4 comments about Splendors of Islam: Architecture, Decoration and Design.

1. This is a thorough and scholarly exploration of a fascinating subject - the world of Islamic Design. The work covers all the main areas of the field, from al Andalus to India. The text is clearly written, yet scholarly in its approach, while still being accessible to the amateur. The excellent photographs serve to illustrate this magnificint work well.



2. The 325 photographs in this book--all in color--merit every superlative reviewers have given them. But the text itself is in need of a good editor, for parts are repetitive. (See my content summary for specifics.) Furthermore, the last section is often so grandiloquent that I, a seasoned English teacher who is also well read in the field of Islamic architecture, had to work to decipher it. So why did I pay $40 for a used copy of this book (sans dust jacket)? Quite simply because none of the many other books I examined taught me nearly as much about the decoration and design of Islamic architecture. Granted, for example, one can look at a structure and see that its bricks create patterns, but to learn in detail how this was done is fascinating.
   
   For those unable to find a copy to preview, what follows is a more specific summary of its contents.
   SECTION 1--which focuses on the variations in Islamic architecture in one part of the world--devotes 8 to 10 pages of photographs and clearly written text to each of the following: the Dome of the Rock, the Alhambra, the Taj Mahal, and Persia's Shah Mosque. Eight pages of smaller photographs of other significant monuments from the Arab lands, Turkey, India, Iran and Central Asia follow.
   
   SECTION 2: After a lengthy chapter which goes into great detail about the history of the use of brick, stucco, mosaics and ceramics as decorative techniques, separate chapters are devoted to each of the materials. New in each is the detail about how the material is created; repetitive is much of the information about how it is used as architectural decoration. Although no text explains them, additional photographs illustrate the use of bronze, wood and painted wood as decorative devices.
   
   SECTION 3 focuses on the decorative use of mathematically defined forms--e.g. stars, hexagons--vegetation, calligraphy and even occasionally the human figure.
   
   SECTION 4 looks at how the elements in Sections 2 and 3 combine to create surfaces that resemble textiles. Specifically discussed are a) the division of flat surfaces into panels and bands, b) the multi-layering of textures and c) the use of repetition to create geometric designs. (Here, too, is repetition of information in previous sections.) The use of ornamentation to disguise supporting forms and embellish supported ones is also discussed in this section.
   
   NOTE: For those who are interested in more of an overview of Islamic architecture in general, I'd highly recommend Treasures of Islam: Artistic Glories of the Muslim World.



3. If you are someone who is involved in arhitect or interior decoration, this book is a must to guide you in creating something splendor from the Islamic culture, and it's a good refrence on a cofee table top.



4. Islam expanded quickly within a few centuries, embracing a wide area and altering the political and cultural heritage of the entire region. Splendors of Islam examines the visual effects of Islam, considering the structures in contrast with other architectural traditions and examining the role given to various decorative choices and styles. Four different approaches to Islam architecture provide an exceptionally well-rounded view, with color photo examples packing an oversized coverage.

2 comments about Eden by Design: The 1930 Olmsted-Bartholomew Plan for the Los Angeles Region.

1. It's true that the maps are often too small and would be better in color, as the originals are. However, the reprints are far from illegible, and the text of the Olmsted-Bartholomew proposal is captivating in and of itself.

   I was fascinated to read the astute predictions of these men of vision, and their thoughtful proposals for increasing the quality of life for Angelenos. I remarked at the urgency of their recommendations; they seem to genuinely fear the social consequences of allowing a city to grow with inadequate space reserved for recreation and natural beauty.

   If only we could know what L.A. would have been if the plan had been adopted!




2. This reprint of "The 1930 Olmsted-Bartholemew Plan for the Los Angeles Region" is more exactly a low-quality copy. The maps are so dark they are very difficult to read, and the way they are bound into the book, much of the details are lost into the seams. The original maps were color, so any references to colors in the legends are lost, and the gray scales blended together make the maps even less articulate. It's important that a document such as this is reprinted for all to see, but it seems as if this volume has missed an opportunity of becoming a library keepsake.

2 comments about Country Houses of Majorca (Country Houses).

1. It arrived in time... but the cover was not the way I expected



2. Discover the secret, hidden side to the island, where private houses quietly exist behind thick walls of olive trees, protected from curious gazes of tourists. The island, located near Ibiza off the Mediterranean coast of Spain, is the sort of place dreams are made of. Only a lucky few have turned such a dream into reality, and Country Houses of Majorca is your chance to see the stunning evidence in pictures. This is the side of Majorca only seen by those who live there, enjoying daily the luxury of not only the lush scenery but also the rich Majorcan culture and sumptuous cuisine (which you can test for yourself thanks to the house owners' favorite recipes we've included in the book.) The 260 photographs highlight the island's most impressive homes, including many undiscovered houses not published until now. Among these treasures you'll find Frederic Chopin and George Sand's one-time winter hideaway, a tiny fisherman's cottage miraculously perched on the island's southeast cliffs, and the beautiful, old, antique-filled "fincas" restored by Nona von Haeften and her husband, Wolfgang Siegfried Wagner, great grandson of composer Richard Wagner. Let yourself be seduced by the country houses of Majorca - you won't regret the experience, even if it sends you into fits of envy

2 comments about Houston Deco: Modernistic Architecture of the Texas Coast.

1. Honestly, I have never thought of houston as having great art deco architecture..NYC, Miami, Chicago of course, but not Houston, and after reading this book, im still not sure. Houston really never went all the way with Deco, I mean the City Hall is a decent example, and so is Jesse Jones' Gulf Building, by far Houston's best example of Art Deco, which unfortunity had its great interiors altered, but really compare it to the Art Deco masterpiece, Buffalo City Hall, or NYC's Rockefeller Center, they dont evern remotely compare, having said that, this is a very good book, it's well researched, with vivid visuals, it's just a shame Houston is not more worthy a subject for a study on great art deco architecture. Houston is a bastion of Modern architecture, it has an embarassment of treasures in that reguard, but unfortunity in this architectural category is woefully bereft, all the more remarkable that this is such a good book.



2. The National Trust Guide to Art Deco in America (ISBN 0471143863) lists eight buildings in Houston, all are obviously in this book with another ninety or so but look through the photos and it becomes clear that many of them are living on borrowed time unless the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance can save them.
   
   The authors (they took the photos, too) have done a great job in capturing the essence of probably every Deco/Moderne building in Houston. There are a few interiors but mostly they are exteriors and some close-ups of detail. Divided into commercial, theaters, institutional, residential and industrial sections. Each section has at least one gem, I loved the interior of the Alabama Theater which is now a bookshop but unfortunately it looks like it will be demolished soon. Page thirteen has a fascinating period postcard of an aerial view of the River Oaks Community Center designed in 1937, the buildings still stands but for how long?
   
   The printing and design of the book are fine and the back includes a building index, a short bibliography and nicely an alphabetical index of architects. If you live in the city the book will be an excellent reminder of some good working architecture of past decades. For others, like me, it's a useful visual reference to a European design cleverly modified to an American style.
   
   ***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.

No comments about New Directions In Australian Architecture.

1 comments about Bay Area Style: San Francisco Bay Region Houses 1893-2004.

1. In Bay Area Style, designated houses of the San Francisco Bay area are profiled in a stunning photo display and collection which could just as easily been featured in our Art column, but deserves profile here as an excellent inspirational guide for homeowner/builders as well. San Francisco enjoys a host of exceptional architects drawn to the region's diversity, and their works are represented in a selection of homes emerging from California's Craftsman Style. Works by Frank Lloyd Wright, Julia Morgan and more are captured by architectural photographer Alan Weintraub while accompanying comments provide identification and background briefs. Interiors and exteriors alike are profiled, making for a gorgeous coverage.

No comments about Plantation Homes of the James River.

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.

No comments about The Tudor House and Garden: Architecture and Landscape in the Sixteenth and Early Seventeenth Centuries (Studies in British Art).

2 comments about Scotland's Lost Houses.

1. This is a very well produced book on Scotlands great lost estates. The text is highly informative and the images are fanstastic. It is so disgraceful that so many of these great houses were so underappreciated, they were torn down like dilapidated public housing: it's tragic. The great Robert Adam house Bardelie was the worst lose, how anyone could tear down this masterpiece is unfathonable. The book is a joy to peruse, but you can't help but have a touch of meloncholy for the ease at which the philitines pulled so many of these great houses down. Be assured, you'll never see the likes of these houses again.



2. As a fan of Scottish country houses I found this book to be very interesting reading. There are many particularly fine photographs detailing the history of these fine buildings which unfortunately became victims of changing times.