5 comments about Architectural Drafting and Design.

1. This text has the ability to encourage the student in architectural drawings because of its excellent use of architectural designs and actual color photographs which back up the drawings. Clear examples are used to make the drawings come alive to the student. The text is challenging but understandable to the college student. It is creativly written in a clear and concise way. Great work, Mr. Jefferis!



2. I have this book. This book is a poor atempt at up dateing a drafting book to a CAD world. The CAD parts of this book are small and short. They were added to an existing book to bring it into the 1980-90's. The seems to be witten by a school teacher not a practiceing Architect with very little background into what is done in a small Architectal firm. I have not looked at the new addition but here is what it needs, a total rework of the existing material to bring it up to the year 2000, along with a CD-ROM that includes all the question at least one or two full sets of house plans. First a stock set of plan would allow the teacher to due a room addition project, change to a set of stock plans. a second set of plans be unfinished just the outline of the house, and a door and window schedule with blocks of all the windows, other drawing could be started also. It's not worth the ..., when there are up to date books for far less money. A stock set of plan would allow the teacher to due a room addition project, change a set of stock plans. a second set of plans could be unfinished just the outline of the house, and a door and window schedule with blocks of all the windows.



3. I bought it used (1996 edition)at a bargain rate, in top condition. I'm changing from mechanical to architectural design and the book is priceless for me. It has all the basics, and lots of details. The book is a textbook with assignments and tests. Saves going to class. The focus is on design rather than CAD.



4. item was received in a time manner and in great condition at a cheaper price
   thanks, would like to do business again in the future



5. Just the book I was looking for. The price was right delivery was fast.
   I would buy from Amazon again.

5 comments about Creating Characters with Personality: For Film, TV, Animation, Video Games, and Graphic Novels.

1. This a great book for the beginning character artist. I often have a hard time drawing cartoon characters but this book always helps me out. Covers everything from personality to color, from exaggerated to semi-realistic. Highly recommend!



2. I am a student studying animation, and I purchased this book for my character design class. I really love this book, it is quite usefull, and my two roommates reference it as well! One is an illustrator, and one is a video game designer. Useful to anyone and everyone...



3. As an aspiring cartoonist with my own cast of characters on my Captain Cockle website I found this book an excellent and yet simple guide to creating characters that leap out of the page. The inclusion of guest cartoonists, many of them very famous in their own fields, is a great idea and adds depth to the book. If you have a limited budget and are confused by the huge variety of "how to" books on cartooning, I would strongly recommend this one as an essential starting point.



4. This book by Tom Bancroft was a very entertaining and helpful read. I am not a professional in the field of animation or illustration, but I am trying to learn how to improve my skills in the area of character design in hopes of moving into this field in the future. This book does an excellent job of covering all the different facets involved in designing and bringing to life a drawing with real personality. It teaches the basic principles needed to convey character types, emotion, and personality with many helpful examples.
   The two best "stand-out" features of the book to me are the guest artists who each come from a different field of "cartooning"; whether it be humorous cartooning, tv animation, comic books, or feature film animation, to name a few. It was very interesting and informative to read these professional's take on designing the same character, and to see how each artist approached it. The other "stand-out" feature was the progression of assignments given throughout the book. These really helped me get a feel for what a real assignment could actually be like for a character designer. They were very helpful in allowing me to think through the process of designing each character for the "script" provided in the assignments.
   All in all, my hat's off to Tom and company for a wonderful resource for aspiring professionals and hobby artists alike. Definitely a wonderful investment!



5. I've read several how to draw books. So far the the most instruction I've ever gotten was "do this, then do that." The books never explained why. This book explains why. The reason why you start out with simple shapes was probably the biggest "Oh yeah! OK!" moment for me and there were several other momnets.
   
   The book is very well narrated. I actually read through this like a story book, the first time. It is easy to follow and at the end of each chapter there are homework assignments to help you get going. The assignments are a little tough, so you are expected to know how to do a few things, but I haven't met a how to draw book that started with "This is how you draw a line."
   
   I personally love Anime and Manga and that is the style of art I try to emulate. With this book it doesn't matter what style of art you are trying to master, you will get help from this book.

5 comments about Preacher Vol. 3: Proud Americans.

1. Another masterpeice by the team of writer Garth Ennis(an Iraish crazed, yet genious writer)and artist Steve Dillon(Ennis's partner in crime, also a little insane, in a good way). These two have put together yet another blood filled, violent, bizzare, and funny masterpeice. The third installment to the 9 volume Preacher series, that follows Jesse Custer, a former preacher who have lost his faith, Tulip, Jesse's gun-wielding girlfriend, and Cassidy, an Irish vampire, on their journey to find God, literally.
   
   This book begins with a flashback talking about Jesse's father John, and his navy days in the Vientam War. Then, the ending to the story arc started in Volume 2, the Grail. We follow Jesses, who have abandoned Tulip for her own safety, on his trip to France to save his buddy, Cassidy. He also meets the Allfather who is the boss of the Grail and can be described as a fat, murderous, digusting pig, another bizzare character created by Mr. Ennis, and also an appearance by the Saint of Killers. Then, the origin to the Irish vampire, Cassidy, telling us of how he became a vampire in the first place, and his early days in America. This series have material on its pages no other comic from any of the major comic companies would dare print, strap-ons, gay sex, extreme violence, profanity, and pure fun. This book is just another emample of the genious of Ennis and Dillon, a great read and a lot of fun doing it.
   
   The art by Dillon was stunning as usual, depicting the graphic violence that not much other artists would dream of drawing. His work is beautiful and complements Ennis's superb writing very well, they make a great team.
   
   This is a must-have if you're a mature reader who likes to disturb and shock oneself. I read this book in one sitting, all 231 pages of it. This is probably best appreciated if you read the last 2 volumes, but not totally nessesary. Don't even think about getting this book if you can be offended by graphic violence, nudity and sexual themes, and profanity. But if you're not, then do yourself a favor and get yourself a copy now, it's worth every penny.



2. The Preacher series is a "must have" for any collector of stories who likes a little extreme in their fantasy. Some of the greatest lines and characters are put forth by the incredible team of Ennis and Dillon. If one suspends disbelief on one's own feelings about God and the devil, one can enjoy lightheartedly this tale of servitude...or something.



3. Stuff about Cassidy the immigrant, and his bastich acts. Early on in his life, Cassidy is fairly useless. He gets asked to protect someone, and fails, he gets in trouble, and runs away. Along the way he becomes a vampire. This just makes him a long lived scumbag, and does not improve things at all.



4. I love Preacher and have no complaints with the content of the book, but I have a complaint about the paper quality of this volume.
   
   My complaint is that this volume is, for some reason, printed on a noticeably cheaper grade of paper than the other volumes I have, which were printed on the nice glossy paper that all comics should be printed on. A few other Vertigo trade paperbacks I've ordered online recently have use this same grade of paper, is this some kind of cost-cutting measure that they've recently introduced? If the prices of the books were lowered accordingly, I wouldn't mind so much, but it's a little irritating to pay the same price as the volumes that have nice glossy paper and instead get the cheap phonebook-like paper.
   
   I posted a question about this on the Vertigo message boards a couple of weeks ago, but I never got a response.



5. I have to say, this volume is weaker than the previous two, though that might be more because it focuses on Cassidy and his origins, and as loveable as he is, what makes this series great is its meditations on God. And you need the main storyline for that. Still, loved it.

5 comments about Architectural Graphic Standards, 11th Edition.

1. I'm really disappointed to find that my big, beatiful new edition of Architectural Graphic Standards does not contain everything that previous editions did. I was so happy to have my very own copy and now will have to also buy a 10th edition to get everything. Check it out before you buy!



2. For over 70 years, architects have been using a valuable reference book, "Architectural Graphic Standards."
   
   "Architectural Graphic Standards" (11th edition) is organized roughly per the UniFormat(r) classification system, i.e., by function instead of by product or material. This new edition has expanded and new content covering contemporary issues, such as LEED standards, green materials, sustainable construction, recyclability, new building systems, structural technologies, universal, and accessible design strategies, computing technologies including Building Information Modeling (BIM) and CAD/CAM, etc. It may take you a while to get used to this new format, but the information is still valuable and current.
   
   "Architectural Graphic Standards" has 1120 pages (9.7 x 11.6 inches large format) and numerous line drawings. It is a must-have for architects, landscape architects and urban planners, interior designers, engineers or any other building-related design professionals.



3. The new version of Architectural Graphic Standards is an impossible book to use. It reflects a component approach to putting a building together instead of looking at the totality of a building. The Eleventh Edition omits basic information, for example, like the exhaustive catalogue of material and electrical symbols found in previous additions. The book now has an attitude that follows the mantra of the American Institute of Architects with regard to issues like sustainability and visitability. Any architect with a conscience incorporates these values into actual practice, so to have whole sections on these subjects is like preaching to the converted. The book is really an editorial snow job on the profession. The metal plate on the front cover is truly pretentious while the pages inside have been physically downgraded to an almost tissue-like quality.
   
   By changing the format of the book so radically from the previous organization (without any kind of cross referencing) of the construction divisions that guided the profession for decades, looking for information is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
   
   If, as a practicing architect with 30 years experience, I find the book problematic then I would not even want to fathom how a young practitioner could wade through this disorganized, inadequate mess. If Ramsey and Sleeper, the original authors, saw this book today I think they would be rolling in their graves.



4. A standard reference work on building components and design considerations - with many excellent diagrams. Although the book has a technical focus, a little perspective on the constructability and suitablity of componets and systems for specific applications would add value.
   
   Also, some additonal treatment of new chemical related technologies that are now mainstream, such as chemical anchors and carbon fiber reinforcing, would be helpful.
   
   Choosing Project Success - A Guide for Building Professionals



5. This was a waste of money.
   
   They have eliminated a section of the book that holds some very valuable general information and dimensions that are a great reference to have when designing. Everything from dimensions related to the body in standing, sitting and sleeping positions to car parking and manouver dimensions and radiuses. I used that part of the book regularly. Now, when I finally got my own copy, I find myself with a "heavy book" that is lacking some of the most basic information needed for proper design, yet gets specific about some other aspects that are very particular like parking requirements for a mosque!
   
   Any one looking to buy my copy??

5 comments about Preacher Vol. 4: Ancient History.

1. Volume 4 of Garth Ennis' edgy postmodern comic western "Preacher" is for fans and completionists only. Chances are you are going to buy it, if you've read this far into the series, but this volume is BY NO MEANS ESSENTIAL to the series.
   
   Basically this volume contains three stand alone stories "The Saint of Killers", "The Story of You Know Who" and "Good Old Boys" which fall outside the overall continuity of the "Preacher" series.
   
   "The Saint of Killers" is the longest and most fulfilling of the three. It is a literal Western (as in actually taking place in The Old West), which provides the origin of the character of that name. The story of a cowboy's revenge mission, while a tad predictable at times - which may just be the price of loyalty to the genre - as well as over-the-top - also to be expected in a story from the great American "tall tale" tradition - it does have an epic feel that evokes both Faust and Sergio Leone style spaghetti westerns. It's worth the read, but not truly stellar.
   
   Unfortunately, the book goes downhill from there. "The Story of You Know Who" is a pointless meandering backstory of another character out for revenge. But it's relatively flat, and uninteresting by comparison.
   
   Then comes the third installment "Good Old Boys", a pointless action movie parody that doesn't feel like anything more than a throwaway to bring the page count up.
   
   Worst of all, these stories show a disturbing trend away from solid storylines, and an increasing reliance on vulgarity, scatalogical references and other shock elements and a decreasing amount of substance.
   
   As I stated earlier, chances are you are going to buy it, so I won't tell you not to - Hell, you may even enjoy it some - but just don't expect the quality you've come to expect from the rest of the series.



2. While I enjoyed the other books of the series, I found this title to be lacking.
   Almost every aspect of the story seemed rushed, or not worthy of being written.
   
   Origins that dont go deep enough to truly explain the charactors, storys that mearly show an event in the charactors lives, or storys that are pretty much exatcly as you would expect them to be without need for explanation (arseface).
   
   I regret purchasing the title



3. This book in the incredible "Preacher" series is a look at the backstory of some its side characters. The best one of the bunch? The origin of the Saint of Killers. One of the most brilliant origins ever written, and it fits perfectly.
   
   I've given this book a five star review, despite it being the weakest of the series. That should tell you something right there. You can read the others without reading this, but then you aren't getting the full story -- not even close. It is the glue that holds it all together, and it deserves a place in your library.



4. The Preacher series is a "must have" for any collector of stories who likes a little extreme in their fantasy. Some of the greatest lines and characters are put forth by the incredible team of Ennis and Dillon. If one suspends disbelief on one's own feelings about God and the devil, one can enjoy lightheartedly this tale of servitude...or something.



5. A Jesseless collection, pretty much. This is combination of other smaller sections that deal with the back story of some of the secondary characters in the Preacher Saga, the Saint of Killers, for example. There is no real need to have this is you are satisfied with the other story, but if you want more, or are a fan, you will enjoy it.

5 comments about Architectural Drawing: A Visual Compendium of Types and Methods.

1. Easy to understand, thorough examination of a range of methods used for architectural drawings. Clear, concise descriptions as well as clear graphics depicting methods and processes. Extremely detailed reading while avoiding the mash-up of other technical manuals.



2. This book is fantastic. I use it as my architectual Bible. It is not only good for educating Architects, drafters, and artists, but it is also a great book to use as a reference.



3. An excellent process driven guide to architectural graphic presentation; supported by great examples from students as well as practicing professionals. I use this book constantly as a reference on all projects.



4. This is one of the best recent books on architectural graphics. Rendow Yee's book is replete with illustrations from successfull architects as well as students which turned out to be an excellent way of presenting design work of various levels and generations. I would recommend this book as a reference for both professionals and students.



5. People say design cannot be taught. However, drawing tools and drawing types & techniques can be learned. In fact, they are essential for designers to understand and apply them so that they can visually communicate their ideas effectively. This book includes introduction to drawing tools and comprehensive drawing methods & techniques, like sketching, shadowing, perspective drawing, and rendering, etc.. I think students and beginners will find this book extremely helpful in transforming their design thoughts into visual drawing formats. As a young architectural professional and intern, I find the abundant and creative presentation formats and rich graphics in this book being good references for projects. I also gain insight into the differences and diversity of the book's architectural illustrations from students, professors, and architectural professionals from around the world. In addition, with globally renowned architects' drawings as examples, this book is also an incredible source of inspiration to architects of all levels.

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.

5 comments about Preacher Vol. 2: Until the End of the World.

1. This comic book, truly is like no other. It goes everywhere no one dares to go. God, religion, spirituality, hypocrisy. It is a very intense book, and anyone who can stomach brutal violence, sex, and blasphemy should pick it up. Despite its over the top violence, it truly is thought provoking. But as I said, this book is very intense, there were many times reading this, I felt uncomfortable, yet at the same time I couldn't put it down.



2. If you are of the squeamish weak stomached sort, do not ever, ever, ever open anything to do with Preacher. The brutality rating is high. The shagging rating is moderate. There is a complete and utter absence of family values from Jesse's extended family, and they destroy his mother and father. He is going to take his revenge.



3. In this next volume of the successful Preacher series we go back into the past of Jesse Custer and learn of his terrible upbringing under the cruel thump of his fundamentalist grandmother assisted by two inbred ingrates. His father is shot and killed in front of him for not following the rules, while his mother suffers a similar fate later in his young age. Whenever Jesse commits a sin, he spends time in the coffin - sealed airtight and dropped in the river with a narrow breathing tube, in complete darkness. Tulip, his girlfriend, learns all this when they've been captured by said evil family and are to be killed. But the Preacher is now older and stronger while his family is older and feeble and with Tulip's help, the terrible bloodline is ended once and for all.
   
   In the second part of the book, they rejoin with their vampire friend Cassidy who tracks down the murderer of his girlfriend, leading them to a sex-addicted fiend who goes by the name of Jesus De Sade. There is also a sub plot going on here about a secret group who has been protecting the secret of the holy grail for thousands of years and it is in the year 2000 that the end will arrive and they intend to use Jesse Custer as their preacher.
   
   The second volume reaches new levels with the storyline, revealing some important history and back story, keeping the reader rapt and wanting more. Thankfully there are many more volumes in the series to come.
   
   For more book reviews, and other writings, go to www.alexctelander.com



4. Vol 2 might just be better than volume one. I mean, there is great art, and we dive into Jesse's past--and that is a great story line. And then there is the Grail. This is great stuff.



5. If you're a fan of Garth Ennis and Preacher, you can't go wrong with volume 2 Until the End of the World. More sex and violence than vol.1, with all the great social commentary as before. Just watch out because my copy through Amazon was missing the last 24 pages and left the entire story hanging for me.

5 comments about Preacher Vol. 5: Dixie Fried.

1. The Preacher series is a "must have" for any collector of stories who likes a little extreme in their fantasy. Some of the greatest lines and characters are put forth by the incredible team of Ennis and Dillon. If one suspends disbelief on one's own feelings about God and the devil, one can enjoy lightheartedly this tale of servitude...or something.



2. The Preacher Series is by far the coolest group of graphic novels I have ever read. This book isn't the best of the series, but it is awesome all on it's own. The story of Cassidy finding another like himself makes the book alone. The tale of him schooling another vampire makes the book, and of course, sets up later action. Still though, who would believe Arseface could make it as a singer? Another Sanjaya..... And what ever happened to the cool forewords by the cool people? I know there are some interesting semi-celebs out there who read Preacher. The whole series is awesome - Check it out



3. The first three volumnes of this trade paperback collection of the "Preacher" comic series are absolutely fantastic. Full of humor, life, bizarre insights, and wild characters. The fourth volumne collects odds and ends, and then this collection starts the story line limping along again. Limping along is almost generous... while the characters are still bizarre and interesting, and the humor evident, the flame of life that resounded earlier in the series is but a simmering coal. I strongly recommend reading the first three issues of the "Preacher" series, they are absolutely fantastic. Now I hope that this is just a pause or something and the story starts into its intense run again in the sixth book.



4. New Orleans style vampire and mystic shenanigans, and perhaps a tad less brutality here. There is some sort of Anne Rice parody thrown in as well, at a certain level, I think. Still, it is not for the squeamish, as monsters abound, and are dealt with in the usual way, with weapons that slice and dice.



5. Ah, at last, back on track and back to the high quality we missed in vol 3.

No comments about Architectural Graphic Standards, Student Edition (Ramsey/Sleeper Architectural Graphic Standards Series).