American House Styles: A Concise Guide

Book Description

A guided tour of the variety of architectural home styles that have developed throughout America's history. America has an abundance of fascinating and varied house styles, as diverse as its people. This unique book will allow readers to recognize the architectural features of virtually any house they encounter. John Milnes Baker designed a simple four-bedroom house, and then developed a basic plan for each historical style. Starting each drawing with the same plan and adding essential characteristics, Baker leads the reader through a series of additions. Each section of American House Styles begins with a historical overview of the period, followed by commentary. The author shows how different styles developed and what influenced their development. His elevation drawings, each with a floor plan, illustrate the details and embellishments of each style. Through an understanding of earlier styles, we develop insights into the architecture of our own era. Thus the study of architecture allows us to make informed judgments about what is being built today.

Customer Reviews:

American House Styles.......2006-02-21

Great book to sort out the various styles in american architectural houses. The history of each house is given well and concise. The language is appropriate and the illustrations are excellant.

It sells out fast at the book store.......2003-06-28

This is a great way to study the different elevations/styles that can be applied to the same basic floorplan. Also a quick reference for the many Architectural styles of the U.S.

A good, quick introduction.......2002-12-09

This fascinating book is a quick introduction to the evolution of house styles across the history of the United States. Each chapter has a short introduction to the era in American history, and then launches into a description of the house styles, complete with excellent sketches of a typical house and floor plan of that style. I found this to be a fun and educational read. I enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it.

Causes of Architecture.......2002-10-22

In the beginning of this book the author points out that a culture is reflected in its buildings. Then he goes on to identify the events that caused the various styles--the War of 1812 that stopped our imitation of English architecture, the change to stud framing and the effects of industrialization that mark the Victorian era, the nationalistic spirit of the 1876 Centennial that spawned the revival in Colonial archictecture at the end of the 19th century, etc.--in such a professional style of writing you'd never suspect he was also an architect. A history professor maybe. All of which explains the subject better than the usual bare chronological sequence.

What helps in a book like this are the odd bits of information casually thrown out that show mastery of the subject.
Colonial homes were never white; Greek Revival were never anything but. A particular cornice is usually done incorrectly, compared to the true Classical version.

He also make the sensible point that you can only compare styles within limits, that at some point you're really discussing altogether different building types, as in ranches, bungalows, and certainly octagon houses. And early on he boasts he can design a modern four bedroom house in any style. Then he proceeds to do it, providing a front elevation and a repeating ground floor plan (front: LR, center hall, DR. rear: family room, kitchen, mud room) with added porch, tower, fireplace, chimney, as needed. Not so much to explain the architectural features, I think, but to give the prospective homebuilder something that actually could be built today.

Where most authors stop around WWII, he continues up to the present. His next-to-last chapter shows the recent builder's styles which will be familiar to anyone who's driven through any of those "Vinyl Village" developments with the Olde English names: the Townes, Pointes, Glenns, and Harbours. Here he doesn't hesitate to criticize the tastless examples, and continues his tirade into last chapter, where he argues against the Post-Modern assault on tradition in favor of a return to order and careful design.

Too concise? ...maybe, but it serves a purpose........2001-03-18

Baker's book covers the basics on the history of the house style in America. It is concise, and easy reading. Those looking for an in-depth and specific guide to the architectural purity and detail of the many individual residential styles have several other excellent books to chose from that would serve that purpose better. Baker is opinionated, but the novel "common plan" he creates to simplify the comparisons is an excellent method to help the novice in understanding the architecture of the house. I'm sure you will have your own opinions of what styles you like and dislike. This book won't answer all of your questions, however, it will give you a jump start on understanding the basics. This book would be helpful for anyone looking to purchase an older home if you are confused by the often misleading real estate agent's description on home styles.

Amazon.com

Author John Russell knew Pierre Matisse (1900-1989) personally, and after his death was invited to work in the legendary art dealer's archives. Among the treasure-trove of material was 34 years' worth of correspondence between Matisse and his father, the legendary French painter Henri Matisse (1869-1954). Russell's stately narrative draws on those letters, as well as Pierre's correspondence with the artists he represented (most notably Joan Miró, Balthus, Alberto Giacometti, and Jean Dubuffet). It reveals a remarkable intimacy between father and son, despite the fact that Pierre made his career in New York, while the elder Matisse resided in France. The naturally reserved Matisses were probably more candid in letters than they would have been in person about family crises; in addition, the correspondence provides fascinating insights into Henri's creative struggles and his shrewd business sense. Pierre is respectfully portrayed as a dealer of the old school--making a lifetime commitment to the artists he admired, regarding their works "not so much as objects of commerce, but as children ready for adoption." Russell, a former art critic for the New York Times, writes in a rather formal style that emphasizes the Matisses' links (and his own) to a vanished time, the heroic age of modern art and of the men and women who made it their mission to introduce it to the world. --Wendy Smith

Book Description

The relationship between the great Post-Impressionist artist Henri Matisse and his son, influential art dealer Pierre Matisse (1900-1989), is at the heart of this deftly revealing and moving biography, now available in paperback.

Pierre Matisse moved from France to New York in his 20s to establish a gallery, where he introduced such major European artists as Miró, Giacometti, Balthus, and Dubuffet to the United States. Renowned art critic John Russell has created a seamless narrative based on exclusive access to Pierre Matisse's vast unpublished archives, which hold 30 years of near-daily letters between father and son as well as a vast correspondence with the artists he represented. The result is an insider's look at the lives and creative efforts of some of the 20th century's most important artists.

Customer Reviews:

Essential reading.......2001-09-09

Matisse: Father and Son has proven to be a prized addition to my book collection by giving an extended valuable insight with no known parallel. I recommend this book and fully endorse the review given by the Metropolitan Museum of Art,New York, which states "This is essential reading for anyone interested in the art of our century." I also found the book to be of immeasurable value to the practicing artist.

Father and Son and Much More Besides.......2001-06-11

I enjoyed this book immensely. It was a lot different from other books about artists that I have read, in that it was written from a very different perspective. You won't find a lot of analysis here about how particular paintings were done. It isn't that kind of "art" book. It also isn't really a straight biography. Instead, you learn a lot about what it is like to be an art dealer, at least a lot about what it was like to be Pierre Matisse! I found the nuts and bolts of the business and the personalities involved to be intriguing. The best part of the book is the letters. Mr. Russell had the good fortune to have access to the extensive correspondence that Pierre had not only with his father but with other artists as well. We are talking about big leaguers such as Joan Miro, Alberto Giaccometi, Marc Chagall, etc. You learn a lot about their work habits and their personality quirks. Of course, the majority of the letters are between Henri and Pierre Matisse. From previous reading I had always had the impression that Henri Matisse was only interested in his art and paid little or no attention to his family. This book changed my mind. He clearly loved his children and grandchildren and took a lifelong interest in what they did and if they were happy. Henri Matisse emerges from this book as not just a great artist but as a very intelligent and warm person. He also had a very good sense of humor!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who would something a little different from the run-of-the-mill art book or biography. As a bonus, there are some very nice color reproductions of not just Matisse's work but of many of the other artists that Pierre Matisse represented throughout his long life.

poorly written.......1999-08-31

not worth your time, lackluster, there are much better books out there

Average customer rating:

Matisse, Father & Son
John RUSSELL
Manufacturer: see notes for publisher info
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000RJOAW8

Average customer rating:

Great book - beautiful and instructional as well

An Excellent Resource

Average

Magic ! ! ! This book captures you !

One of the better landscape photography books

The Making of Landscape Photographs: A Practical Guide to the Art and Techniques
Charlie Waite
Manufacturer: Collins & Brown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Nature & Wildlife | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | How-to | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Equipment | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Light and the Art of Landscape Photography

Landscape: The Story of 50 Favorite Photographs

Working the Light: A Photography Masterclass (Landscape Photography Mastercl)

Landscape Within: Insights and Inspirations for Photographers

Mastering Landscape Photography: The Luminous Landscape Essays

ASIN: 1855851490

Customer Reviews:

Great book - beautiful and instructional as well.......2005-11-10

This is one of the better books on photography that I have read. As one other reviewer wrote, one of my favorite things about the book is where Charlie makes recommendations about things that could have improved in the pictures...he suggests certain cropping that might help, or certain items that could have been left out of a picture to improve it. Equally helpful are the little touches that he mentions that really "make" a picture. He'll suggest covering up a small section of the picture with your hand, and he's right...without the highlight here or the rock there, the picture isn't as strong. It helped me think a little differently about the importance of seemingly minor things in the composition.
One other small thing I like is that he includes not just the focal length of the lenses used in each picture, but also the types of filters used, shutter speed and aperture.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and look forward to reading more of his others.

An Excellent Resource.......2005-05-09

This book has helped me immeasurably in deciding how to take certain photographs. His advice on the use of light and framing of the photographs is excellent. If you've been seriously into landscapes for a while, this probably won't have anything new for you aside maybe from some inspiration. If you are just starting out or unsure of your work in anyway, this book is a great reference. Either way, a well-written book with beautiful photographs in it.

Average.......2005-02-02

Just an average book on landscape photography. Not much on technical aspects but lots of nice photos to look at. If you want to learn something about taking landscape photos, don't bother with this book.

Magic ! ! ! This book captures you !.......2004-10-08

I have this book since around 4 years, and I always refer back to it. The notes are simple and straight to the point, and the photos are excellent. Full photographic details are there for each shot (aperture, shutter, film iso, lenses...).

This book is a must for every serious Landscape photographer.

One of the better landscape photography books.......2004-06-13

Although much of the content in this book can be found in many other books on landscape photography, this book is better than most other such books. The images are very good, the writing is to the point, and the format and organization of the book make it easy to read and find information. It's worth a look.

Marakele: The Making of a South African National Park

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Marakele: The Making of a South African National Park
Irma Bloom , and Tet Van Vlissingen
Manufacturer: African Parks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Nature & Wildlife | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Photo Essays | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Book Description

The Marakele National Park in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains, as its Tswana name suggests, has become a place of sanctuary for an impressive variety of wildlife due to its location in the transitional zone between the dry western and moister eastern regions of South Africa. The park is characterized by contrasting majestic mountain landscapes, grass-clad hills, and deep valleys. Rare finds of yellowwood and cedar trees, five-meter-high cycads and tree ferns, are some of the myriad plant species found here. All the large game species, from elephants and rhinos to the big cats, as well as an amazing variety of birds, including the largest colony of endangered Cape vultures in the world, have settled here.~Despite having one of the most overwhelming landscapes in South Africa, Marakele was heavily neglected until a few years ago. Together with the South African government, an exciting new model of private-public partnership was developed to help reinvigorate the park. Ideas first hatched in an inspiring conversation with President Nelson Mandela have since become a systematic and strategic approach that addresses pressing needs of people and animals in and around national parks in South Africa.~But wait, you are thinking, this is incredible--why am I reading about it in a catalogue devoted to books on contemporary visual culture? Because Marakele: The Making of a South African National Park is perhaps the most avant-garde animal book yet created. A feat of design and photo editing, it is a witty, sophisticated reinvention of a book form that rarely strays from the National Geographic model--at best. Dutch designer Irma Bloom has chosen 500 photographs, surprisingly detailed, sometimes funny, but always amazing, from 11,000 originals, and organized them following different themes: To Move, To Stand, To Crawl, To Wag, To Breed, To Flee, To Assemble, To Poo, To Yawn, To Hide, and more. The result is a touching and astonishing photographic essay about the animals that live in this wonderful park. Completing the book are a short essay about the project by Paul van Vlissingen, a list of all the species living in Marakele, and a DVD featuring "The Marakele Story" by Caroline Tisdall.

Designed by Irma Boom.~Photographs by Louise Agnew, Andy Rouse, Paul Van Vlissingen and Tet Van Vlissingen. ~Introduction by Paul Van Vlissingen.

Paperback, 7 x 8.5 in./696 pgs / 500 color.

Average customer rating:
Making effective photographs
L. Whitney Standish
Manufacturer: The Camera
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007E66Z2

Average customer rating:
CALL OF CTHULHU NOCTURNUM - DEEP SECRETS.
Call of Cthulhu & Fantasy Flight Games.
Manufacturer: Fantasy Flight Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000P0TWI6

Average customer rating:
CALL OF CTHULHU NOCTURNUM - HOLLOW WINDS
Call of Cthulhu & Fantasy Flight Games
Manufacturer: Fantasy Flight Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000P0XWYG

Average customer rating:

Unremarkable

Call of Cthulhu: Nocturnum
Fantasy Flight Games , and Various
Manufacturer: Fantasy Flight Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
General | Role Playing & Fantasy | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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Call of Cthulhu Gamemasters Pack (Call of Cthulhu Horror Roleplaying, 8801)

D20 Dark Matter (d20 Modern Supplement)

Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying)

ASIN: 1589940482

Book Description

A conspiracy of destruction, a blast of ill will from an ancient god. A hunt and a chase from the heartland of Americal into the doom that awaits in the East. A horrific journey to the brink of insanity that lingers at the end of the world.

Nocturnum is an epic, modern-day campaign for d20 Call of Cthulhu. This horror epic introduces a terrifying new evil and an ancient conspiracy against humanity. Nocturnum is a mind-shattering journey through more than a dozen adventures complete with exstensive backgrounds, NPC, new monsters, and exotic locales. Can you survive...Nocturnum?

Night Falls.

Customer Reviews:

Unremarkable.......2002-11-26

I just finished running this campaign, and my group did have some fun with it. However, some of the negatives are fairly noticable. My largest complaint was the railroading nature of the plot, with the campaign heavy-handedly forcing the PCs along a set path. Secondly, the artwork is terrible. Not so much in its quality, as in its inaccuracy. It was rare when the pictures of NPCs matched up to thier written descriptions. Several of the seneraios are unimaginative and bland (This is partcularly true towards the end of the campaign.)
Some of the positive aspect of the campaign consist of its action elements. Fitting perfectly with the feel of d20 CoC, the PCs will be doing more than thier fair share of fighting. So if your looking for a high-action CoC game, this is the campiagn to get. Also, some of the early senarios are rather interesting and fun (The 3rd chapter is my favorite).

Nocturnum: Hollow Winds (Call of Cthulhu)

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Nocturnum: Hollow Winds (Call of Cthulhu)

Manufacturer: Fantasy Flight Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1887911685

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CALL OF CTHULHU NOCTURNUM - LONG SHADES
Call of Cthulhu & Fantasy Flight Games.
Manufacturer: Fantasy Flight Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000P0XJCG

Book Description

The story of Charles E. Johnson, acting president of the University of Oregon, during the tumultuous 1968-1969 academic year. Culminating with Johnson's violent death, this book offers insight into the intense challenges facing public figures with contentious constituents. Originally published in 1973.

Confrontation-the Destruction of a College President.

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Confrontation-the Destruction of a College President.
Ken. Metzer
Manufacturer: Nash Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KZIYTY

Customer Reviews:

Lindros Soars.......2000-09-02

I needed to do a report on a famous person that I looked up to. My favorite hockey player of all time is Eric Lindros. So I went to my library to see if they had any information on him. To my surprise they had just got this book in. When I started to read I was very interested in seeing all the stuff that Eric had to go through to get to where he is today. The book showed me why I liked him so much. It wasn't just his speed, hardwork, and determination that I liked anymore it was also to see him on a personal level not just in the game of hockey.

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Eric Lindros (M.V.P.)
Chris W. Sehnert
Manufacturer: Abdo Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: School & Library Binding

General | Sports & Activities | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Hockey | Biographies | Sports | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1562395459

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Eric Lindros (Ovations)
Aaron Frisch
Manufacturer: Creative Education
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Hockey | Biographies | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0886829984

Eric Lindros: Power Player (Sports Stars)

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Eric Lindros: Power Player (Sports Stars)
Mark Stewart
Manufacturer: Tandem Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: School & Library Binding

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Hockey | Biographies | Sports | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0613622855

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FIRE ON ICE
ERIC LINDROS WITH RANDY STARKMAN
Manufacturer: HarperPrism
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OF1FL4

Average customer rating:

Eric Lindros:a fascinating star
Trials & Tribulations
Fantastic Book for Any Hockey Fan
Read this book!! : )
If only more people could see HIS side.....

Fire on Ice
Eric Lindros
Manufacturer: HarperPrism
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Hockey | Sports | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0061091219

Customer Reviews:

Eric Lindros:a fascinating star.......2002-05-07

Fire on Ice was a fascinating look behind the superstar. Great insight on his life and family.More people should read this book and find out what makes Lindros tick.It was great to hear his side of story.Have recommended this book before to friends, now would like recommend this book to everyone.Fascinating read,what a life.Check it out.You willn't be disappointed.

Trials & Tribulations.......2000-03-24

Great book, easy to read, could not put it down. Anyone who wants to know the OTHER side of the Eric Lindros saga.... READ this book. A must for any hockey fan.

Fantastic Book for Any Hockey Fan.......1999-01-15

This book gave Eric Lindros a chance to explain his side of the story. Anyone who questions his past decisions regarding his career will gain a better understanding of the motivation behind them. It is also interesting to read about his life before he became a superstar and the determination and hard work it took to become one.

Read this book!! : ).......1998-12-04

This book is a great book, I recommend it to any fan of Eric's. It takes you through his whole childhood and shares some funny moments. Its a great book. And it is not just because I am a fan of the Flyers, it's just a really good book and anyone who likes hockey should read about the struggles to become a great hockey player like he is.

If only more people could see HIS side............1998-05-23

reading this book gave me amazing insight into his life; his successes; his failures; his life. If only everyone could read this book, they'd understand his views on his refusal to play for the Quebec Nordiques to why his younger brother Brett had to retire from HIS hockey career and the tender age of 21. Great book and has been highly recommended to all of my friends!

Book Description

Using memorable anecdotes and personal reflections, Philadelphia Flyers Lindros recalls teaches kids the value of perseverance and how dedication and concentrated effort allowed him to skate through challenging situations to success.

Customer Reviews:

Pursue your goals.......2001-05-03

I am a sixteen-year-old fan of Eric Lindros, and, yes, I read (and proudly own) this children's book of his. I immensely enjoyed reading it, and actually found it quite inspiring. I feel that this book provides young kids with a new look at the life of a superstar athlete, such as Eric, and shows these children that people like him really are the same as you and me. The message he sends through "Pursue Your Goals" is wonderful, as it tells the children to always work hard and to never, ever give up on any of the goals or dreams they may have in life, no matter how difficult the road ahead may seem to be, because, in the end, hard work, a positive attitude, and dedication really do pay off.

Eric is just as good off the ice as on.......2000-01-24

Lindros is just a great person. Though his style of play makes you believe he's mean and nasty, in reality he is one of the good ones. His work with the Children's Miracle Network is amazing, and he truly loves kids! This book shows all of this. He is a great role model for kids.

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