5 comments about Comics and Sequential Art (Will Eisner Instructional Books).

1. I have no doubt Will Eisner's intentions were noble in writing this book. I'm also not here to disparage a widely acknowledged great in the comics industry. And yet...
   It comes as no surprise that this emanates from a series of academic lectures as it smacks of a non-academic striving desperately both to sound learned and informed and to give serious academic weight to a subject generally percieved as throwaway entertainment.
   Will Eisner was a great, but a great of a very different era and as such he has very little relevance visually to the world of comics today. That's not to say he's inferior to a lot of the hacks passing themselves off as 'cartoonists' these days, but if you want to work in that industry as an artist (thus producing sequential ART) then this book is a fraction of the use of the superior (that's right SUPERIOR) Scott McCloud book "Understanding Comics".
   So do yourself a favour and buy that instead.
   Oh, and using lots of big (and inappropriate to the medium) words doesn't make you sound smart, either.
   Sorry.



2. Hey, why not take the analogy further? Scott McCloud's 'Understanding Comics' is the Sequential Artist's New Testament... and Fredric Wertham's 'Seduction of the Innocent' is the Sequential Artist's 'Protocols of the Elders of Zion'.
   
   'Understanding Comics' didn't exactly make 'Comics & Sequential Art' obsolete - in many ways they compliment each other, and they take somewhat different approaches to explaining this wonderful and fascinating art, although of course there are many similarities (McCloud clearly states that Eisner's work was his biggest influence, and it shows in the text). McCloud's book is more entertaining and reader friendly, that's for sure, and in many ways covers more ground and goes deeper - but it's important to remember that McCloud had the benefit of an extra decade in which the medium developed more rapidly than ever before, as well as that of Eisner's work as a reference. Eisner's work is the first true academic examination of sequential art and its potential as a medium, and was written at a time when the big revolution in comics - which he himself helped agitate more than fifteen years before - was just reaching its crucial stages.
   
   Aside from giving solid ground to several definitions - sequential art, graphic novel, the Gutter - which would become basics of the medium - Eisner's work took deeper consideration than anyone before him of the enormous potential the form has, and was an integral part of the artistic revolution is so-called comics. By many it was considered definitive; such a thing, of course, does not exist. 'Understanding Comics' builds on Eisner's work and in many ways is more complete, just as another, more complete work, may appear ten or twenty years from now. McCloud, of course, had the benefit not only of Eisner's work but also of artists like Dave McKean, who stretched the very same ideas that Eisner talked about to new extents. My main complaint about Eisner's book, in fact, is that he uses only his own work to illustrate his points, rather than draw some examples from great contemporaries like Robert Crumb or Art Spiegelman.
   
   While 'Understanding Comics' is friendlier and better suited for beginners and casual readers, 'Comics & Sequential Art' is more complex and more academic, and directed at those with an artistic background - after all, the material was taken from a series of lectures Eisner gave in the School of Visual Arts in New York. If you're new to the business, 'Understanding Comics' is a better pick, but if you have professional interest in comics, then both these works are essential reading, and 'Comics & Sequential Art' is remarkably important and inspiring.



3. After reading the reviews of this book here on Amazon, and running across mentions of this book in lots of other places that talk about comics & graphic novels, I was really looking forward to reading it. But on the whole, I've been very disappointed. Although the book covers a lot of relevant topics, it does so in a way that seems sloppy and self-congratulatory. The book could do with a thorough proofreading to catch the numerous typos and other errors, and the author seems more concerned with impressing the reader than in making the topics easy to grasp and apply. I'm really surprised to find that this isn't a better introduction to the art & craft of visual storytelling.



4. I just received this book yesterday, and I've been devouring it ever since! Mr. Eisner is a master storyteller, and he does a wonderful job of explaining the how's and why's of it in this book. The book is loaded with examples as well, mostly from his "Spirit" series. Trust me, you are going to be blown away by these things that were created a good 50 years ago! If you want to improve your comic book storytelling ability, this is an excellent place to start!



5. My guess is that a hundred people have heard of this work for every one who has actually read it. At the time the book was developed, you could only find this information by taking Will Eisner's class at the New York School of Visual Art.
   
   Unless you haven't been paying attention to comics, you will probably find that you already understand most of the key messages: words and illustrations combine to form imagery; time elapses between panels and the pacing of the time involved affects how you react to the story; the frames around the panels and pages as a mechanism for tying the story together; using anatomy and expression to extract emotion from readers; how to combine words and illustrations for best effect; the potential to use sequential art in more than comic strips and books; and new technologies for making comics and sequential art.
   
   As for me, the only section that I found rewarding was the extensive middle section on panels. Maybe I'm obtuse (I probably am), but I've often found it difficult to follow and understand the choice of panel structure on pages in Golden age comics. Mr. Eisner thoughtfully provides extended sections from The Spirit to demonstrate why he made the choices he did and what he hoped to accomplish. It was like a Rosetta Stone for translating what some of those odd pages are supposed to do. For that section, it was worth reading the book. The other sections I could have skipped and not missed anything.
   
   I also recommend you read Scott McCloud book's about comics and sequential art: They are more rewarding in terms of setting out the issues and opportunities.

5 comments about Pamphlet Architecture 27: Tooling (Pamphlet Architecture).

1. This book provides a general idea about scripting and algorithmic design to those interested in this new medium of design in architecture. I personally have known the authors and they're experts in this field.



2. The book updates the latest trend and concept of architectural actions. I find it very useful tool to have.



3. as an architect, i find this book fascinating. but it is not in any way limited to the practice of architecture. its relevance extends to all fields of design, and probably into fields of which i am not familiar. its a 'must have' in my opinion.



4. This book looks at scripting from a conceptual point of view. I enjoyed its form and content. The examples of work were inspiring.
   
   Why do I give this 3 out of 5 stars? I feel slightly miss led. On page 94 the authors write "Scripts from tooling experiments are available at www.arandalasch.com/tooling". Yet the site doesn't exist! The authors have yet to create this accompanying site that could give more tangible insight into the nitty-gritty of scripting. I assume it won't happen as its been more than a year now since the book was published. Too bad, because there are really few books that get into the details of scripting without becoming "programming books". Aranda and Lasch could have been pioneers in this area as they seem to enjoy the hands-on aspects of making stuff. Instead, they have dropped the ball.
   
   The book is full of pseudocode which is fine if you already know how to program. But for DIY beginners like myself, its just not enough...



5. Aranda/Lasch provide a glimpse of what algorithmic techniques in architecture are capable of producing. Spiraling, packing, weaving, blending, cracking, flocking, and tiling are briefly defined, and their conceptual application in architecture is explored.
   
   Although interesting, the discussion is left at a highly conceptual level, and the book could benefit from more detailed exploration and explanation. A website promising programming code to accompany the techniques has yet to be developed (and 2 years from date of publication probably never will) and does not appear to require the purchase of the book in order to access if it ever does go online.
   
   A better discussion of algorithmic architecture can be found in Kostas Terzidis' Algorithmic Architecture, which not only shows better developed architectural projects but provides an analysis of code scripting.

5 comments about Drawing Realistic Textures in Pencil.

1. The refinement of your pencil drawing begins here!! If you want your pencil drawings stay close to the realism, this is the book that will teach you to reach in that apprenticeship.
   
   This book is not indicated for beginners, it doesn't teach as maintaining proportions and/or to draw... it goes beyond of that. This book teaches step by step how to handle the materials of drawing to get textures close to the realism.
   
   Suitable for designers that already know the basic foundations of the drawing, the techniques presented in this method are innovative and use materials as the coal and the carbon pencil together with the graphite. It contains dozens of clues of like you can get the realism in your drawing with a great amount of illustrations step by step. Several textures are taught as leather, glass, wood, metals, human skin, several surfaces, etc.



2. I actually found this book in my local library and had to have my own copy. I have always admired realistic pencil drawings, and the information and illustrations in this book have inspired me to keep exploring and working on my own skills. I am currently taking some private drawing lessons from a wonderful artist and when I showed her this book, she also wanted a copy. Even if you don't draw this is a beautiful book and it is truly amazing to see what can be done with graphite.



3. This book is unlike any other pencil drawing book. The drawings in this book are photo-realistic. The techniques are like nothing else you've read about in other pencil drawing books. He covers metal, leather, wood, skin, hair, fur, bricks, glass, etc. Highly recommended if you want to create very realistic drawings. If you want the wishy washy sketchy technique, then this book is not for you.



4. A very comprehensive book from one of the top in his field. I am still learninf his techniques. Enjoy Very much.



5. I've seen realistic pencil drawings and wondered exactly how they were done (what materials, what techniques). This book explains.
   
   If you can draw basic line drawings but want to know how to make your work more realistic this book will help.
   
   If you don't know how to draw but want to learn, this is not the book for you.

5 comments about Drawing From Life: The Journal as Art.

1. I saw this book in a local bookstore and knew I had to have it- I found it here on Amazon for much cheaper. I love the illustrations and variety of styles represented. As a high school art teacher, I occasionally use this book to help students spark ideas for their personal art journals. Great book for anyone seeking visual inspiration.



2. "The impulse to record our daily lives on paper is nothing if not universal." This quote is on the back cover of Drawing from Life. We aren't told who said it but the idea doesn't suffer for the lack. Teacher/author Jennifer New has compiled an exceedingly rich volume of journal pages and managed to include something that will appeal to everyone.
   
   My particular favorite piece of Drawing from Life is the fourth chapter -"Creation." Architect Steven Holl refers to the sketches and paintings that litter his twenty years of journaling as "seed-germs" Filmmaker Mike Figgis says of his diary, "It's the only truly frank conversation I can ever have." The most relevant message for me, however, originated in a lecture by poststructuralist John Dewey who argued that, "the value of art is not as a relic, a museum piece to be admired from afar, but as an aesthetic experience."(152). I emphasize this quote because it seems the most powerful part of the idea. Art should have a "verb" identity. Rather than embodying the passivity of a noun, art demands action. There isn't a way to avoid interaction with it - no matter your like or dislike of the piece you are observing. That this observation changes the observer is a critical point and can be pushed farther, as social psychologists have done, by insisting that observation changes the observed as well. The significance and meaning of a piece is transformed by every person who sees it; it's voice is strengthened, weakened, done away with, glorified, altered irreparably in a kind of mobius strip of creation. All these changes create changes in a timeless loop of inquiry and understanding and thereby creating past, present and future lives for the artwork. Figgis and Holl's comments on journaling reveal the kinesiological mechanisms of art - the creative movement of body, mind and spirit from which it springs.
   
   I don't know if there is an innate compulsion to record our lives. I don't think its outside the realm of possibility but I have to wonder whether it's the journal or the subsequent creation of witnesses to our lives that matters most to us. I don't think everyone chooses words as a tool for documenting their existence and I don't believe that everyone who wants to do so leaves behind a material representation of their lives. Those who do, however, probably find that having a witness to their lives provides a more tangible rest at the end of things. Jennifer New has produced a book filled with pages of beauty and experience and we, as readers and artists, are allowed to witness art as verb through different eyes.



3. I really like this book and it is one of my favorites, one I will return to again and again when I need a little creativity kick start.
   As a mixed media artist who writes/draws in a journal daily, I really enjoy getting a peek at what other people are doing in their journals and how they work things out on paper,what inspires them or drives them as the case may be.
   If you are looking for a "how to" book then this is not the book for you, there are plenty of fine books in that specific area of interest.
   I like it because it is unique and real,not trendy or cute, or edgy, it's just a wonderful compilation of other people's journal pages.



4. I love this book, and it repeatedly finds its way into my bag to be taken out and thumbed through on the bus, on vacation, at work during breaks or while I am on the couch during those rare few minutes of "me-time". It takes the idea of "journal" and makes it multi-faceted. You see the artistic side of journaling of course, but the author proposes the idea that a scientific journal or furniture designer sketchbook is just as artistic as the watercolor journal. It really takes away the fear that just because you can't draw or have no idea how to collage you can't create a meaningful journal.
   This isn't a "how-to", it's a "just-is". If you are looking for a book to teach you visual journaling techniques, this probably isn't the book for you. But if you like to see how others journal in a way that fits their lives, you will enjoy this book.



5. Art journaling has become so popular, I think by example. People see themselves in others' work and want to imitate and branch off and personalize. When we read about and see other's journal/art we don't feel so isolated and weird. Sometimes looking thru other's journals makes me feel kind of like this: -I've thought the same things, but I never thought about writing it down or expressing it -till seeing how someone else has journaled similar thoughts/feelings, and then my wheels are turning, and I'm thinking about how or what I want to express.
   
   This is a great book for reading about how other people journal, how they got started, their style and how keeping journals have helped them in their lives. You'll read about some querky journalers, some ingenius journalers, and some just normal ones. Various contributors, some who are famous for their journals or other creative work have shared their journal experiences and examples for this book. You'll find people like Hannah Hinchman, Lynda Barry, and the 'someguy' who started the '1000 Journals' project just to name a few. Then there's the interesting Masayoshi Nakano who created beautiful journals where he chronicled his daily walks thru Musashino and then burned all but one journal later on. A very bold display,of non-attachment.
   
   It's great for ideas, and to learn more about journaling and how it is art, personal and sometimes public. There are great color pictures/examples/snippetts of the contributors' journals throughout. I love the message that there's no wrong way to do it. It's very healing. I have enjoyed this book and pick it up often to read/look at.

2 comments about Atmospheres: Architectural Environments - Surrounding Objects.

1. Very happy with the book i bought! Great quality book either in contents and manufacture. I recommend!! Zumthor is the master!



2. The book is written as a dialogue taken from a lecture, which has had minimal editing. This gives a good insight into Zumthors thinking and inspirations from the cuff,so to speak.
   
   The disappointment is that there is not a lot of grounding theory or thoughts as well defined like those in his essays in 'thinking archtecture'. My feelings are that some ideas are repeatative but presented from a different perspective.
   
   However if you are a true Zumthor fan, you would know that there is not a lot of published material so when its there! Get it!

5 comments about Drawing Dynamic Hands (Practical Art Books).

1. Dynamic Hands is the ideal book to learn how to draw hands and understand the structure of the hand and how it works in all positions. Well drawn hands and feet are extremely important for finished paintings and illustrations. I am a commercial artist and designer, but have worked for many years on non-figurative projects. I am focusing on figurative work again, primarily in the game, fantasy and science fiction field. My goal is to draw entirely from imagination without having to use reference material, and this book by Burne Hogarth and his Dynamic Anatomy is helping me to reach this goal. The illustrations are very well done with several important hand positions and range of motion diagrams. I highly recommend it.



2. Like other Hogarth works, the hand is represented as stylized, over muscled, and predominantly masculine. If you expect that from the beginning, then you will find no disappointment in this book. I loved this book, as the stylization helps with understanding the shape and movements, the anatomical structure of the hand. It gives you an idea of how to draw proportions, angles, forshortening, etc. without the use of a model. As I prefer to draw from memory, this book was just my style.



3. This is a great reference for drawing hands. Most beginning artists, like myself, find that the hardest part of a person to draw is the hands. This breaks down the hand into its basic anatomy and details every single thing about the hand you might want to know. Very useful for in-depth detail work with deep shading, and can be easily adapted to other styles such as cartooning and painting.



4. I've used both Bridgeman's and Hogarth's books on drawing hands and I've got to say that both artists are top notch and one couldn't miss by studying both. Bridgeman in my mind is very strong in his construction of a drawing and his studies on form alone are very valuable to me. And Hogarth's beautiful linear approach is also very helpful. Hogarth's work is so easy to see and study that I found him very accessible when I was just starting out on my artistic journey. And yet, now after many many years, I still go back to him and find more in depth information and solid teaching that I can glean from him. It's neat to be able to grow alongside an artist and find him still teaching you when you are older.
   
   I'm not sure how other artists do it, but by combining this book with Bridgeman's and other anatomy books, I've really grown in my understanding... and having several artistic teachers has helped me develop my own style and interests instead of only copying theirs. I definitely recommend this book therefore. After studying art in college, I'm finding that my best teachers and best learning experiences have been through books and this book on hands is no exception.



5. Hogarth has some of these sketches in other books but w/o the details about HOW to really draw hands. They have always been hard for me, especially in difficult positions. If you have the discipline to truly incorporate his techniques you CAN master hands. I think this is worth the $ ONLY if you are willing to put in the time to learn by doing the work in the stages he recommends. A good book, worth ordering if you draw a lot of hands, and are willing to retrain HOW you see hands and draw them. I enjoyed it and am still working in progression thru it!

5 comments about Creating Textured Landscapes With Pen, Ink & Watercolor.

1. Just received this book today. It is very colourful and well layed out.
   
   There are tonnes of tips and techniques on watercolour painting as well as specfic examples and step by steps on different effects and how to acheive more contrast etc with texturing.
   
   Well worth it.



2. Yes, the title says for landscapes, ink, pen and watercolor, but really you could apply the techniques in this book to just about anything. It has a huge sampling of textures and how to achieve them. Since I am a beginner, I thought the techniques would be difficult to learn, but the directions are incredibly easy to understand and non of the techniques are time consuming (aside from masking). Put this book together with Gordon MacKenzie's The Watercolorists Essential Notebook, and you have a complete watercolor art class through at least intermediate to lower advanced skill level. The images and text are easy to understand and give great reference. I do find the "handwriting" font a bit difficult on the eyes after a while, but otherwise a very well rounded book with easy to follow quick techniques that will really knock your socks off. Way to go Claudia Nice!



3. I normally like her books on pen and ink, but this one has more to do with watercolor than pen and ink. I was disappointed and returned the book. It's a good book for to look at and you might be more interested if you want to know more about how to use watercolors. I have enough of those books!



4. As with ALL of Claudia's books, this one is no exception - it is EXCELLENT!! She wonderfully illustrates in such a way that you are motivated to pick up your brush, watercolors, pen and ink and start painting!!
   
   It is a wonderful book to have to inspire you to paind.



5. I haven't had time to really get into it but going through the book she gives you some interesting techniques. I have not done much in watercolor and ink.

2 comments about Visio 2007 Bible.

1. Visio is one of those software packages I use just often enough to get by, but end up frustrated as I know I could have done things differently (and easier). That's why I keep close tabs on my copy of Visio 2007 Bible by Bonnie Biafore. It makes all the difference between struggling along and actually producing useful documentation...
   
   Contents:
   Part 1 - Understanding Visio Fundamentals: Getting Started with Visio; Getting Started with Drawings; Working with Visio Files; Working with Shapes; Connecting Shapes; Working with Text; Enhancing Diagram Appearance with Formatting
   Part 2 - Integrating Visio Drawings: Inserting, Linking, and Embedding Objects; Importing, Exporting, and Publishing to the Web; Linking Shapes with Data
   Part 3 - Using Visio for Office Productivity: Collaborating with Others; Building Block Diagrams; Constructing Charts and Graphs; Working with Organization Charts; Building Visio Flowcharts; Documenting Processes, Workflows, and Data Flows; Scheduling Projects with Visio; Documenting Brainstorming Sessions; Analyzing Results with PivotDiagrams
   Part 4 - Using Visio in Information Technology: Modeling and Documenting Databases; Building UML Models; Building Software Development Diagrams; Mapping Web Sites; Creating Network Diagrams
   Part 5 - Using Visio for Architecture and Engineering: Working with Scaled Drawings; Creating and Managing Scaled Drawings; Laying Out Architectural and Engineering Plans; Planning Space and Managing Facilities; Integrating CAD and Visio; Working with Engineering Drawings
   Part 6 - Customizing Stencils, Templates, and Shapes: Creating and Customizing Templates; Creating and Customizing Stencils; Creating and Customizing Shapes; Customizing Shapes Using ShapeSheets; Formatting with Styles; Customizing Toolbars and Menus; Automating Visio
   Part 7 - Quick Reference: Installing Visio 2007; Visio Help Resources; Additional Resources for Templates and Stencils; Keyboard Shortcuts; Template and Stencil Reference
   Index
   
   For me, this book serves a couple of purposes. First off, Bonnie does a great job documenting the software. It's easy to find the subject or information you want, and her style of writing is clear and concise. I've not yet found an instance where I was unable to follow along and learn what it was I was after. Second, and most important, is that I pick up a number of ideas that I hadn't even considered. For instance, I learned about mapping web sites in her Visio 2003 Bible title a couple of years ago. I had no clue that was possible, and it allowed me to offer some very cool solutions to my customers. This year, I learned about creating customized templates and stencils for my own use. Again, a very timely feature as I'm spending more time producing certain types of documentation that require the use of Visio. I usually spend far too much time hunting through templates trying to find just the right shape or symbol I need. Now I can produce my own custom UML and Flowchart templates, and save all kinds of time. It's a question I never thought to ask, but I definitely grasped the application of the idea once she spelled it out. It's rare that I find such a good combination of reference and idea material in a single title...
   
   Unless you're already a Visio guru, you'll benefit greatly from going through this book. And even if you *are* the resident Visio guru, I'd be willing to bet you'll find something in here that will make you think "I didn't know I could do that..."



2. I'm a Visio kinda guy. I learn and communicate visually. This book contains text instructions for all the stuff you want to understand, but very few diagrams or print screens. Why? If you're so good at Visio - then use it. I want to understand how to incorporate shape data and data graphics. To be perfectly honest, I'd have preferred to purchase 'Teach yourself Visually Visio 2007 Professional' - yes I like color pictures. I'll let you judge for yourself. I've read 12 chapters and I'm still not clear on how and when to best add data graphics to my diagram. I wish someone would come out with a book who's chapter #1 tells you where to get all the master shapes YOU find pertinent. Anybody, please send me links to your favorite Visio communities - where people go to share Visio master shapes (etc.). I've got another 20 chapters or so to go in Biafore's Bible. Yes, I intend to finish his book, but it wouldn't have killed them to diagram step-by-step procedures for the more complex tasks.

5 comments about The Hand-Sculpted House: A Practical and Philosophical Guide to Building a Cob Cottage: The Real Goods Solar Living Book.

1. It's a guide. No matter if you will be building in cob or not, it' real pleasure to read this book. I recommend it heartfully.



2. I bought this book several years ago, when it first came out. I love it! I have yet to build anything out of cob, but hopefully that will change in the next five years. This is one of the few books I own that I would NEVER consider selling. It is chock full of information, and when I am feeling blue, I whip out the book, page through it, and fantasize about it. If you are thinking of building anything with cob, buy this book!



3. There is no better book to curl up with than this one and none more useful. Read it and, if you love it, consider taking the 10-day class in Oregon. You will learn a whole new way of living, as well as building. My only criticisms of the book are minor and things that will likely be added in a later addition, if there is one. A chapter on bale cob and similar composite materials would be helpful. I think a separate book is in the works on bale cob. The book is a masterpiece!



4. I purchased this book based on the overwhelmingly positive reviews in Amazon.com.
   
   I was looking for a practical guide on Cob building - not on living according to the new age hippie ethos of the authors.
   
   I've read the first few chapters, and there are nuggets of practical advice, but the narration keeps getting bogged down by Ianto Evans digressions on how evil humans keep screwing up the environment.
   
   It is my hope that I can finish the book, collect some useful information, and in the end, be satisfied with my purchase. I'm just finding it difficult to wallow through the enlightened philosophy.
   
   I will attempt to read it through to the end and perhaps revise my review. I've looked briefly at the sections written by the other two authors (Smith and Smiley) and they both seem, on the surface, to be a little more instructional in their writing, and less interested in teaching me about their new age voodoo.



5. I purchased this book on recommendation and am glad I did. It covers everything from choosing the best land for building these structures to everything you need to build it. There are lots of pictures (both color and black and white). The book also covers earth ovens and fireplaces. Even if you are not interested in building an earth home, you can build a backyard fireplace with seating.

5 comments about Sun, Wind & Light: Architectural Design Strategies, 2nd Edition.

1. So instead of getting a manual on how to design a building to maximize sun, wind, and light, what I got was a lengthy math book on how to quantitatively analyze the sun, light and wind in existing conditions.... There are some nuggets of good info but I don't see myself getting very much out of the book in general.



2. Although I normally read books in twos and threes on the same topic to gain varied perspectives, this is the first time I am writing a single review encompassing two books. They mesh together so well that I cannot imagine studying this subject without having BOTH in hand.
   
   The two books are Sun, Wind & Light: Architectural Design Strategies, 2nd Edition and The HOK Guidebook to Sustainable Design.
   
   Start with the introduction in the Guidebook, which is blessed with a Foreword from Paul Hawken and see especially page 13 where the cost benefits are shown, with 48% energy savings for Gold, 30% for Silver, and 28% for Certified. See also the illustration on page 15 that I have reproduced in the image I am loading for both books: the old decision model was Cost at the top, with Schedule and Quality anchoring the triangle. the new decision model still has cost at the top, but Schedule and Human Health, Safety, & Comfort are on corners of this new pentagon, and the bottom is achored by Quality and Ecology, or what Paul Hawken would call in his books, "true cost" to the Earth and Humanitas.
   
   NOW shift to the Contents and the Detailed Contents of Sun, Wind, & Light. As one reviewer notes, this is a course book. I did not recognize it as such, I saw it as one of the most gifted complete collection of factors to learn and apply that I have ever seen for ANY topic of study. The content and organization of this book is nothing short of Nobel-level "wow." Finish going through this book.
   
   NOW go back to the first 218 pages of the Handbook, and study the checklists and varied helpful boxes and explanations. The rest of the book (217-459) is case studies of specific buildings, each a few pages, that can be left for last.
   
   At this point, I went into the Glossaries and Bibliographies of both books. Each is distinct, neither supplants the other. They must be taken together. I read Glossaries, and Indices, as content, and use them as a form of "second look" (in extremely complex books, this is actually where I start).
   
   NOW go back to the Case Studies in the Handbook, and read each from the point of view of what "take away" lessons are there for your own building.
   
   Reading these two books was a real treat. Outside my office kitchen is a deck with an 11 point system for attracting birds from bluebirds and bluejays to cardinals, gold finches, two kinds of woodpecker, and a flicker as well as the more common birds. I believe in diversity, and I believe that if we don't get our act together and start living up to the ideals of Natural Capitalism (see other recommended books below), our world will go sterile and dark before out great-grandchilden can share in the beauty of this planet. These two books are part of the solution, and I am in serious awe of those who made them available to all of us, and at reasonable prices to boot. Well done!!!
   
   Blessed Unrest: How the Largest Movement in the World Came into Being and Why No One Saw It Coming
   Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution
   The Ecology of Commerce
   Ecological Economics: Principles And Applications
   For the Common Good: Redirecting the Economy toward Community, the Environment, and a Sustainable Future
   The Soul of Capitalism: Opening Paths to a Moral Economy
   Capitalism 3.0: A Guide to Reclaiming the Commons (Bk Currents)
   The Philosophy of Sustainable Design



3. I thought the book itself was really interesting although a little confusing. Especially when I actually had to use it for class assignments!



4. This is one of the best books I've seen that address building architectural design considerations that affect heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting. It presents tidbits from real designs, focuses on maximizing the effects of the local climate on the building toward the objective of a comfortable and usable living/working space, and addresses supplemental systems as well. This information presumes a level of knowledge relating to some of these concepts that I don't currently have, making it a pretty hard read in many places. However, the book digs pretty deep into each area, providing enough information to get a good start on a building design. The fusion of engineering and creativity is my favorite feature of this book. It provides insight into creative building designs while also presenting the more quantitative factors necessary to size and evaluate a design for intended use.



5. An excellent book. A must have for any architect, builder, interior designer...
   
   Just buy it.