5 comments about England's Thousand Best Churches.

1. ....on the history and architecture of England's Best Churches.
   
   The main purpose of purchasing the book was to explore the architecture of these churches. The book is crammed with so many wonderful and descriptive pictures, it just makes the mind soar to new heights.
   
   The imagination and engineering that went into these classic buildings is nearly incomprehensible.
   
   If you love the beauty and the history of these majestic buildings, then this book is a must.



2. I lived in England for a couple of years and travel back with regularity. On every visit, I make time to visit some of these ancient churches so, to put it mildly, I'm very biased in favor of this subject. Almost nothing compares with going to a weather worn parish church and finding the font where your ancestor was baptized some four hundred years before still in use - an experience I had some years back. With this background in mind, I'll simply say that Mr. Jenkin's work here is monumental and I don't use that term lightly. There are of course church's noticeably absent and one wishes the author could have found a way to include some of England's cathedrals but that does not diminish his achievement. The English church is inextricably linked with English history and he has done them both a great justice by writing this book.



3. The historical background is good; very helpful as a travelogue. Author should have lessen his personal architectural taste. Splendid photos, specially the details. Good general information; but not so helpful for my purpose of getting ideas in designing small chapels.



4. This is a well-written and well-organized compendium of interesting churches throughout England. Useful for the those looking for the road less traveled (by other tourists.)



5. This is an absolutely fascinating book that is indespensable if you are touring around England and want to see some amazingly lovely off-the-beaten-track places.
   
   Mr. Jenkins has compiled a listing of one thousand churches throughout England that he feels are worth seeing. Each church is given a description, including a specific reason why it ranks among the top thousand. There is such a splendidly wide array of reasons: from architectural details, to unique contruction tecniques, to interesting historical context, that it never gets dull.
   
   My parents are taking the book quite seriously, and are trying to visit each of the churches (I think they are a quarter of the way through, and their copy of this book is alrady completely covered with marginalia!). I have visited several of the churches with them, and always find the experience enlightening and interesting. Each church truly is unique, and it is always fascinating to see how.
   
   Since the publication of the book, many of the churches that are on the list have taken an active interest in their own history. When my parents first started touring the churches, they were usually met by blank stares and a "why on earth do you care about our little church?" from the locals... but a few years later they find that frequently the whole community has rallied around the idea that they had an undiscovered treasure in their midst, and something to be quite proud of. For that reason alone, I think it's a great book.

1 comments about The Genius of Robert Adam: His Interiors.

1. This is a gorgeous book; the photos are first rate (always in color) and appropriate to content. The only factor detracting form the book's general excellence is a text that is sometimes disjointed and with references to pictures or illustrations not included in the book. Were that not so, the book would rate an A+.

3 comments about Five California Architects.

1. If you are a true fan of architecture, specifically the radicalism of California at the turn of the 20th century, this book is one of the bibles. McCoy lived and breathed architecture, and she brought a very warm, humanistic perspective to her writing. From her years working with John Entenza at the ground-breaking California "Arts and Architecture" and the Los Angeles Times "Home" magazine, McCoy established herself as the spokesperson for several generations of architectural pioneers. Like Julius Shulman in her documentation of the past and (then) present architectural landscape, McCoy's work is inspiring. This volume (which was later followed by the excellent "Second Generation") covers Bernard Maybeck, Greene and Greene, Irving Gill, and R. M. Schindler. Each essay, complete with ample b/w photos, covers the careers and lives of these distinctly unique architects. In particular the work of Schindler, whom McCoy worked with as a drafting assistant for many years, McCoy shows the very human, personal side of this often confounding genius. I'm really probably just preaching to the choir here though... you should own this one.



2. "Five California Architects" is a good introduction to the works and lives of the architects profiled (The Greene brothers, Irving Gill, Bernard Maybeck and R.M. Schindler). The book consists of biographical essays on each architect (the Greenes are handled together) and various photos and sketches of buildings they each designed.
   
   This book is more like five little books; one for each individual architect. There is little attempt to provide any linkages between them (although some links are so obvious that the style of treatment reveals them none the less); and little attempt to provide context. The style of writing is heavy on anecdote. "Five California Architects" gives the reader a good sense of the kind of men these architects were, but less of a sense of the position they occupied in the development of modern architecture.
   
   Despite its short comings, this book is a must have for those interested in the development of modernist architecture in California, and I would recommend it to all those interested in the subject.



3. In addition to On The Edge of The World and Towards A Simpler Way of Life, this is a great book to have if you are looking for biographies of California architects. The book also features some nice close-up photos of architectural details.

No comments about Colonial Architecture of Mexico.

No comments about New Orleans Architecture Volume I: The Lower Garden District.

1 comments about The Architecture of Diplomacy: Building America's Embassies (ADST-DACOR Diplomats & Diplomacy).

1. I have had the good fortune to meet Ms. Loeffler, to hear her speak on this subject, to be involved in designing embassies, studying embassies, and also in reading this spectacular history. Although it was written a few years prior to 9/11/01, and so does not cover the current Embassy building program, her history is very complete in covering the development an American building type.
   
   Although all countries have embassies, a United States Embassy is a special kind of building. Ms. Loeffler takes us all around the world and across over a century of time exploring how the US Embassies have developed and evolved over the years. The most interesting portions of the book are in the post World War II period to the early 1960's.
   
   The reader is introduced to the important people in FBO (now called OBO) at the State Department. We read of the growth of the embassy program and the contribution of important American architects. We learn of the endeavors of FBO to create a world class image for America through our embassies. We learn of the challenges of designing for terrorism.
   
   I hope Ms. Loeffler will get a chance to add chapters to this history to follow the current developments as this building type continues to develop in these post 9/11 years.
   
   Good Book.
   
   Gregory Knoop
   Oudens + Knoop Architects

4 comments about The New American House 2: Innovations in Residential Design and Construction: 30 Case Studies (New American Architecture).

1. This book is a fantastic reference for those interested in architecture or who just like to look at amazing houses. if you like this book, look into the rest of the series. Over all, a great book.



2. I love this book. Contemporary architecture is often misunderstood and misrepresented by focusing on the extreme or most useless of structures. In this book Ojeda takes us into some of the most beautiful, yet utilitarian, contemporary homes from the Arizona desert to Manhattan. He explains the design choices made and more importantly why they were made for the different designs. Included in the book are numerous beautiful photos of the different projects and architectural sketches of the projects.

   This book would be a wonderful 'idea book' for an architect, or someone like me who is looking for ideas to give to an architect in preparation for building a new house. It is also a simply beautiful book to look at and learn from, both in design concepts specifically, and in building materials as well. I highly endorse this book as one of the best illustrated generalist books available on contemporary architecture. The ideas you will get for your own home alone are worth the cost.




3. While not an architect or builder, I am browsing various ideas and methods. This is a great book for getting all the flavors from concrete prefab and rammed-earth to wood-frame with copper exteriors. In one case, a pre-fabbed house is given a timeline picture page showing the construction progress to finish. The pictures are nearly perfect, both encompassing and detailed with briefs that are pretty informative for their length. It's the information that you want with little else. Materials, construction methods and in most cases, cost. Excellent diagrams and cross-sections too. Worth it for someone who wants to build but isn't sure about the materials and methods they want to use, as well as sighting some good ideas.



4. The second covering houses and one of several in a series that highlight and describe the potential of American domestic architecture. It illustrates the possibilities and alternatives to the popular Martha Stewart/Bob Villa suburban style that has taken away so much recognition from American architects. Stunning photographs and simple detail drawings illustrate several different homes; each with it's own character.

   If you are a do-it-yourself type or looking to hire an architect, this is a great place to start. This book will illustrate how a much a professionally designed house stands out from the Home Depot remodel or typical "custom" suburban home designed by a contractor.

   If you are an architect, this is a great reference for residential projects illustrating rigorous use of materials and simplicity of concept, without the heavy "archispeak". It is also a great primer for potential clients, exposing them to the possibilities of design.

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.

5 comments about Frank Lloyd Wright's California Houses (Wright at a Glance Series).

1. I'm a semi-retired architect from the mid west and while in CA, I took the time to look at Wright's "Textile Block" houses, it was worth the trip
   I had met Wright many years ago and had always liked his creative approach, that gives you an idea of my age
   The "Textile Block" houses are in varying states of repair and disrepair and are not accessible, except from the street
   The book fills in some of the gaps and I wish that it was in a larger scale and had more
   The color is welcome since a lot of Wright's work is often seen only in black and white
   I'm going to buy a 2nd copy for my son



2. These little books are pretty much a joke. Not much information or photos (it is a tiny, thin book.)



3. the lack of floor plans of engineering drawings makes this more of a fanzine for the textile block houses. nice photos and text though. look elsewhere for informaiton useful to designers, students or architects.



4. "Frank Lloyd Wright's California Houses," by Carla Lind, is one of a series of "mini-books" by the author, each of which focuses on a particular facet of this great architect's work. This volume focuses on a remarkable group of homes designed by Wright between 1917 and 1927.

   Like other volumes in this series, this book combines a brief but informative text with a wealth of full-color photos. Lind also includes a bibliography, a chronology, black-and-white historical photos, and sidebar quotes from various sources.

   The photos of the California houses capture many interior and exterior details. These marvelous homes reflect the spirit of the pre-Columbian civilizations of Mexico and Central America; in fact, they look like modern versions of ancient Mayan temples. It is amazing to look at the patterned concrete blocks, the innovative use of glass, and the other distinctive features of these homes.

   Wright's California homes are majestic, yet inviting buildings that have a timeless beauty and grace to them. This little book is a wonderful tribute to these great homes.




5. The book is so specific that just by reading it you could build the exact same house on your own in no time! Extensive info on all the residences including furniture set-ups. Lots and lots of quotes from the master himself. Descriptives will take you on a virtual reality tour.

No comments about 25 Tropical Houses in Singapore and Malaysia.