5 comments about Carpentry and Building Construction.

1. The previous editions of this book contained a lot of reference information and illustrations for both novice and experienced home carpenter. This edition has changed the emphasis to students primarily, with larger type but less specific reference material such as hanging doors, special framing problems, etc. Disappointing.



2. This book shows anyone the technical aspects of home construction in very clear terms. The formulas are excellent for figuring the costs of a project. The format is very simple to learn and the tests at the end of each chapter summarize the material well.



3. This is a text book. It does not cover any area of building fully. There is a review section and review questions at the end of each chapter. If your looking for a text book I'm sure it's OK. I need a how to book and this was not it.



4. I purchased this book as part of a contractors licensing course for classroom instruction. All of the instructors comments regarding this book alluded to page numbers and particular passages of the text. To my utter dismay, I was sold a previous edition of this book and the references were of no use to me. Unfortunately for me (and fortunately for those who are provided with the current edition) is the fact that the CURRENT edition is an extensive re-write. Shame on Amazon for not alluding to the fact that updated editions are available and what I actually purchased is an older edition (under the guise of NEW!).
   So this review is not so much a criticism of the book but disappointment in Amazons less than satisfactory performance.



5. If you didn't go to Technical School or are a member of a union, and are not afraid, then this is the only resource that you need. It tells you everything that you must know to tackle any construction project that there is. It is easy to read and has great illustrations to accompany the text.

5 comments about The New Messies Manual: The Procrastinator's Guide to Good Housekeeping.

1. I highly recommend this book for people who are chronically "messy" homemakers. I have to admit that the book did discuss too much of the "whys" of messiness, but if you can get past the first part of the book, you will be surprised that the second half of the book provides just as much of the "hows". I have read quite a few de-cluttering and organizational books, which have been very helpful, but this one has helped in a way that none of the others have been able to. I have been struggling with a messy house for the last 13 years, and after 3 months, my home is organized! I've tried lists and time schedules and they just don't work for me. However, the "flipper" idea in the book works like a charm! It helped me from getting overwhelmed by distributing small jobs over a period of a month. Cooking and grocery lists are much simpler now also. If you are sick of having a home that you are embarrassed to show your guests, read this book!



2. I passed this book up on several occassions due to the "messies" title....sounded so juvenile. If I had only known what good it would do me to read it!!!! The previous reviewer hit the nail on the head when she said that this book works because the author is a reformed messie herself - her thought processes were exactly the same as mine!!! I felt I'd found a soul sister! She "got it". She understood my confusion and sometimes flat-out inability to complete my housework. I was a stay-home mom for seven years and got absolutely nothing accomplished in the way of housekeeping. Even though I had the whole day, my house was never "put together". How I wish I had read this book way back then!!! Thank you Mrs. Felton for such a well written and insightful book. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone with trouble getting it together in their home. Even if you think the term "Messie" is a little juvenile.



3. I have been one of the worst messies. This book and her other books (I have them all)have helped me to get on track and I am well on my way to being very organized and a whole lot less messy. I would highly recommend all of Sandra Felton's books. If you need help, it's bound to be the answer to your prayers.



4. A great de-cluttering book! I am so glad that I found it. It has really helped me change my approach to organizing and housecleaning.
   
   What makes this book different from all the other organizing books? This one was written by a "recovering Messie", so she understands the situation. Therefore, the tips are more workable for people who tend to clutter. That makes all the difference! This book is easy to read, good-humored, and she gives you specific, easy-to-understand suggestions for getting the clutter under control.
   
   Sandra Felton's book helps those who can use some help in getting out from under a pile of clutter, and she does it with good humor and without a hint of judgmentalism.
   
   If you are a clutterer, get this book and follow the simple steps. You will be glad that you did.



5. Like others, I had also passed by this book based on its title. But recently, I gave it a quick look through and could see right off the bat that the title didn't do fair justice to the solid help within. For me, the chapters on "why" were definately not a waste. In fact, they're what kept me reading. Now I believe that ADD is probably over-diagnosed in today's American society. Be that as it may, I have dealt with the effects of it my entire life and, while being reasonable successful, I have had to develop numerous "work arounds" in order to function at the required level in my profession; work arounds that my non-ADD colleagues probably find strange. But one area that has always escaped me is in keeping my personal space organized whether at home or at the office. Sandra's book didn't convince me that I had ADD - I already knew that. But it helped me understand how that relates to my disorganization. In that, her book hit the spot for me. So while I agree that this book may not be for everyone, please don't discount it due to its title or what others have said about the "whys" in the first portion of the book. Depending on your personal situation, that may be the portion you value the most!

5 comments about Wright Style: Re-Creating the Spirit of Frank Lloyd Wright.

1. The book has many photographs an does a credible job of detailing each of them. I found that the book well organized. . I would highly recommend this as an intro to Wright's work. The author tries to touch on as many subjects a possible, as result there are times when it was somewhat lacking in depth. That being said there is a great reference of things Wright in the back of the book that is worth the price of admission alone.



2. This is a wonderful book: gorgeous color pictures with an informative and most insightful text. Far beyond a coffee table collection, this is a real contribution to understanding Wright, and American housing. Lind discusses the design ideas of a number of Wright's most famous or typical extant buildings. You get a good idea of the exhilarating play of light and space in his houses, and the real significance of such modern cliches as ranch-style, strip and corner windows, patio doors, and built-ins. Besides real insight into Wright's aesthetic, the book is notable for its unique coverage of 12 houses by Wright disciples, and appendices on interior arts and sources of reproductions. (Wright would be appalled, since he saw furnishings as uniquely integral and scaled to particular houses!) A "dangerous" book, it singlehandedly reawakened my interest in Wright's architecture. It may draw you, too, into learning more of Wright, and influencing your choice of home.



3. This book takes a look at what makes Frank Lloyd Wright's designs still so popular today. The book itself is so gorgeous, focusing not just on the houses but also on the furnishings, which can be breathtaking! The photos were excellent and conveyed the feeling of really being there.

   I read three books about this architect this weekend, and this one was the most complete of them all. It gave me a peek into so many of his uniquely designed buildings and the furnishings and decorative arts that he created for them.

   Something I had never seen before: at the end of the book there is a catalog of items that can be purchased from different vendors. These are FLW reproductions, items inspired by FLW, and those "in the style of FLW". These items range from furniture to rugs to lamps to fabrics and decorative items.

   On my "tour" of over 40 houses (designed by both Wright and his followers), I saw that all of the designs were simple ones, with natural colors and finishes, the buildings seeming to spring out of the earth. I saw the open flowing floor plans that are sheltered by overhanging, gently sloping roofs. Many of the places I "visited" had built-in furniture and fixtures.

   It was interesting to view all of the things that Wright designed for his homes....besides the items mentioned above, he also designed the windows (art glass), light fixtures, skylights, wall murals, and even the landscaping!

   Wright changed American architecture forever, resulting in open floor plans, multi-purpose rooms, naturally-lit spaces--- and showed us a different way of living.




4. All of the other customer reviews were extremely positive, and I would like to concur in their respective judgments.

   Wright's life was filled with controversy, and his work is subject to complex interpretation. Other authors, in my opinion at least, devote way too much book space to these matters; Lind, on the other hand, has done a masterful job in organizing the key elements of Wright's style (furnishings, usonians, etc>) and gathering stunning, modern photographs that illustrate each.

   If you buy one book on Wright, this should be the one. Better than anything else I've seen, it will demonstrate why the man's work lives on -- 45 years after his death.




5. The book landed on my doorstep 2 weeks after I ordered. The photos are well made and the whole atmosphere breathes the true wright stories.
   Too bad that the webshops listed have very little to offer which was the only disappointment.
   The level of detail and attention for seperate elements gives inspiration on how I want to decorate my house and how the harmony was created.

2 comments about Civil Drafting Technology (6th Edition).

1. When I read the word Drafting in the title I assumed this book would focus on civil drafting as it applies to modern (CAD) technology. Instead there are many references to manual drafting which few drafters use any more. A better title would leave the technology out of the title and substitute the word theory, thus letting the buyer know that this is a generic overview of civil drafting theory, not a book that a CAD operator will get much use out of.

   In my estimation this book has a Value of around thirty dollars only. Unfortunately, pricing trends seem to indicate that any words committed to print by the The Gods (engineers, programmers, etc.) are worth their weight in gold, regardless of their value.




2. I purchased this book with the hopes that it would help me understand civil drafting. There is no answer section to check my work. So,,,I do not know if I am on the right track with my understanding.
   Does anyone know if there is a solutions manual?

3 comments about Carving Spoons: Welsh Love Spoons, Celtic Knots and Contemporary Favorites.

1. This book was a gift and my husband has enjoyed it. The book was in excellent condition.



2. I love hobbies and I'm hooked on wood carving patterns. I bought the Welsh Spoon patterns thinking what a wonder project, but I didn't have a clue on the depth to make the spoons or where to begin. Carving Spoons is a wonderful resource. It provides pictures and instructions on wood carving that I will use in making my spoons in clay. It's started my creative juices to flow and I'm ready to start. I highly recommend the book.



3. This book is a must have for any carver interested in spoons. There are so many patterns of different shapes and sizes. I started out carving spoons, it is an easier, gratifying piece to carve for beginners. Spoons make wonderful gifts.

3 comments about The Harvard Five in New Canaan: Midcentury Modern Houses by Marcel Breuer, Landis Gores, John Johansen, Philip Johnson, Eliot Noyes, and Others.

1. New Canaan was a household name according to a 1953 issue of House and Garden magazine: it referred to five architects who designed houses for themselves and their clients in New Canaan, Connecticut. An introductory essay provides the history, recounting how the town became the figurehead of a new modern movement in housing experimentation: chapters which follow analyze the structures and works of Marcel Breuer, Landis Gores, John Johansen, Philip Johnson and Eliot Noyes. Black and white interior and exterior photos abound.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



2. William Earls reveals an interesting fact in his introduction: that a small group of brilliant young architects uniquely designed houses for themselves and others in this conservative small town in the post-war years. The book details thirty-seven modern houses though it has to be said that nine were demolished. Each house starts on a spread with photos, floor plan and a brief description.
   
   This should have been an interesting editorial concept but I thought it had all the signs of a quickie production not helped by a rather bland design. The distribution of pages to each house varies quite a lot (most likely depending on what images were available). Philip Johnson's Glass House estate gets sixteen pages, Frank Lloyd Wright's Rayford House gets six pages but Marcel Breuer's demolished Mills house gets a spread with one photo. The book's title refers to the Harvard Five and they have the most houses but twelve architects are actually featured.
   
   Many of these houses are standing and occupied but there is no contemporary reference to them. The author rightly says that private homes are not open to the public but surely it would have been worthwhile to contact the owners and ask them what they thought of the house and were there any technical problems in living in a 'modern' house that is now some decades old. Some owners would probably have agreed to allow a photo of their house so the reader can see its contemporary look.
   
   Because the screen size is only 133dpi so many of the photos are grey and also much of the cropping does not bring out the best in these buildings. I wish more thought had gone into the design. Some photos have nearly unreadable text on them, captions are sometimes white out of a photo while others are placed (correctly) underneath the image.
   
   Certainly this is an interesting idea for a book but I don't think it really comes off.
   
   ***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.



3. I enjoyed this book and return to it often. The beautiful photos offer one a glimpse into the way it was (and should still be) along with excellent descriptions and floor plans of many of the houses. The only thing I would have loved to have is more current pictures of the best kept houses, along with more biographical information on some of the lesser known architects in the book, such as Christ-Janer, whose houses truly piqued my interest and left me wanting more. I took this book with me to New Canaan and it was very helpful in my meanderings through the town. If you live in the NYC area or plan to visit, I wholeheartedly encourage you to buy this book, take a day to drive to New Canaan, drive around the town, and take a tour of Philip Johnson's Glass House (buy tickets in advance).

5 comments about A Room of Her Own: Women's Personal Spaces.

1. This book is lovely and speaks to women everywhere. When the pressures of life build up and we need to feel safe and warm, there is nothing like a space of our own with all our favorite things and colors in it. This book shares ideas and inspiration, from decorating small spaces and outdoor tents (really),to the positive changes that have come about when women honor themselves with their own haven. Buy this book if you are looking for a "deeper" decorating experience. Oh, just buy this book because it's wonderful!



2. Wonderful book! A friend of mine loaned me her copy, but I had to go out and buy one for myself. Beautiful photography and inside stories about women who were brave enough to carve out their own space and call it that, "Mine!'. Many women I know would love to find the courage to do this, but don't. We all need a little corner to call our very own. I have one now thanks to Ms. Casson Madden. I'm surrounded by items which inspire and motivate me to do, think, and be my best.



3. How many woman have a room within themself? How wonderful to actually be able to materialize that very room. This book shows the love, peace, energy and spirit of a room by the owner. It
   encouraged me to explore and create my personal space.
   Thank you for a book that sits next to my bed.



4. Absolutely fabulous!! A great gift for women



5. This book is an exceptionally good book that I have given as a gift to many of my women friends. It is a book of spiritual and peaceful necessity when claiming a space of one's own. Chris Madden conveys the perfect settings of many women that enable them to communicate, to create, to reflect and to come into one's own being. It is absolutely a delightful and beautiful book.

5 comments about Construction Contractors' Survival Guide.

1. THE WISE MAN LEARNS FROM OTHER PEOPLES MISTAKES ,THIS BOOK OPENS YOUR EYES TO THE MINE FIELD THAT YOU FACE WHEN RUNNING A CONSTRUCTION CO .IT HAS HELPED ME TO SEE THE ROAD IN FRONT. K MALONE



2. Reading this book makes one rethink "the bigger the better" philosophy. In this book, Tom discusses from his experinces as a consultant as to why there are so many companies that fail in the construction industry and what could be done to prevent the cash flow problems...



3. Anyone interested in going into the construction biz should make this required reading. If you are already a contractor then this book reminds you how difficult our line of work is and gives you some ways to limit the dangers.



4. "Your management decisions alone determine whether you will succeed or fail in the construction business." As a general contractor, my attention was caught by this the opening sentence in Thomas C. Schleifer's "Construction Contractor's Survival Guide". After reading the book I ordered a copy for every one of my project managers and other key staff and continued using it for training throughout my construction career. Schleifer was formerly a consultant to the surety industry, where it was his business to understand the causes of contractors' failures, and it is from this perspective that he describes in his book the ten most common causes of contractor failure and how a contractor can avoid them. No contractor should be without this book.
   
   Nick B. Ganaway
   General contractor and author of "Construction Business Management, What Every Construction Contractor, Builder and Subcontractor Needs to Know"



5. The author uses real world examples to illustrate some of the pitfalls of construction contracting. The price is high for such a small book, but size is not necessarily an indicator of value. The author's insight into how to read the books to accurately determine profitability should more than repay anyone running such a business.

4 comments about Wood Magazine: Arts and Crafts Furniture (Wood Magazine).

1. Although many of the plans in this book are largely derived from Wood Magazine articles (I compared the Morris chair plans), I really appreciate two things they've done to enhance the original articles:
   
   1. The book includes jigs such as a table saw tenon jig that makes it much easier to make Arts and Crafts furniture (with so many mortise and tenon joints). I built this jig before starting the Morris chair and it works well.
   
   2. The combination of the multi-issue plans such as the Morris chair and its companion ottoman and coffee table. While the words are the same, they've reformatted them along with the pictures so it looks like a book rather than a reprint of old articles.
   
   My only quibble is that they didn't use a lay-flat binding, so I have to put something on top of the open page or use a book holder to keep it open. With lay-flat bindings being readily available (e.g., O'Reilly books are a good example), I don't see why they don't use them for project books like this one.



2. I was skeptical about buying used books, but this was an attractive price. The book was shipped promptly and was in excellent condition.



3. It was actually my adult daughter who bought this magazine for her father for his birthday. She mentioned that she loved it very much and that she saw many projects she would like to undertake with her father. He is supposed to receive the magazine today for his birthday, so we'll see how he is looking at it.
   Sorry, I can't add any link to this review, as my husband doens't have his present yet, nor has he had a chance to make a project. Though we are convinced, that he too will enjoy it very much.
   Anyway, my daughter and I found it to be quite educational, well presented, and are looking forward to seeing some created results. The descriptions on how to make the furniture is so clear that anybody could follow them. Great job in putting this magazine together. Thanks!



4. I'm very pleased with this book. The projects look good: challenging but not impossible. Illustrations are plentiful and appropriate. Finally, the book is well assembled with high quality paper. It should hold up well to the possible abuses it will encounter in the shop.

5 comments about A Well-Kept Home : Household Traditions and Simple Secrets from a French Grandmother.

1. About 50% of this book offers advice that is either useless or dangerous. A few potted geraniums on your windowsill will NOT keep away mosquitoes. You do not make "Homemade soap" by squashing together the remains of previously-used soap. Ditto for "Homemade cheese". Anyone who tries to "save" rancid butter by massaging in a few tablespoons of baking soda and water is just asking for a bellyache. Do you have any "Spanish White" around your house? Neither do I. If I'm going to make a special trip to "any local hardware store" to pick up a tube of Spanish White and a vial of "methelated spirits" so I can blend them into silver-polishing paste, why wouldn't I just snap up a cheap tube of silver polish and save myself the added expense and mixing effort? The worst advice in the entire book is this: "Give your apricot, plum or cherry jam an almond taste by cooking a few crushed fruit stones, enclosed in a small muslin bag, at the same time as the fruits." That almond taste you've just added is CYANIDE, a deadly poison found concentrated in fruit pits and usually used to execute gas-chamber prisoners in a really horrible way. Do you really want to add that to your jam? Wouldn't you rather use an inexpensive and non-poisonous almond extract, almond milk or even marzipan paste instead? And for those of you who argue that a little can't hurt - how much arsenic or lead do you usually like to add to your food? Cyanide is MUCH worse. How much is too much? The authors certainly don't say. They don't even mention that it's poison.

   If anything, the photographs in the book are exquisite, and if you study them for decorating ideas, gardening ideas and color combinations, the book is certainly worth a dent in your credit or library card. The prose, however, needs more than a little tightening up and perhaps some fact-checking.




2. This book is nothing but a hardcover magazine. Gorgeous pictures, useless content. These are not the memories of a French grandmother so much as a big... ad for you to buy a whole lot of products, try out some weekend project that never ends, give up and go out and buy more useless products. There are much better books on this topic for people who are serious about the running of their home but are mostly, unfortunately out of print.



3. Disappointing content. Pictures are nice but not worth more than a quick browse.



4. I only gave this book three stars because it is the same book as "Secrets of Good Housekeeping" also by Laura Fronty -- same content, lovely photo's, etc., only difference is the title.



5. HOLY COW WHAT A LOAD OF C%%*, this book has been given a new cover and recycled, with the same stuff in it. Not to mention the stuff in the book is nether wise nor safe. Whoever the grandma was who provided these tips didn't actually make any of this stuff because if they did they wouldn't have made it to be a grandma. Ditto on the CYANIDE-would be almond flavor added to your jam, what the hell? they new you had to get all of the pits out of the fruit before storage in ancient Rome? Ever hear of Oil of Bitter Almonds? DUMB. I think someone sat down and imagined this stuff. Even in hard times you would never do these things. Oh and the preserved fruit in oil and salt? One word "Botulism". You could look at the pictures though! I am an avid canner and preserver. I am not a skidish person when it comes to doing things the old fashioned way, unfortunately this stuff is just someones idea of what the old fashioned way would be. I think the French Grandma for this book was pretty DUMB.