5 comments about Yurts: Living in the Round.

1. Great resource book for anyone wanting to buy a yurt or live in a yurt. Gives a great deal of practical information on purchasing a yurt, deck building, plumbing, bear proofing and making a yurt a comfortable home.



2. My son and daughter in law live in Colorado and have been thinking about purchasing a piece of propertie to put a Yurt on. We gave them this book for Christmas and they loved it. They felt it was very informative and loved the pictures too.I of course injoyed the sneak preview of the book before I sent it. Great book, great price. Thanks



3. The author has lived in various yurts in enough states to have some wisdom to share since climates can change and a yurt in the dessert is different than one high in the Sierras or Rockies where the temperatures can get well below freezing. She writes of the history of yurt dwellers and how modern fabrics here in the states make yurts weather proof in most areas and livable homes year round.
   
   As a member of the Small House Society I am looking for a variety of small house choices and yurts and boats are at the top of my dream list.
   
   Her examples also show the modern yurt like the ones here in the Sierras that all have windows, skylights, doors and most amenities one can find in a small modern home. Read other 5 star reviews who tell you even more. Excellent book.



4. "Yurts: Living in the Round" is put together very well. It is clear and concise, bright and full of photos, and covers just about everything you'd ever need to know about yurts. It is obvious upon reading the book that the author has used her own extensive personal knowledge and experience in writing it.



5. Ever since I first heard that Becky Kemery was writing a book about Yurts I have been looking forward to having it in my hands. The wait has definitely been worth it, now that I can see how fully realized her idea has become. Yurts: Living in the Round was published in 2006 by Gibbs Smith, and is the definitive source of information about anything to do with yurts. Not only that, it is also a fine piece of art in its own right; nearly every page is graced with carefully laid out color photos and drawings. Becky's writing is both clear and well researched.
   
   Becky writes, "Most yurts are portable, tent-like structures. They have circular lattice walls (reminiscent of baby gates tied together) and a cone-shaped roof supported by rafters that meet in a center ring. The outer fabric shell of the yurt can be made of felted wool, coated canvas, or a modern architectural fabric. An ever-increasing number of wooden structures are also called yurts. What defines them as yurts and not just round houses? The Answer lies in the yurt's uncommon roof structure."
   
   "The yurt roof incorporates a unique architectural design. Roof struts meet in a center ring, producing inward and downward pressure. This center ring holds the rafters an a state of compression. Where the struts meet the wall at the perimeter, a natural outward thrust occurs. A band (of rope, woven cloth, or wire cable) a the top of the wall holds the wall and roof poles in tension against this outward pressure. Because of this...long roof spans are possible without any internal support system (like posts, trusses, or beams). This gives the yurt an uncommon feeling of spaciousness and uplift. the roof design also creates an incredibly strong and resilient structure that is uniquely equipped to withstand earthquakes, strong winds, and heavy snow loads."
   
   The historical evolution of the modern yurt from its origins with the nomadic Central Asian tribes is carefully outlined. Both the Mongolian Ger and the Turkic Uy are the forerunners of what we now call the yurt. How these tribal folks traditionally make and decorate their portable homes is both fascinating and colorful. This process is generally a group effort and often involves painstakingly felting the wool to make the covering. The traditional pattern of living within this circular space is surprisingly similar to Native American traditional use of space within a hogan, with various family members and guests having their appropriate places.
   
   One of the early modern adaptations of the traditional yurt design was Bill Copperwaite's "tapered wall yurt." These are wooden structures that incorporate the same roof design, but modify the vertical walls to incline outward, giving them a distinctly oriental flare. Bill has been exploring these interesting shapes since the early 1960's, and has come up with quite a variety of forms, including some with concentric tiers of yurts within yurts. Some of them have scalloped butterfly-like roofs; others have gothic arches that surround the perimeter.
   
   The modern fabric yurt is more like its nomadic predecessor, in most ways, except that modern canvas or synthetic fabric replaces the felted wool. Becky chronicles how various people have adapted the original designs to suit modern needs in a variety of climates. Many of the new yurts have central plastic dome skylights and windows that let in lots of light, making them much more open and airy than the darker, womb-like nomadic yurts.
   
   Many of the folks who have experimented with building their own yurts have gone on to make a business of supplying yurt kits for the general public. Becky suggests how to locate and evaluate these yurt companies, and describes various ways that yurts can be adapted for personal needs, such having a bathroom, porch, heater, etc. She even addresses the issues of financing and insuring yurts, and dealing with building code officials.
   
   Another modern adaptation to the traditional yurt is called the "frame panel" yurt. These are much more permanent dwellings than their fabric cousins, and can appear as very solid indeed. They are often prefabricated off-site and shipped to the site for erection. Becky interviewed various people who have lived in these unique homes and shares many insights that could help others who do the same.
   
   The chapter titled "Living in the Round" philosophically evaluates the merits of doing this. Becky writes, "The flexible open space of a yurt is an interior design canvas waiting for the creative expression of each yurt inhabitant. What remains constant is the welcoming embrace of the space, the interaction between inner and outer worlds, and the roof structure that lifts our vision skyward. The yurt also has an inherent ability to bring people together into a circle, which naturally engenders connection and cooperation."
   
   The final portion of the book has several appendices that explore building codes, platform construction, and wood stove installation. There is also an extensive resource guide here for yurt companies, yurt plans, and other media. Becky's website about yurts, [...], is another resource providing additional information.
   
   I heartily recommend this book to anyone interested in simple, sustainable living, enduring vernacular architecture, or the possibilities inherent in living in the round.

No comments about Piano: Renzo Piano Building Workshop 1966-2008.

No comments about Ten Canonical Buildings: 1950-2000.

5 comments about Advertising: Concept and Copy, Second Edition.

1. This book will give you a good and serious all-around the world of advertising. There's always more than one creative solution but only one strategy. And that's what this book is all about: Finding the best concept/idea for the right strategy. Bravo George Felton!



2. It's a great book for those who are advertisers or students who are studying advertising. The book is filled with colorful ads that help defend what the text is saying. It is very resourceful and beneficial in all aspects of advertising, from print ads and campaigns to television and radio commercial spots. I recommend it.



3. I have a huge library of books on advertising and copywriting, and I have to say, that this is one of my favorite books of all.
   
   This and Hey Whipple top my list, although this is written more of in a textbook format than the other book. I can't understand why that other teenage review would give a negative review of this book, especially if he didn't understand it. Teenagers know everything, and when they don't understand something they put it down I guess.
   
   Either way I can't stress enough how much i've learned from this book. It's a must-have, I repeat must-have if you are working in advertising today.



4. i was lucky enough to have mr. george felton as a professor for copywriting. loved his class and loved his book. he teaches as well as he writes. our class was taught from his book by taking different excerpts from different chapters as lessons. both his class and his book have been first class all the way. a good book to read on advertising. it gives you a different perspective on the whole relm of the advertising industry. stellar book!



5. I read this book 4 years ago and still refer to it when I'm in a slump or just want to generate new ideas. I would suggest this to anyone in the advertising business or anyone interested in learning how to concept. It really gives a fresh and new perspection on how to look at a product, and then how to write about it. It's simple, funny and keeps you wanting to read more. I know a lot of George's work, and found it just as entertaining as informational as his articles. George kicks some serious concepting [rear].

5 comments about The Acrylic Painters Book of Styles and Techniques.

1. I don't see what people have to complain about in this book. It's 7 chapters show some good techniques from different painters, with more than one example and step by step instructions. I think what some people need to understand is that a book may only teach you a few things about painting and drawing, it cannot actually paint the picture for you. Do not expect to be painting like a pro just because you have read this book; it includes exactly what is stated in the title.



2. There is nothing new in this book. It is a rather pedestrian approach to painting with acrylics...redundant.



3. I purchased this book for a class that I am taking. It was the selected book for the class. It is excellent. I find it to be extremely readable and the examples and illustrations are very good. It would be an excellent book for self-study as well as for use in a classroom environment. I would highly recommend it.



4. I think that I may have been put off by the artwork chosen because I found it dreary. I really learned very little.



5. I really like this book, only a few artist I didn't care for. The techniques were just styles I personally don't care for. It is just a matter of preference. The pictures and examples were great to look at, they motive and inspire new ideas for those that are already painters.

5 comments about Painting Flowers on Rocks.

1. I found some rocks near our cottage in the woods, and VOILA, beautiful flowers are now growing where they never could before. I am not an artist by any means, but after following the easy, detailed, step by step instructions, I had masterpieces! AMAZING book with AMAZING results. Thank you Lin for sharing your knowledge and bringing out the creative part of me I didn't know I had!



2. Follow the simple step by step directions for a beautiful "rock garden."



3. Whether you are simply curious about rock painting, or have a desire to paint flowers on rocks, this book is for you. It is well written by a world class rock artist and teacher and in addition to offering know-how, it is an encouraging book that shows the way to get involved in this fascinating and not too expensive art form.



4. This book was as I expected it to be.. the demonstrations were clear and instructons easy.. I ordered it because of an episode on the Carol Duvall show in which the author painted a beautiful bouquet on a simple smooth rock ..I have ordered other books of the same nature from Amazon before and have been equally satisfied.



5. It was such a pleasure to receive Lin's book about painting flowers on rocks. I have several of her other books which has brought us lots of hours of fun and fantasy. We appreciate her talents and her sharing her ideas with others like us. Her flower painted rocks are perfect for places like cemeteries that don't allow fresh flowers. It helps bring beauty to our loved ones graves without the work and worry of live plantings. The rocks require "no watering!" Thanks Lin for all your creative ideas.

5 comments about Sketching and Rendering of Interior Spaces.

1. As an architect, this book it's been so helpful to me to visualize my ideas, and allow me to express what I see, feel and want to show to other using drawings.



2. I really like this book because it's not that "technical" and it's filled with practical advice for producing graphics! One of the only complaints that I have is that the materials suggested are a bit out-of-date (e.g. marker colors) but that is really it. I'd suggest this book for anyone looking to make fantastic graphics in a short amount of time.



3. The quality of the renderings in this book are horrible, if I had things like this in my portfolio or submited work like this, I would get nowhere very fast. Some look as if he put markers through a paper shredder and let them just drip randomly on the paper, then smeared it around a bit. All of the Case Studies are of things he (the author) has done, so there is absolutly no diversity in this book. Try some of the more expensive alternatives, you get what you pay for I assume.



4. I found this text very frustrating. There is no instruction in technique beyond some simple perspective lessons. If you want to know how to accurately render different materials you will have to find another book. You can tell there are many more steps he uses to achieve his renderings, possibly even the use of other materials or media with his markers, but there is no information about it in his book. It is the text our professor uses for our Intro to Color Rendering class and I think there has to be something better than this!



5. An excellent reference text for both the student of design and professional. Beautifully illustrated with step-by- step instructions explaining the mediums and techniques in their use to acheive maximum results!
   Ira S. Friedman
   College Instructor,Interior Design/Graphic Techniques/Drafting

5 comments about Creating Life-Like Animals in Polymer Clay.

1. This book is clear & concise for any level of clayer. Katherine has the amazing ability to relay to the sculpter what is needed to bring the sculpt to life while expounding on the importance of a solid foundation.
   My only critisim would be that I wanted even more animal examples & will be the first in line to purchase a follow up book should she decide to do one.



2. Katherine Dewey is a wonderful artist. I already own her book, "Creating Life-Like Figures in Polymer Clay" so I knew that "Creating Life-Like Animals in Polymer Clay" would be great. I wasn't disappointed! The only project I have finished is the fawn and it is adorable. I'm looking forward to my next project from the book but I can't decide which one to create because I love them all.



3. I'm not near this good yet, but it definately gives me the inspiration to keep trying. Great detail and instructions from a fantastic artist.
   I bought this as a used book and was very, very pleased with the seller and the condition of the book.



4. This book gives detailed explanations and has great pictures, it is helpful and inspirational : it allows you to expand your skills beyond the book's examples. A must for fimo-maniacs. Katherine Dewey is probably the most gifted polymer clay artist in the world but is able to use pedagogy to share her knowledge.
   I do not recommend it for beginners or children though, as some of the creations are detailed and might require some anatomy basics to be sculpted successfully.



5. This book, by Katherine Dewey, is a terrific resource book for those wishing to make animals from polymer clay - either to enhance their other sculptures or as a stand alone product. Numerous pictures and examples, with detailed instruction guide you step by step through the process. Animals included are deer, in two poses, frog, wolf, seal, bear and more. She also includes examples of bases, such as a leave for a sleeping mouse.
   
   The book is well organized and transitions beautifully from one point to another. Graphics are included along with tips and tricks on making armatures and painting the final product. This book has it all and I highly recommend it as a necessary part of your crafting library.

5 comments about Interior Graphic Standards.

1. I got this book well before I thought I was going to and it was in amazing condition :)



2. If I had to keep but one reference book on my shelf as a Professional Interior Designer, this would be the book. It contains in-depth and well-formatted information on virtually every subject in the field, and the graphics are outstanding. One of the authors, Maryrose McGowan, is a powerhouse and has done a remarkable job with this guide and I hope she comes out with many other useful books to advance the profession. This book has quickly replaced several books I previously owned that attempted to do what this book has done with great simplicity, completeness, and accuracy.
   
   The chapters are well-organized, the graphics are abundant, clear, and easy-to-understand, and they contain information from all ends of the spectrum. The price tag of the book is steep, but well worth the investment. Save your pennies and make a point of buying this book, or look for used versions as they come available on Amazon.com. You will be glad to have this book in your collection!



3. This book is very helpful for upcoming designers. It gives you standard codes for everything you could imagine. Very helpful when doing my design projects.



4. If your an Interior Designer or practicing to be one this book should be amongst the many in your personal library. The details are well written and displayed.



5. I've purchased this book for 2 companies that I've worked for and for myself as well. I am an Interior Designer and find Interior Graphic Standards to be extremly resourceful and helpful when it comes to design & planning. It covers a wide range of topics such as basic electrical, mechanical, accessibility standards, plumbing fixture considerations; material finish's, door frames/types, acoustics, etc. and provides enough information on each subject so that you understand what is required to plan. My only complaint is that in many cases, measurements and dimensions are not shown where you would think they should exist. That being said, I highly recommend the book for people of all levels in this industry.

1 comments about The Green Building Revolution.

1. I have read nearly half of this book and can't put it down. It is full of valuable information that is easily digested. It really drives home the value of green building, economically, socially and environmentally. It also provides a view how green building is affecting the value of homes and commercial buildings. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to know what LEED construction is, why it is important and what it has done and will continue to do for the building industry at large.