1 comments about Ryokan: Japan's Finest Spas and Inns.

1. The book is introducing 36 Ryokans throughout Japan.
   
   13 for Tokyos area
   6 for Kyoto, Nara and Kansai
   7 for central Japan
   4 for northern Japan
   6 for southern Japan
   
   One of the particularly well done features of the book are the exceptionally well written texts and a very sensitive introduction about the "Ryokan and Onsen Etiquette".
   
   This 3 page introduction alone lists up cases which probably make up more than 80% of common pitfalls when "guests" are lacking the cultural background.
   
   Years back I have been in those or similar situations myself and would have wished to have had such a quick rundown of what to do and what to better avoid.
   
   
   A few things that could be improved on the book.
   
   1) Some pictures have homepage or newspaper like quality.
   (low resolution picture zoomed up to a full page)
   2) The introduced Ryokans should be numbered throughout the book as it was done on the map in the front.
   3) More seasonal information should be included. Blossom of certain trees and flowers, festivals etc.
   4) Perhaps a smaller sized edition would accommodate better for some of the lower quality pictures and would help making the book more portable.
   
   
   Summary:
   
   With each single well crafted textual descriptions of the Ryokans you get invaluable sensitive introductions to Japans cultural background.
   
   If you are going to Japan for business you will want to consider the book an investment into an cultural introduction.
   
   The other above mentioned points are no deal breakers in an way, but are actually devalueing an another wise excellent book.
   
   The book is highly recommended !!

2 comments about The Architecture of Jefferson Country: Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia.

1. This book is a must for anyone interested in Albemarle County, Charlottesville, Fluvanna County and Thomas Jefferson.
   
   With superior research and almost 50 years of knowledge, Ed Lay lays out a lasting foundation for anyone wanting to learn more about our extraordinary part of America.
   
   Pictures and text help to describe his thoughts and the architecture.
   
   Buy this book!
   
   Toby Beavers
   Fine Virginia Farms & Estates
   http://www.Charlottesville-Area-Real-Estate.com



2. Beautifully written and thoroughly researched, this book offers a glimpse into the history of the architecture of Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia. Additionally, the reader can learn of the fascinating personalities who have lived and worked within the walls of these works of art. It is a lifetime endeavor and a real treat for the local, the traveller, the Jefferson enthusiast and the historian.

No comments about Invitation to Vernacular Architecture: A Guide to the Study of Ordinary Buildings and Landscapes (Perspectives in Vernacular Architecture).

No comments about The Organizational Complex: Architecture, Media, and Corporate Space.

1 comments about Toward a Simpler Way of Life: The Arts and Crafts Architects of California.

1. When I began studying architecture, many of my favorite architects were designers in the Arts & Crafts style. They were my favorites before I even heard of the Movement. This book is not only a must have for students of architecture and Arts & Crafts fans, but a valuable resource for history scholars in general who want to learn more about the people who shaped the region and the way we live here. The book is nicely photographed, showing buildings in their early surroundings, as they exist today, a variety of good close-up details, etc. All photos are black and white, some with an authentic sepia tone look. Some color photos would have been nice. I wish that a book like this existed for the architects of each state. Each essay is well written by a variety of different authors, many of which are familiar names to Arts & Crafts enthusiasts.

   J. Wheeler

   San Francisco Bay Area Arts & Crafts Movement

   http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Orchard/8642/

No comments about Biddle's Young Carpenter's Assistant.

No comments about Architecture of Thailand.

No comments about At Home in the Heartland.

4 comments about Malibu: A Century of Living by the Sea.

1. I thought that the book was "outstanding" Particulary liked the history part and the progression of Malibu over the years.



2. Despite reading the "Nice, but not Nice Enough" comment by one reviewer, I purchased this book and considered it for myself. I'm so glad I did. The reviewer misses the point. It's an architecture-oriented lifestyle book about the history of living in Malibu, not a technical book. Which explains why there are no floorplans. It's about the photos that take you thru each decade and each house, and they are gorgeous. The introductory text/concise house-specific texts are well-written and informative. The featured houses are mostly private, which explains why no addresses are provided. The 2 or 3 houses in the book that are open to the public are well known in this area, easily findable for those who have a yellow pages.



3. The photography was excellent and commentary was okay. Very few detail images, no floor plans and few, if any, construction details. I'm interested in the details and how to replicate features or at least the materials used....but nothing in this book to help much. There was absolutely no street addresses of the houses mentioned, other architect books do---why not here??? The author did manage to keep very good track of the years of birth and death of the people involved.



4. I got my copy today... and roared through the pages and images... Beautiful and fascinating images of Malibu's past... Paradise Cove in 1890, the Malibu Ranch, The Adamson House. So many interesting stories and images... and lives! And... some great surf shots too. This is a perfect blend of the many lifestyles here in Malibu... all in one book. Educational and informative and with some good humor too. I know what I'm giving for Christmas presents now!

No comments about Indian Style: Landscapes, Houses, Interiors, Details (Icon (Taschen)).