Customer Reviews:
Accessible Essays on Architecture.......2007-07-02
I am a big fan of architecture critic Witold Rybczynski. If you haven't read his books HOME, or WAITING FOR THE WEEKEND, or CITY LIFE, this book is a good way to get familiar with many of the themes he has addressed time and again over his long and prolific career (e.g., the place of houses in people's lives, living smaller, the role of architects, the legacy of modernism, the place and meaning of ornament, the intrusion of fashion into the world of architecture, and the importance of the Vitruvian values of commodity, firmness and beauty in identifying "good" architecture). Many of these pieces were previously published in magazines and journals. Some are more thoughtful, well-researched, and even polemical; others read like Sunday magazine fluff pieces (not too many of these, though). Like many of Rybczynski's books, there are no illustrations. If you're like me, you'll find youself going to the Internet often to get images of some of the buildings, places, and people he mentions. It slows down the reading, but is necessary, it seems, to get the full impact of what Rybczynski is saying.
Affirming the Traditional.......2007-06-28
Planning on building a house, I was especially interested in Rybczynski's thoughts and insights about homes and what they should look like. From the start I was captivated. Wanting to be sleek and modern, I thought an architect would quickly confirm my ideas. Instead, at the start of the book Rybczynski, with reasoning, brings the reader back to the traditional home and approves of it; and makes me want to build one... and live in a lovely little neighborhood.
He moves beyond the house and Looking Around takes us into the cities and towns to look at public buildings like art museums. The history and progression that he packs into this book is very insightful.
This is an incredible book.......2002-08-27
This is an incredible book and I recommend it to anyone, whatever field you are in, you live in this world and may as well enjoy it.
A guided tour with a view.......2000-04-07
Here is an unusual book: Witold Rybczynski takes us wandering through the professional byways of a subject usually reserved for a more intellectual readership, if such a thing exists. Why architecture is important and what makes it so is the subject matter here, brought to us by a very competent writer. Delightfully so, in fact, as Rybczynski has the storyteller's ability to weft and weave.
The stories he has chosen here are a mixed bunch and we are asked to think about such diverse constructions as the American bungalow, the Grow Home and public buildings like the Canadian Centre for Architecture. He has stories to tell about all of them, the people who live in or use them and the odd trends which are sometimes responsible for a particular design. As he points out, although we use architecture every day of our lives and are clearly affected by it (whether we know it or not), we are more than prone to take it for granted. Should we not be more aware of what's around us, in general? This book offers up some thoughtful ideas on the subject.
Good reading.......1999-04-14
This is an easy reader.
I bought this book a long time ago, but never had the time to open it, then one day I was looking for a magazine to read in, you know, those intimate moments, and in the rush I grabed 'looking around'.
Fact is: I couldn't stop reading it. Even tough I am not what you'd call a lay-man on architectural issues, Witold's book really made me see that's possible to write about architecture without being too academic or technical. I can say that I've learned a great deal, not only about architecture, but about life.
my advice? buy it now!
Book Description
Between the `Black Death' in the mid-fourteenth century and the French invasions at the end of the fifteenth, artists such as Masaccio, Donatello, Fra Angelico, and Leonardo, working in the kingdoms, princedoms, and republics of the Italian peninsula, created some of the most influential and exciting works in a variety of artistic fields. Yet the traditional story of the Renaissance has been dramatically revised in the light of new scholarship, and new issues have greatly enriched our understanding of the period. Emphasis has been placed on recreating the experience of contemporary Italians - the patrons who commissioned the works, the members of the public who viewed them, and the artists who produced them. In this book Evelyn Welch presents a fresh picture of the Italian Renaissance. Giving equal weight to the Italian regions outside Florence, she discusses a wide range of works, from paintings to coins, and from sculptures to tapestries, examines the issues of materials, workshop practises, and artist-patron relationships, and explores the ways in which visual imagery related to contemporary sexual, social and political behaviour.
Customer Reviews:
Exelent book great images.......2007-09-28
I couldn't put it down. I am glad to add it to my library of art history books. The images are detailed.
Interesting.......2007-01-11
A very interesting book if you are brushing up on Italian Art and paintings.
Dense and anachronistic.......2006-11-04
I think the reader will get lost here and possibly come away with a misapprehension about the times unless they have a fairly strong background in European history. Overall, it was a bit puzzling.
You really have to read this book critically because some parts are bizarre. I remember at one point she describes artists as being involved in several businesses, with the aim of providing for their retirement. While in individual cases, it is likely true that successful artists owned rental property and so forth, but "providing for retirement" certainly sounds like an anachronism. It's not immediately clear what is meant by "retirement" in a time when several generations of a family might live in the same house, and work work together in the same artists' workshop.
Great Overview.......2006-02-09
Well written and researched, Ms. Welch does a very good job of giving an overall view of an important period of history - both artistic and political. Good jumping off point for more specific studies in Italian Renaissance history.
Book Description
Between the `Black Death' in the mid-fourteenth century and the French invasions at the end of the fifteenth, artists such as Masaccio, Donatello, Fra Angelico, and Leonardo, working in the kingdoms, princedoms, and republics of the Italian peninsula, created some of the most influential and exciting works in a variety of artistic fields. Yet the traditional story of the Renaissance has been dramatically revised in the light of new scholarship, and new issues have greatly enriched our understanding of the period. Emphasis has been placed on recreating the experience of contemporary Italians - the patrons who commissioned the works, the members of the public who viewed them, and the artists who produced them. In this book Evelyn Welch presents a fresh picture of the Italian Renaissance. Giving equal weight to the Italian regions outside Florence, she discusses a wide range of works, from paintings to coins, and from sculptures to tapestries, examines the issues of materials, workshop practises, and artist-patron relationships, and explores the ways in which visual imagery related to contemporary sexual, social and political behaviour.
Customer Reviews:
A unique and novel perspective on Renaissance Art and Life.......1998-05-26
An excellent examination of the role of art in Renaissance life, including the actual day to day workings of the artists, their roles in the society as a whole, and the role of art itself in the display of "Magnificence" of the respective ruling authorities of the various Italian states. I have run across no other book with this unique perspective. It also discusses the role of women and women artists, while recognizing the extreme limits set for women, both in the society and in the creation of art works. I regret not being able to contact the author directly to offer my respect and admiration for such a formidable and at the same time completely accessible work of scholarship.
Book Description
A large-format collection of Edward S. Curtis's stunning, evocative, and wildly popular portraits of Native Americans. These indelible portraits of Native Americans by Edward S. Curtis, made at the dawn of the 20th century, have become among the most avidly collected, published, and sought-after emblems of early encounters with American Indian life. There is no more comprehensive record from the period of the diverse Native peoples. EDWARD S. CURTIS: THE great warriors is drawn from the collection of Christopher Cardoza and will feature iconic Curtis pictures as well as several little-known gems. Many have never been published as large-format folio prints. This will be one of several thematic books; the next one, slated for Spring 2005, will be a collection of Curtis's portraits of Native American women.
Customer Reviews:
Beautiful Photographs!.......2006-12-26
This is a beautifully photographed book by a photographer with obvious reverence for the American Indian.
Edward S. Curtis by Hans Christian Adam.......2000-07-20
The author, Hans Christian Adam, is clearly an admirer of his subject, Edward S. Curtis. Curtis, who lived from 1868-1952, devoted his life to photographing the American Indian. In this book, Adam has included 172 pages of Curtis' most impressive photos along with 15 pages of text and a paragraph by Theodore Roosevelt on Curtis. Adam gives a clear picture of Curtis as a man as well as a photographer. In his photos, Curtis shows the life,customs,history,legends and religion of the Indians. To quote Adam: "Curtis wanted to make up for the injustices that members of his race had inflicted on the Indians". The high quality, large format, sepia photos are magical and leave a lasting impression on the viewer. The best part of the book is the photos. The only thing I do not like about the book is that the text is in English, German and French. This takes up space, but it does not detract from the photos and text. This book will make the reader want to see more photos by Curtis.
Average customer rating:
- Boy, this made me laugh!
- Funny and so true.
- Hysterically funny and so true
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Tongue in Cheek & Other Places: A Seriously Humorous Look at Queer Life
Kevin Isom
Manufacturer: Writers Club Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Essays
| Humor
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Humor
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Nonfiction
| Gay & Lesbian
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0595091679 |
Book Description
Humorist Kevin Isom takes on issues ranging from gay marriage—he says do it for the gifts—to show tunes—is there really a gene? His take is humorous and upbeat. But Isom doesn’t hesitate to skewer the absurd, like the Defense of Marriage Act—were we protecting marriage from Saddam Hussein?—and trends like chest shaving—can we talk trimmed, not shaved?
Customer Reviews:
Boy, this made me laugh!.......2002-01-29
Bought this book for my partner as gift and he loved it! So I had to read it as well and Mr. Isom has a gifted way of making the mundane funny. "Gay power" is really live and kicking with this one. Buy it, definitely!
Funny and so true........2000-04-26
Kevin Isom has a great eye for life's absurdities, and a knack for skewering hypocrites and posers. He's also not above poking a little fun at himself, particularly when it comes to his own dating history. His observations are so funny, precisely because they are SO true. You'll recognize yourself in this book.
Hysterically funny and so true.......2000-04-19
It's nice to see a really happy gay person writing about our lives, and making fun of the silly gay AND straight stuff. This is a must read for every gay person--and our straight friends. It'll keep you laughing around the water cooler at the office...
Average customer rating:
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A Man Called Khushwant Singh
Manufacturer: South Asia Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Authors
| Arts & Literature
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Journalists
| Professionals & Academics
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
British
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
| 18th Century
| 19th Century
| 20th Century
| Classics
| Contemporary
| General
| Historical
| Humor
| Letters & Correspondence
| Middle
| Old
| Poetry
| Renaissance
| Shakespeare
| Short Stories
Indian
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 8174760806 |
Book Description
Invaluable advice, tips, and guidelines for selling your home the affordable way--yourself
With the high commissions being charged in today's housing market and the convenience of the Internet as a selling tool, many Americans find it more affordable to sell their own homes. This new edition of the indispensable home seller's how-to guide can save you thousands of dollars in real estate fees and commissions by showing you how to successfully market, negotiate, close, and wrap up the sale of your home-without paying a broker's high fees.
Updated and revised to reflect all the latest trends in real estate, this popular classic takes you through the ABCs of doing it yourself-from making a plan to making a profit when you close. Selling your own home can be tricky; this Fourth Edition provides all the tools and advice you need to save on fees, with:
- Worksheets, checklists, sample contracts, and other helpful documents
- New chapters on seller financing and second mortgages
- The latest tax law changes that affect home sellers
- Tips on how to get a buyer to assume your existing mortgage
- Guidance on using the Internet to sell your home
- Information on using land sale contracts, contracts for deed, wrap-around mortgages, and all-inclusive trust deeds (AITDs)
With its step-by-step guidance and its wealth of helpful tools, How to Sell Your Home Without a Broker will help you find a buyer as quickly-and cheaply-as possible.
Customer Reviews:
Very Helpful.......2005-09-26
We found this book to be very helpful. It covered all the bases of selling a house yourself and what you should look out for. This book also contains sample contracts that were extremely helpful. We simply made copies from the book, filled them out, signed them and took them to the title company.
Not Much Learning Here!.......2002-05-07
If you operate on the premise of good business savvy and you maintain a semblance of common sense, this book is a waste of money. It's too basic and there are no revelations.
How To Sell Your Home Without A Broker.......2000-04-25
Without a doubt, I found it the very best, most comprehensive book on the market for homeowners looking to develop a plan of action for selling their property on their own. Different from most similar FSBO books because it contains dozens of very helpful worksheets to help the homeowner get through the process of selling on their own...
Book Description
Milt Tanzer provides all the methods and techniques used by professional real estate brokers to successfully market a home or find the best deal on purchasing one. Readers will learn the trade secrets of brokers, appraisers, and inspectors, as well as how to avoid the costly traps and mistakes most "do-it-yourselfers" experience. Also included is an interactive CD-ROM with a tutorial based on the book, and forms and checklists to download for use when house-hunting or preparing for a sale.
Customer Reviews:
Not Helpful.......2005-09-29
The list of websites for finding FBSOs was next to useless. Hardly any of them were real websites. Some of the advice was useful but mostly it was a waste of time and money.
Middle of the pack.......2002-02-22
Pros:
- The writer has a laid back style that is easy to read and understand.
- The book covers most of the topics you'll need to know about when buying or selling a house.
- Some good examples are provided for problem scenarious and
"what if" situtations.
Cons:
- It doesn't appear as though a proper editing has been done. Some of the web sites listed are still in pure HTML code rather than in edited text. Furthermore, some of the software mentioned cannot be found on the included CDROM.
- The material is lacking in nitty gritty details.
For the price it's not too bad, but I should have spent my money on a book about buying instead of buying & selling.
Average customer rating:
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The National Home Sale Or Purchase Kit: How To Buy Or Sell Your Own Home Without A Broker Or Lawyer
Benji O. Anosike
Manufacturer: Do-It-Yourself Legal Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Buying & Selling Homes
| Real Estate
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
House Plans
| Home Design
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Do-It-Yourself
| How-to & Home Improvements
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Administrative Law
| Law
| Subjects
| Books
Real Estate
| Practical Guides
| Law
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Administrative Law
| Law
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0932704700 |
Customer Reviews:
A BOOK DESIGNED FOR THE DO-IT-YOURSELFER.......1999-04-13
This book effectively teaches a homeowner how to sell his house (or buy one) without the expense of a broker. It explains that a broker's job is small and can easily be performed by any person educated with the information this book provides. Included forms and documents, along with an excess of helpful tips, make this book very valuable for anybody who would like to sell their home (or buy one). The money you will save by buying this book is tremendous--you will save the commission of a broker. Depending on your house price, this can be an enormous fee! I highly recommend this book.
Books:
- Magnetic Storm
- Manhattan Skyscrapers: Revised and Expanded Edition
- Michael Graves: Compact Design Portfolio (Compact Design Portfolio)
- More Joy of Watercolor
- Nature and the Idea of a Man-Made World: An Investigation into the Evolutionary Roots of Form and Order in the Built Environment
- New Orleans Style: Past and Present
- Newport Mansions: The Gilded Age
- Old Barns - New Homes: A Showcase Of Architectural Conversions
- Old Penn Station
- Palm Springs: The Landscape, the History, the Lore
Books Index
Books Home
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Home: A Short History of an Idea
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City Life
A Clearing In The Distance: Frederick Law Olmsted and America in the 19th Century
