WHO TRAVELS AND TRY'S TO FIND BRIDGES THIS IS VERY HELPFUL!! SO I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ALL COVERED BRIDGE FANATICS!!! READ AND ENJOY!!

No comments about Stones of Empire: The Buildings of the Raj.

3 comments about Materializing the Immaterial: The Architecture of Wallace Cunningham.

1. While there is no doubt Wallace Cunningham is in a class unto himself, the writing in this monograph, supplied by Joseph Giovannini, distracts the reader away from the essence of the work. Even though Giovannini endeavors to distance Cunningham from Frank Lloyd Wright, he nevertheless makes the comparison on nearly every page of the first third of the book. If Cunningham truly is a unique designer, which I think he is, the distant comparison ought to be down played.
   
   In addition, the text removes a much needed component of the architecture, namely a discussion of how plan, section, and elevation conspire to create the dramatic light that Cunnigham has mastered.
   
   This is a great chronicle of Cunnigham's work to date. The photography serves the design intent. The academically based writing does not.



2. I had just received this book; an incredible monograph, from the architect. It is an astounding visage from a self taught, non-licensed architect that ranks amongst the finest in San Diego. In the council of James Hubbell, Kendrick Bangs Kellogg, and a few select others, his legacy will loom large in the hills, shores, and everywhere else that San Diego reaches, and to the world beyond. Indeed, most publications do not convey the sense of space and time that an actual visit does, this comes very close to defining the sense of space, and motion from the mind and heart of Wallace Cunningham. This is a rare ensemblage of a unique and talented artist, everyone should own a copy of this book. As for the previous reviewer, Wallace is not the only visionary in San Diego, personal preferences belying that, but amongst the finest.



3. Wallace Cunningham is the most visionary (probably the only visionary) architect working out of San Diego today, offering our landscape some of the most unique and inspiring homes. Generally, San Diego architecture ranges from forgettably dull to comically artificial; Cunningham's work stands alone, fusing minimalist refinement with bold, clean angles that truly enhance the beauty of the spaces his homes occupy.
   This book captures some of his most amazing projects, including ones that have yet to come to fruition. Each page perfectly showcases his stunning creations, in words, vibrant imagery and tasteful design...my only wish was that the book was larger, as it almost commands "coffee-table book" status.
   If San Diego ever becomes known for contemporary architecture, we have Wallace Cunningham to thank for it.

5 comments about Angkor: Celestial Temples of the Khmer.

1. Excellent book! I wish I had known about this book before I went to Angkor Wat.



2. Angkor, Celestial temples of the Khmer Empire is a photobook limited to the Angkor Site and some outlining temples. Although the quality of the photo's is excellent, the book itself with regards to the informative value is disappointing. An exception to this is the chronology of sites. Angkor: Temples et monumentsThe Treasures of Angkor: Cultural Travel Guide (Rizzoli Art Guide)Angkor: Cambodia's Wondrous Khmer Temples, Fifth Edition (Odyssey Illustrated Guide)Ancient Angkor (River Book Guides)Angkor Cities and Temples



3. I purchased three books on Angkor Wat after my week visit to Siem Reap, Cambodia and this book was by far the best I have seen. The photos are excellent and the narration in very informative. It is expensive but worth it.



4. Wow, what a spectacular book, truly amazing. I was blown away by the quality of the photography, the reader actually feels like they are in the jungle amid the ruins of Angkor. I have never visited Angkor Wat and probably never will, but after experiencing this book, I feel somehow that I have been there. The quality of the book is superior and the book even comes in a wonderful case. The publisher should be congradulated, it's a luxurious book. Some books are extremely expensive and you wonder why, I can assure you, you will not ask that about this one. If you have any interest in this subject or just like to own beautiful things I urge you to purchase this book, it will be a jewel in your book collection



5. Through his magical photographic eye, Jon Ortner has created a wondrous collection of striking images and scholarly prose. His perfectly lit photographs and well-documented historic descriptions allow one to easily understand this complicated ancient subject. Each temple is clearly organized into relevant sections from the central Angkor area to the rare and never-before-seen temples in the outer lying areas. If you have visited Angkor - Ortner's book is the perfect addition to your library. Or, if you have not visited, this book provides the perfect impetus.