No comments about Houses of Missouri, 1880-1940.

5 comments about Natural Swimming Pools: Inspiration For Harmony With Nature (Schiffer Design Book).

1. The fantastic photos go on and on. The architectural plan and section views are very helpful. This book has all the information you need to come up with a good plan and list of needs/desires. You'll need to convert to metric and also research specific climate concerns, like temperature and regionally appropriate plants - everything listed in the book is for Europe.



2. Lovely inspirational book, good pictures, diagrams and technical info. An excellent planning guide for natural swimming ponds and pools



3. THIS BOOK IS REALLY GOOD BUT IT DOES NOT GO INTO A LOT OF DETAIL IF YOU ARE ACTUALLY WANTING DIRECTION.



4. Great book for all aspects of creating a variety of green/natural pools. Beautiful pictures and good illustrations and copy to help in decision making.



5. Simply put this book is a MUST READ for anyone intersted in any aspect of Sustainable and Ecological Design. It should be read right along with Permaculture by Mollison, the Passive Solar Handbook by Mazria, Rainwater Harvesting by Lancaster, and ecocities to Living Machines by Todd. Even if you aren't specifically interested in making a swimming pool (which you will be after reading it) the insights into the workings of hydro-ecologies and how to design natural systems are invaluable!
   
   If you aren't interested in the whole range of sustainability but just this particular topic of pool design then this book is STILL A MUST READ. If you're an ecologist who wants to make a pool, or a pool designer who wants to do something ecological this book provides an excellent layman's understanding of ecological design, with good technical and artistic advice for how to do it, and good technical and artistic advice for swimming pool construction.
   
   I would still advise you to also purchase the book Poolscaping as a companion to this one.
   
   This is an all around excellent book buy it now.

5 comments about Bridges: A History of the World's Most Famous and Important Spans.

1. Bridges: A History of the World's Most Famous and Important Spans
   this book is not a comprehensive coverage of bridging history nor of engineering development; it is something far more than a routine catalog either.
   It aspires to more than those goals.
   Instead it intends to show major works through the centuries. The format is double landscape so that each structure ia covered on two facing pages equivalent to that of four standard 11 x 8 1/2 landscape format. This format allows the widest possible imagery to be used. Since many modern bridges have no walkways or perhaps one day a year for a bridge walk, these views can seldom be experienced by the every-day passerby or the enthusiast.
   All in all it fulfills its goals of inspiring and encouraging the enthusiast while highlighting the major works through the centuries.



2. I had a copy of this book in 2000 and lent it to a friend, but could not remember who. I found it when visiting the USA for the first time. It is simply the most magical and beautiful book in my collection, and from the front cover picture on the Internet, purchasers cannot see that it opens out and spans very very wide, just like a bridge in itself. I missed this book terribly, it is one of my treasures, so I was delighted recently to find that I could still buy it on Amazon. It will never be lent out again! I love the black and white photographs of all the world's most interesting bridges. Anyone would learn a great deal from it, and architects and surveyors would find it fascinating.



3. Every day we traverse bridges in our daily lives, scarcely to give them thought. Dupre pulls back the veil and brings highlight to these engineering feats. From the simple to the revolutionary, we are brought on a tour of bridges through time, and around the globe. The superlatives are here: the longest suspension bridge, highest, oldest. But it's not a book about the superlative; it's about what moves us forward in our quest for technology, and for our ability to move across space in a timely manner. It highlights those bridges that mean something to us: where the Romans said "let's make a permanent way of moving water." Where politics came into play and tried to prevent bridges that we can't imagine not being there like the Golden Gate Bridge. Bridges become important to history such as the ones over the Rhine during the World War. And sometimes when we make mistakes and things don't work out like we planned - the most spectacular example being the Tacoma Narrows Bridge that lasted all of 4 months.

   But as she shows in her book "Skyscrapers," there is an intertwining of form and function, and where man built up in buildings, he builds out via bridges. The book's design even emphasizes - where Skyscrapers was an extremely tall and thin book, Bridges goes for width, to try and bring the spans into the range of the printed page. Yet so often, the task is not possible, and even on the wide pages the bridge disappears into the distance.

   The book looks at the engineering involved, but does not dwell on it. Rather it celebrates how the improvement of engineering practices have been able to move man forward. A veritable love poem to something that we often take too much for granted.




4. "Bridges" was the first of the uniquely-designed, well-written books by Judith Dupre' that I discovered. "Skyscrapers" then became a 'must-have' and now I'm eagerly awaiting publication of her "Churches" - these books contain marvelous black and white photo collections of subjects around the world, with a succinct and intriguing text about each. They invite repeated perusals, and I keep them, in their handsome jackets, where I can see and enjoy them again and again. Often, when I have a few moments, I like to reflect on the historical descriptions of these wonderous man-made miracles and re-study the photos. Of special interest may be the structures which one in fact has seen, perhaps many times. The books are well-indexed and provided with suggestions for further reading.



5. I was a little disappointed in this book in that it really doesn't get into much detail about any of the bridges which are discussed. It's more of a "coffe table" book without out much informative depth. Nothing to really sink your teeth into. However, if you're not already familiar with any of the bridges covered in the book, or you're not a nut for bridges, then this book is a great introduction to a few of the most beautiful bridges to be seen. One neat thing that I did really like is that it is a very wide book which allows you a little better perspective of the true size of some of the bridges - you get long pictures instead of little ones of each bridge. That was kind of cool! My 5 yr old son loves "reading" this book to me!

1 comments about Theory and Design in the First Machine Age.

1. This book has held up well over time, as Banham explores Modern Architecture with a critical eye. First published in 1960, Theory and Design has had numerous editions but the themes remain the same. Banham looks at the major figures in European Modern Architecture through a series of penetrating sections.

   He begins with the "Predisposing Causes," the academic and constructive traditions of the later 19th and early 20th century. Of particular note is the relation between the English Arts and Crafts Movement and the Deutscher Werkbund through Hermann Muthesius. He follows with a section on the "Italian Futurists," whose work was widely misunderstood at the time and now widely emulated, as many of the their principles of design have been absorbed by the Deconstructivists. Next is a section on Holland and "The Legacy of Berlage and De Stijl." This is a particularly interesting chapter as he notes the influences of Frank Lloyd Wright and Cubism on this Dutch abstract movement. He also describes how De Stijl went international, influencing many other movements in Europe. The fourth section describes "The World of Art and Le Corbusier" in Paris. Here he gets into his fullest exploration of the role Cubism had in shaping architecture. Cubism had had an influence on Futurism and De Stijl, but it was the analytical branch of Cubism, led by the Duchamp brother, that would have the most impact as Le Corbusier absorbed many of these ideas into his work, evolving Cubo-Futurism into what he and Ozenfant called "Purism." The last section charts the course of the Bauhaus in "The Victory of the New Style." This is where all the separate strains came together in an international school which would have a profound influence on the shape of architecture in the 20th century.

   It is a tremendously insightful and well-presented study, which is a must for anyone hoping to gain a better understanding of the ideas which underlie the various strains of Modern Architecture. The focus is on Europe before WWII, with only mention of the influence American architects like Frank Lloyd Wright had on European architecture.

2 comments about Plumber's licensing Study Guide (Plumber's Licensing Study Guide).

1. This book won't be used till winter so can't review at this time. Thank you
   
   
   Should be able to enter ? or 0 on your scale if necessary



2. The book is very comprehensive and gives a very accurate picture of what to expect on your plumbing exam. It makes learning the code fun and you will find out what you don't know quickly. Use it in conjuction with your code book to look up areas you are weak in. If you can answer eighty percent of the questions in the "Study Guide" correctly you will probably pass your test. It's the best book of its kind. FIVE STARS.

5 comments about The Cob Builders Handbook: You Can Hand-Sculpt Your Own Home.

1. I found this book invaluable. With it's simply put illustrations and descriptive nature. It's a simplified context that compliments "The Hand Sculpted House" wonderfully! Between these two books and a little research on site and with consideration to additional components of the structure to be erected, I feel confident that even a novice builder (with proper planning and a little guidance from some pro's) could complete a humble starter home of their own. I only speak from my little (16 years as a builder) experience with completing homes. *never built one like this till now* With another couple years of planning and designing, hopefully mine will be completed.



2. This book will give you some great building ideas for your home, especially for simple outdoor structures.



3. This book will definitely get your gears turning if you have a love of building. It is simply written with descent illustration. This style of building isn't a difficult concept. However, it is a different concept that I found very intersting. A great book for smaller outdoor projects such as pavillions or outdoor cooking areas.



4. I completely enjoyed this book, it is informative, practical, and consistently puts forth the message that ANYONE can build a home. I bought some acreage and have started my own. When I get overwhelmed, I reread this book, step back, and break it down into smaller steps. One of the easiest, most encouraging books I've read on any subject, and the best of the dozen books I've read on this subject.



5. This book is a fantastic resource, and full of practical tips on building with Cob in general, as well as site preparation, drainage considerations, roofing.
   
   Definitely something to add to your alterative building methods resource collection.

4 comments about State Houses: America's 50 State Capitol Buildings.

1. From 1985 (Sacramento, CA) to 2007 (Juneau, AK), I was lucky enough to visit all 50 state capitol buildings in the Nation at least once. I was really thrilled when this book came out and wasn't disappointed a bit : it is lavishly illustrated with beautiful color-pictures, and the text is full of information. A must-have, whether you are preparing to visit one of those impressive building or if you wish to remember what you saw in them !



2. Purchased as a gift for someone who loves to visit the State Houses.
   Beautiful photos and history of each capitol- couldn't be more pleased.



3. This is a very well executed book. The images are first rate and the text is highly informative. Every state capitol building is covered extensively and the book is full of great photographs, every state capitol building gets the same indepth coverage. I liked how the book is done in chronological order, you get to see the capitols evolve and see what was considered opulent at the time. I have been waiting for a book like this for some time and am so pleased that Ms. Thrane has put out such a wonderful book. Thank you.



4. If you're interested in architecture or history - especially if you want a flavor for the rich variety of our states and their capitols, this is a wonderful book. The large format photography is excellent and, according to the photographer, used only available lighting. It provides a real sense of the buildings and what has inspired each state. The text also provides a wealth of information about each building. I wish the book had been arranged by when each state attained statehood. A great gift for the traveler for the person who wishes they could travel. A wonderful reference for the library. Or, for me, the latest book on my coffee table.

5 comments about Santa Barbara Style.

1. Perfect represention of the Santa Barbara Style. Loved all the pictures, landscapes, ideas, and overall presentation of the book.



2. you just can't go wrong with these series of books, I have them all and they are outstanding



3. As an interior designer, several of my colleagues mentioned that this was the most requested style from their newer clients. I thought there would be more current interiors, referring to a new style. It was more of a historical chronicle of design in Santa Barbara, for exteriors and interiors. It is a nice book, but not exactly what I expected.



4. Im building a santa barbara style house and I was disappointed. Not a lot of details. Sure some pics of some SB mansions but not enough photos or details to actually do anything with this book. I guess if you are into SB history it might be OK, otherwise save yourself the $. You will be done browsing it in about 10 minutes and never use it again.



5. This is an amazing photo essay about the Spanish Architecture of Santa Barbara. I own several books like this and this is my favorite.Casa California: Spanish-Style Houses From Santa Barbara to San Clemente

1 comments about Lakeside Living: Waterfront Houses, Cottages, and Cabins of the Great Lakes.

1. This book features many great pictures of homes on or near the Great Lakes. It covers several types of building styles and architectures. Every home looks like a sublime dream. One critique though is that most of the homes are of the spare-no-expense ultra wealthy variety. Even the cabins would be out-of-reach for most people.

4 comments about Restoring a Home in Italy.

1. Since we live in the southwest, but don't particularly want to decorate SWestern ..I like this book because it uses the same materials found here but in a different way... Wood, stone, tile..flagstone for the patios..
   They use simple uncluttered lines in their decor inside and out..
   There is a type of tranquility built in. Something we look for in this complicated world.



2. What a great book! The author Elizabeth Minchilli has done has superb job in creating this wonderful book. Although she's not Italian, she now lives in Italy after marrying an Italian architect. Her love and passion for Italy is obvious and the wealth of information that she has gathered is priceless to anyone thinking or planning to buy and/or restore a home in Italy. Her informative writing is beautifully coupled with fantastic photos from the well known photographer Simon McBride. The setting of some of these homes is spectacular! There are many books out there on Italy, but this is truly a must for any fan of Italy or old rural architecture. I highly recommend this book even if you don't have any intention in restoring a home in Italy.



3. After our house burned in San Diego county, during the waiting time for the insurance company, the architect, the engineer, and the city approval, we purchansed MANY books on Tuscan design and architecture, as that is the style we want to emulate. Restoring a Home in Italy provided may examples that helped us though the selection process.



4. While this book may look more like a coffee table piece - and it could very well be - I read it cover to cover. The stories were very informative, telling of the beauty and the challenges of restoring one of these fine homes. After each of the functional sections there was a great write up on the details of the topic, such as; roofing, swimming pools, heating, etc. Naturally, you can tell I loved it and would recommend it to anyone interested in fine Italian home. I hope the author reads this and realized what a great job she did. ....