Book Description
St. Peter's Basilica, the Taj Mahal, the Topkapi Palace, the Sydney Opera House, the Hoover Dam—the world's greatest structures capture the imagination, whether they are places of worship, palaces of pleasure, skyscrapers, bridges, dams, or colossal statues.
How was the Empire State Building erected in the middle of the crowded city of New York? What machines were used to dig the Channel Tunnel? Why does the Leaning Tower of Pisa lean—and why does it not fall over? How can the Akashi Kaikyo suspension bridge in Japan span 1.4 miles yet withstand earthquakes and typhoons? And what supports the soaring, lofty vaults of Chartres Cathedral? Such questions are answered by an international team of architects, engineers, and architectural historians who chart the progress of human ingenuity and creativity from AD 500 to the present day.
Many of these structures are the tallest, longest, or largest of their kind, but sheer size alone does not make a building impressive. Aesthetic power is combined with structural virtuosity in the small chapel at Ronchamp in France or the temple of Byodo-in near Kyoto, with its elegant wooden roof. The ability to harness or overcome the forces of nature is equally spectacular, as seen in China's Three Gorges Dam or the Jungfrau Rail System in Switzerland. While some buildings, including Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and the Potala Palace in Lhasa, were erected using traditional methods and materials, others represent the latest in computer-aided design and space-age technologies, such as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and Kansai Airport in Japan.
Diagrams, reconstructions, and spectacular photographs explain and celebrate these masterpieces of design and engineering. All the structures manage to transcend mere utility—they have changed landscapes and can encapsulate the identity of a city or a nation, becoming iconic forms that are instantly recognizable and infinitely memorable. 352 photographs and illustrations, 267 in color.
Customer Reviews:
Got me through Survey of Architecture class.......2006-04-06
This book was a HUGE resource for me for my survey of architecture class. Combined with The Seventy Wonders of the Ancient World provided me with enough information to ace the class. Strongly recommended.
Interesting and fascinating.......2005-09-01
The detailed information, with dimensions and plans included, along with magnificent photography make it a must, both for reference and normal reading purposes.
A fascinating look at man's engineering accomplishments........2004-08-30
This well organized, informative and concise volume offers a clearly written collection of essays on the complete history of seventy of the world's greatest engineering and construction achievements from the year 1500 A. D. to the present.
Each structure is carefully detailed in a well-researched, short entry of two to four pages long. Basic facts like who built it, where, when and why are covered, and additional information is also provided like its basic statistics, the politics associated with its construction, accounts of the project's development and other fascinating data. Moreover, for quick check-ups, each wonder is accurately placed in one of the seven categories into which the book is divided: Churches, Mosques, Temples & Shrines; Palaces & Castles; Public & State Buildings; Towers & Skyscrapers; Bridges, Railways & Tunnels; Canals & Dams; and Colossal Statues.
This reference is handsomely presented in a sturdy binding, printed in top-quality paper, and beautifully illustrated with over 350 spectacular photos, explanatory diagrams, magnificent reconstructions and historical drawings.
Featured among the showcased selection are The Statue of Liberty, The Panama Canal, The Eiffel Tower, The Taj Mahal, and The Forbidden City, and the rest of the masterpieces included are equal testimony of man's unending imagination and its application beyond mere aesthetic power, structural virtuosity or plain utility.
As a bonus, the book includes an introduction that explains the criteria used to pick the selected structures. A comprehensive bibliography especially useful for further research and a thorough index, for specific consultations, are also included.
This is a fact-filled compendium that readers of all ages will undoubtedly refer to again and again.
--Reviewed by Maritza Volmar
Stunning photos, interesting info about architectural wonder.......2002-12-06
Book has photos and information about seventy architectural wonders of the modern world: buildings, bridges, etc. Some I was unfamiliar with-for example, my favorite of the entire book, a very unusual cathedral (Unbelievable!) in progress in Barcelona. Would be a great gift for architects, engineers, and all inquisitive people.
Customer Reviews:
A very helpful book on painting, especially with pastels.......2006-04-10
If you are looking for a step by step instructional guide on how to paint landscapes or portraits this is not it. However, it is a wonderful book for anyone interesting in working with pastels to achieve more in their paintings. It shows students work along with a professional's version giving detailed explanations of student did wrong and what was needed to correct the problems most beginners encounter. Since work is pulled from many different artists you can see many different styles. There are close-ups of paintings to emphasize details that are explained.
As a beginner, I found this book extremely inspirational. It gave me the desire to experiment and try out some of these techniques described and the confidence to start my second piece. Even though nothing is demonstrated step by step, the books gives good explanations on the materials such as type and color of the paper, how to achieve depth, work with shadows, when to blend, affects of different types of strokes, making corrections and how to put together a composition. There is value in this book for any painter, not just those working with pastels.
Book Description
The "Hands On" Manual for Cinematographers contains a wealth of information, theory, diagrams and tables on all aspects of cinematography. Widely recognised as the "Cinematographer's Bible" the book is organised in a unique manner for easy reference on location, and remains an essential component of the cameraman's box.
Everything you need to know about cinematography can be found in this book - from camera choice, maintenance and threading diagrams; to electricity on location, equipment checklists, film stock, lenses, light and colour. Of particular use will be the mathematics, formulae, look up tables and step by step examples used for everything from imperial/metric conversions to electricity, exposure, film length, running times, lights and optics. Sections on special effects and utilities are also included as well as a list of useful websites.
David Samuelson is a well known and respected cameraman who has been instrumental in fostering award winning new technical innovations. He is a technical consultant, lecturer and author of three other leading publications for Focal Press: The Panaflex User's Manual 2ED, Motion Picture Camera and Lighting Equipment and Motion Picture Camera Techniques.
A wealth of handy reference information, tables, look up formulae, techniques and mathematics for cinematographers.
Both North American and European principles fully described.
Organised in fifteen sections in alphabetical order with more than 70 makers and models of 16mm, 35mm and 65mm cameras listed.
Customer Reviews:
Outstanding Reference Manual........2005-03-11
This is the book I ran to when I sent back my 8th edition ASC manual. I refer to this book everyday and always have it with me when shooting. Very well laid out and full of useful information. An indispensable tool for cinematographers, and unlike the ASC manual, has NO advertising in it.
Exellent.......2003-08-02
This and the AC manual are the two bibles that any cinematographer should have in hand when shooting.
It is a comprehensive guide with technical facts, and might be a little to complex for begginers and amateurs.
It is not edited to be readen as a starting/basics book for students, but as a book to be consulted by professionals or starting DPs.
Exellent.......2003-08-02
This and the AC manual are the two bibles that any cinematographer should have in hand when shooting.
It is a comprehensive guide with technical facts, and might be a little to complex for begginers and amateurs.
It is not edited to be readen as a starting/basics book for students, but as a book to be consulted by professionals or starting DPs.
helpful.......2000-07-31
this book is very helpful for students who are aspiring cinemaographers. it provides a guide to various data that is vital on shoots and has basic info that is very important for all cinematographers.
Pretty Good Book.......2000-06-25
I read this book back in film school, it is full of good information and useful tips. For someone who understands film and photography this is a great book. For those who are learning the book is good but may be confusing in some places. That is why I gave it 3 stars.
Customer Reviews:
Canalises Wrath.......2001-08-16
The only way to safely express the feelings Bill Clinton's conduct produces is the editorial cartoon. The man just defies words. So this was a vintage year for cartoonists - and it shows. The cartoons in this book are just great. They canalise wrath into laughter, but also - on social issues - create the awareness that some matters are too serious to be laughed at.
Support your local editorial cartoonist.......1999-11-03
A very good reason to buy this book: it features some of my own work. Really, this is reason enough to buy this excellent volume. Trust me.
Customer Reviews:
Editorial Cartoons about Desert Storm and other 1991 events.......2003-02-24
In American history textbooks or juvenile biographies of political figures, I always like to see editorial cartoons. From Thomas Nast to Bill Mauldin and Herb Block to Jeff MacNelly, a great editorial cartoon can capture the politics of a moment better than any photograph could ever do. "Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year: 1992 Edition" covers the events of 1991, including operation Desert Storm. On the prelude of the next Gulf War it is interesting, to say the least, to go back and see what was being drawn back then.
Beyond the heroism of Desert Storm 1991 saw the disintegration of the Soviet Union (see cover), the economic recession, the Bush White House, and the rising figures of the Democratic campaign trail (no Bill Clinton but lots of Mario Cuomo at this point). Other targets include the Senate confirmation hearing of Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas, the David Duke campaign in Louisiana, peace prospects in the Middle East, the U.S. Congress bouncing checks, the plight of the poor and the homeless, and the plagues of crime and drugs. There are 345 editorial cartoons by more than 180 of the leading cartoonists in both the United States and Canada represent the complete political spectrum fomr the liberal left to the conservative right, along with the middle of the bird. The result is a fascinating walk down memory lane regarding what we thought about Saddam Hussein invading Kuwait, Ted Kennedy's reputation for drinking and womanizing, and Oliver North getting his conviction overturned, as well as remembering the death of Dr. Suess and the beating of Rodney King.
"Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year: 1992 Edition" was compiled and edited by Charles Brooks, former president of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists. The book opens with the Award-Winning Cartoons from 1991 for the Pulitzer Prize (Jim Borgman, "Cincinnati Enquirer"), National Headliners Club Award (Borgman), National Society of Professional Journalists Award (Jeff MacNelly, "Chicago Tribune"), Fischetti Award (Mike Keefe, "Denver Post"), and National Newspaper Award/Canada (Roy Peterson, "Vancouver Sun"). This particular volume is over a decade old, but is worth checking out just to see how much (and how little) has changed in terms of war in the Middle East, Saddam Hussein, and a President Bush leading the nation to war.
Customer Reviews:
Androgenized artists can't carry a "toon".......2002-08-26
The "Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year" series has been around for at least 30 years now.
I know this because I actually remember the 1972 and 1973 editions. The differences between those editions and this one show how far the art of political satire has declined and how far the Matriarchy has progressed.
We're never told what standard is used to rate a particular cartoon as among the "best" of the year, and it's fairly safe to say that it's purely based on the subjective preference of the editor, Charles Brooks. And this much has to be said for him - he includes cartoons from a number of perspectives but leaves out left-wing heavy hitters such as Conrad, Trudeau, and the recently deceased Herblock (did they hit him in the head with a shovel to make sure?). This is important for balance, simply because there are no right-wing heavy hitters among political cartoonists to even the score.
For the most part, the cartoons included in all collections have been from relatively obscure contributors - both left and right. This is all to the good.
But this year's edition was just a lot of pap. For one thing, Gary Condit had been the big story before September 11. Where are the Condit cartoons?
Of course, the biggest story in 2001 turned out to be the terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center. So the "best" cartoons mostly repeat conventional sentiment - what a tragedy, but we're strong and united now so we'll get the bastards, blah blah blah.
How many cartoons were drawn which showed the Statue of Liberty, Uncle Sam, and the American Eagle alternatively weeping, praying, retaliating etc. etc.? What a self-replicating show of pompous victimologistic self-assuming virtue!
Incisive masculine wit is disappearing from the modern political cartoon, and cartoons that are supposed to make you EMOTE without THINKING have become the rule.
Get a load of the contribution from Richard Wallmeyer of the Long Beach Press Telegram about "anti-bully" legislation. In the penultimate panel, one kid suggests that people just live by the Golden Rule instead of passing a law and in the last panel, his friend responds by reminding him that religion isn't allowed in public schools.
That's it. No wit; no nuance; no attempt to make the reader THINK about what the cartoonist is trying to say. No symbolism even. Wallmeyer tells you straight out what you should believe.
And Jeff Parker's post-September 11 contribution from Florida Today showing two Floridians wearing "I Love NY" paraphernalia and agreeing between themselves that "We are all New Yorkers now".
No biting masculine wit, no nuance, no intellect, no symbolism. And suck a lozenge, Jeff Parker. All of the terrorists attacks in the world won't turn the average New Yorker into a human being, any more than the 1989 earthquake could do so for the average San Franciscan. Parker is just engaging in cheap sentiment masquerading as patriotism.
The decline in quality of political cartoons stems from the fact that as women continue to make war on men and as the Matriarchy's grip becomes more crushing, male cartoonists have become softer and more effeminate (this is happening in other settings too, obviously).
And more women have become political cartoonists. There's an Ann Telnaes cartoon in which Joseph Lieberman's statement at Notre Dame that public morality should be based on faith is juxtaposed against a picture of Moslem women wearing veils.
Even assuming that it's BAD for women to hide their features, is it really accurate to suppose that a faith-based public morality would require an imposition of the burqua? No more than it would require baptism or a kosher diet but in a feminized world, the reader is not supposed to think but to emote, emote, emote.
Of course, as anyone who has seen her recurring appearances on C-SPAN knows, as a political cartoonist, Ann Telnaes is one hot babe whose face definitely should NOT be covered. But her cartoons would only be improved by the camouflage that a veil would provide. They are hardly worthy of inclusion among the country's "best".
And the feminization of the American political cartoon isn't just limited to matters of style.
Resistance to the Matriarchy has become unthinkable. In the 1973 edition, there is an entire section devoted to "Women's Lib", most of the contributions deliciously skewering the feminazis.
In one uproarious example, a man is standing at the altar looking apprehensive while hooked in his arm is his "bride", a man in drag. The preacher performing the "marriage" ceremony asks the "groom", "Do you, John, promise to love, honor and obey the Equal Rights Amendment?"
Go try to find a cartoon like that today! We've come a long way from when Thomas Nast cartoons afflicted and ultimately defeated party bosses such as Bill Tweed. Today's feminist bosses have no reason to moan, "Stop them damned pictures!" The people drawing them come from the same New Class that their masters do.
So where gender issues are concerned, the drawing board cult members bow their collective heads in deference to the "women are strong and good; men are weak and bad and deserving of punishment" party line. The 2002 edition shows an androgenized Statue of Liberty punching a Taliban member in the face in a display of women's "rights" (get it? She`ll throw her "left" at him next).
The Evil Rights Amendment might not have been enacted, but feminism has still become the official state religion of both left and right. As such, it stifles masculine energy, independence, and creativity. These can only return when and if a younger generation of males rebels against the imposition of public morality in the name of this particular faith.
Until then, the quality of written protest, in the form of political animation, can be expected to continuously decline. But I wonder what the 2032 edition of "Best Editorial Cartoons" will look like.
Focuses on concerns over terrorism and political actions.......2002-06-05
Leading editorial cartoonists are presented in a volume which focuses on concerns over terrorism and political actions. Best Editorial Cartoons Of The Year, 2002 Edition packs in popular black and white editorials that reflect the major concerns of the Year 2001: any that wants a record of events and opinions will find Best Editorial Cartoons Of The Year, 2002 Edition intriguing and fun.
Book Description
Now an abridged edition of two highly acclaimed volumes Praise for Theodore Dreiser: At the Gates of the City, 1871-1907 "Dreiser's life has never been more vividly told. Lingeman's definitive book reveals the tough, uncompromising impulse that led Dreiser, disdaining style, to slug with such knockout power." —Studs Terkel "Scrupulously, massively—devotedly—constructed; everything is in it. And it is immaculately rendered." —Cynthia Ozick The New York Times Book Review "An intimate and revealing portrait…a solid, honorable and perceptive book." —Jonathan Yardley The Washington Post Book World "A remarkable book packed with vivid reminiscences, personal anecdotes and thorough research that brings Dreiser's prodigious, moving story, his turbulent era and the man himself truly alive." —Don Skiles San Francisco Chronicle Praise for Theodore Dreiser: An American Journey, 1908-1945 Chicago Sun-Times Book of the Year, 1990 "A fascinating documentation of the most troubled life led by any important modern American writer." —Alfred Kazin The New York Times Book Review "It is hard to imagine that anything new or different will be said about Dreiser for a long time to come. Whatever a definitive biography may be, this is surely it." —Charles Fecher Chicago Tribune
Average customer rating:
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Dreiser's Russian Diary (University of Pennsylvania Dreiser Edition)
Thomas P. Riggio , and
Theodore Dreiser
Manufacturer: University of Pennsylvania Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0812280911 |
Book Description
Theodore Dreiser's Russian Diary is an extended record of the American writer's travels throughout the Soviet Union in 1927-28. Dreiser was initially invited to Moscow for a week-long observance of the tenth anniversary of the October Revolution. He asked, and was granted, permission to make a extended tour of the country. This previously unpublished diary is a firsthand record of life in the USSR during the 1920s as seen by a leading American cultural figure. It is a valuable primary source, surely among the last from this period of modern history.
Average customer rating:
- An inspiration for people seeking adventure
- Mildly Interesting, poorly written/edited
- A book for everyone
- A quick Read
- This was a fun read!
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Goodbye Careers Hello American Adventure: A Real-Life Guide to Temporary Retirement
Bert Sherman , and
Theresa Sherman
Manufacturer: iUniverse
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0595304613 |
Book Description
Have you ever dreamed of chucking it all and hitting the open road?
The authors of this book fulfilled that dream by trading in their successful careers and comfortable lifestyle for a pick-up truck and a 19-foot travel trailer that became their new home--a home on wheels.
Goodbye Careers, Hello American Adventure is based on a 16-month journey across North America and acts as an inspirational guide to temporary retirement. It is also an entertaining account of what happens when you throw a young married couple and a puppy into a confined space and travel together 24 hours per day for over 40,000 miles.
Along the way, they met inspirational strangers, viewed amazing scenery, escaped wild animal encounters, and struggled with inevitable RV breakdowns. Their journey turned out to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that ultimately reshaped their outlook for the future, their relationship, and their everyday existence in society. This book is motivation for anyone who has ever dreamed of taking a life-altering adventure.
Customer Reviews:
An inspiration for people seeking adventure.......2004-07-21
A great read!!! I was facinated by this couple's journey. Based on their descriptions, I now know of at least ten places I need to visit soon. It was also very enlightening to read about the pros/cons of RV travel. I, too, share the dream of ditching the fast-paced life and taking a huge adventure. This book let me live that adventure without taking the risk.
Mildly Interesting, poorly written/edited.......2004-06-01
I agree with some readers that this could provide some inspiration to make a change in your life. It certainly is a cool adventure, and I am envious. But they did it at an easy time in their lives. It was early in their careers, they didn't have any children - obviously an easy time to save money for an adventure like this.
The poor writing and grammatical mechanics certainly detract from the story. I can't help but wonder what their MSU professors would think of their writing skills.
I would suggest that Theresa leave Bert's comments completely out of their next book - the guy is so negative and can't seem to say much of anything pleasant about anything. In fact, by the end of the book, I felt sorry for this seemingly chipper, cheerful gal stuck with this gloomy Gus. Couldn't he find anything pleasant to write about?!?
I also gagged every time I read about their love for Bush, Rush and their conservative political views. Those ideas are certainly best left out of a book of this sort! It is amusing that they think they've done something so novel and daring (quitting their jobs, rv camping, bra-less, oh my!) - I guess that is pretty daring for staunch republicans.
A book for everyone.......2004-05-28
Thankfully, finally a book written for all ages. With this book, young people can see an alternative life style, even if they can't afford to do the same thing; middle aged people can either dream of chucking it all or be very happy they have a large home, no puppy and no RV repairs; and finally, seniors who can actually try such a trip may be encouraged to do so. The writing style, the humor and the struggles all make for a delightful read.
A quick Read.......2004-05-25
This is a good book - an enjoyable and easy read. It did give me the bug to try something similar - and that's why I read the book in the first place. Only thing is, this book is all B.C. (Before Children). I need the sequel to this book which will teach me how to make this trip After Chidren ( a bit more of a challenge). I recommend it if you are interested in making such a trip or life style change. Oh BTW, George W. Bush sucks and it's a total travisty that he won the 2000 election, Rush Limbaugh is a total idiot, and I really like Canadians - (Guess I didn't have to include that in the review -but I did and I feel much better now!)
This was a fun read!.......2004-05-16
For anyone who has ever gone camping (in a tent OR an RV), or is thinking about going for the first time, this book should be on your reading list. It brings out all the little nuances that make this outdoor activity so enjoyable - the togetherness of travelling companions, the variety of people met on the adventure, the beauty of our country, and the not so great locales and predicaments that can sometimes accompany these types of trips.
This couple has captured the romance of outdoor recreation in its' true light. They are candid enough to provide a realistic account of both the highlights and lowlights of their trip. This book isn't a sugar coated travel guide but rather a funny and entertaining story that, as an added perk, offers an insiders view of where to go and where not to go! What a fun book to read. It makes me want to plan my next camping trip - NOW!
Books:
- The Villas of Palladio
- Theorizing a New Agenda for Architecture: An Anthology of Architectural Theory 1965-1995
- Tiny Houses: or How to Get Away From It All
- Trompe L'Oeil Panels and Panoramas: Decorative Images for Artists and Architects
- Tropical Living: Contemporary Dream Houses in the Philippines
- Turn-of-the-Century House Designs: With Floor Plans, Elevations and Interior Details of 24 Residences
- Tuxedo Park : A Wall Street Tycoon and the Secret Palace of Science That Changed the Course of World War II
- Under Live Oaks: The Last Great Houses of the Old South
- Urban Details Los Angeles : Stairways
- Victorian Dream Homes
Books Index
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- Transmission Electron Energy Loss Spectrometry in Materials Science and the EELS Atlas
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- Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith
- What Is the World Made Of
- Three Act Tragedy
- Victorian Dream Homes: 160 Victorian & Farmhouse Plans from Three Master Designers
- Tree Houses by Architects
- Whalestoe Letters
The Seventy Wonders of the Ancient World: The Great Monuments and How They Were Built
The Seventy Great Inventions of the Ancient World
The Seventy Great Mysteries of the Ancient World: Unlocking the Secrets of Past Civilizations
The Builders: Marvels of Engineering
Time: Great Buildings of the World: The World's Most Influential, Inspiring and Astonishing Structures
