Behind the Doors of San Miguel de Allende

Book Description

This unusual book celebrates the colorful, sunwashed doorways of San Miguel de Allende, one of the oldest towns in Mexico. Picturesque, intellectually stimulating and historically fascinating, this arts-and-crafts and cultural center is a popular destination for tourists, expatriates, and vacationers. When photographer-writer Robert de Gast first visited there in 1987 he was particularly captivated by its doors---of mansions, houses, stables, churches, banks, studios, and stores. He returned five years later to document them; eighty of his photographs from that trip have been selected for this entrancing book. De Gast lives part of every year in San Miguel, where he continues to photograph and write.

Customer Reviews:

From the Publisher.......2005-11-22

"Robert de Gast, author of the popular The Doors of San Miguel de Allende crosses the thresholds of homes in this historic Mexican town to discover their remarkable outdoor paradises--sunstruck, lushly colored courtyards, patios, and breezeways--that lay beyond them. Come with de Gast as he guides viewers to parts of San Miguel visitors seldom see and offers glimpses into the daily lives and traditions of those who live in this unique place.

"Established in the sixteenth century as a Franciscan mission, the lovely town of San Miguel de Allende has been an art and artisanal center for nearly two centuries. Its cool summers and mild winters have more recently made it a popular destination for vacationers from North America and Europe.

"A part-time resident of San Miguel since 1991, Robert de Gast is an award-winning photographer and a widely published writer. His avocations include hot-air ballooning, which he pursues in Mexico, and sailing, which he does for part of the year on the East Coast of the United States.

"96 pages, size: 6 1/4 x 8 1/4". 96 full-color photographs. Casebound book, with dust jacket. ISBN: 0-7649-1341-7."--© Pomegranate

Great examples of Spanish colonial architectural details..........2005-07-03

Strolling down the cobblestone streets of San Miguel De Allende is a unique experience. From behind the unassuming whitewashed walls standing flush with the sidewalks, pierced here and there by a window adorned with a moucharabieh , one can catches glimpses of life... Music, laughs, the scent of a promising menudo in the making, a child whose eyes will follow you down the street, a kitten napping in the sun on the window sill...
In this Spanish colonial town, much of life takes place out of the passer-by's sight. Following a traditional Andalucian floor plan, the rooms, linked by a colonnaded court, open around a central courtyard, or patio outfitted with a pila , and whose lush and colorful vegetation tempers the austerity of the house seen from the street...
Through the eye of Robert de Gast, we are ushered behind these doors to discover lush gardens, antique cantera and saltillo floors,soothing fountains and all these amazing construction details that define Spanish Colonial architecture.
A great book to savor, whether you are building or remodeling in the Southwest or Mexico, or you simply enjoy great photography and architecture...

narrow scope.......2002-10-12

San Miguel de Allende is a lovely historical colonial town located in the central highlands in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. A sleepy town until a bunch of American GI's returning from the war settled there, so it was suggested and now the de facto fact. Word soon spread and the price of the real estate soared. San Miguel de Allende now boasts the second largest expatriate community found in Mexico.

This book romantizes and glamorizes the homes and hotels of and for the wealthy. Perhaps the title is more applicable "Behind the doors of the rich in San Miguel de Allende". It has beautifully photographed pictures and probably makes a nice coffee table book. If you are thinking of buying or remodeling your home in San Miguel, this book surely gives you some good ideas. Better yet, go visit there yourself and take a couple of the home and garden tours offered by the library in San Miguel.

Oh, the front page showed the hotel Casa Sierra de Nevada in the park. It is no longer that but now the Hotel Quinta Real. It no longer qualifies for the small luxury hotel (SLH) designation. Let's hope behind the doors of this hotel under new management, the service and quality can equal the beauty of this property. It would be more fun and interests if behind the doors offer more into the history and intrique of each property, not to mention the juicy stuff that is going on today behind closed doors.

Disappointed.......2002-08-10

I wanted interiors, not courtyards. Based on what little info Amazon has provided I expected interiors to be "behind the doors". As for courtyard ideas it is good but not great. Most are a little better than average. I didn't want to rate the book lower just because it isn't what I wanted and the title is a little misleading. The author's book "The Doors of SMA" is very good. It shows doors. - jim

IF YOU LIKE PHOTOS...THIS IS YOUR BOOK.......2002-03-01

However, If you would like to read about San Miguel, then this is not the book for you. There are about 8-9 pages of reading, then 80 pages of photos. Not very much info on San Miguel.
Not what I was looking for.

Amazon.com

Much plusher than most stenciling guides, this volume is filled with gorgeous stenciled rooms, complete directions, and templates for each pattern (about 30 in all). Refreshingly, there's barely a floral among them; instead there are marvelous historically inspired designs: heraldic, high Victorian, "Moderne," Indian paisley, Moroccan tile, Scandinavian folk art, ancient Egypt, and French Empire. The first two chapters provide full coverage of tools, supplies, and basic techniques, including making the stencil, various painting methods, planning large projects, and tips on finishes and texturing. Novices can probably handle the simpler geometrics, but many of the projects seem to demand some degree of practice. Quite a few have multiple overlays, and the all-over wall and floor patterns are best attempted by the more experienced. For those who have had their fill of the easy flowery, folksy stuff, this is a wonderful book, with vivid, sophisticated designs created by a master stencil artist. --Amy Handy

Customer Reviews:

Walls, Floors, Cabinets, Doors....leave nothing unstenciled!.......2003-03-20

This book isn't about lifelike murals, --this helps you replicate stonework,continuous borders & various mosaics with stencils. Classic designs that are timeless and very interesting. Is a lot of work, and is for the craft artist willing to work, and home interior decorator could get MANY ideas. This book is chocked full of photos and a dream to drool over.

NIKON System Handbook, 6th Edition (Nikon System Handbook)
Average customer rating:

Too many errors

Latest Edition -- Lacks Technical Editing

Fills in the blanks

Get the Brackzo book, not this one.

Essential for Nikon owners

NIKON System Handbook, 6th Edition (Nikon System Handbook)
B. Peterson
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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

McBroom's Camera Bluebook: A Complete, Up-To-Date Price & Buyers Guide for New and Used Cameras, Lenses & Accessories (Mcbroom's Camera Bluebook)

Nikon Camera Repair Handbook: Repairing & Restoring Collectible Nikon Cameras, Lenses and Accessories, 1951-1985

Nikon D200 Digital Field Guide

Nikon SB-400 AF Speedlight for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Nikon EN-EL9 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery for Nikon D40 and D40x Digital SLR Cameras

ASIN: 1883403642

Book Description

"The primary source of reference...packed with information on just about every item of Nikon equipment...."--Outdoor & Nature Photography. It's been the standard reference for Nikon aficionados since its first release--and this revised, updated edition is better than ever, with information on the new Nikon F100 and N60 lines, as well as on the latest lenses and flash units. If you've ever wondered what accessories will work with a classic camera or what year Nikon modified a lens design, look no further. Along with a complete history of the entire Nikon 35mm SLR system from its inception to the present, the guide contains compatibility charts, production dates, serial numbers and product designations. The construction, uses, pros, and cons of every camera body and accessory--even early and one-of-a-kind items--receive detailed coverage from a photographer's point of view. Includes nearly 150 photographs. 184 pages, 150 b/w illus., 7 1/2 x 10.

Customer Reviews:

Too many errors.......2003-12-23

I am not sure whether he has used those cameras or not, but
too many mistakes, non-exist features, wrong descriptions ...

Latest Edition -- Lacks Technical Editing.......2001-11-14

This latest edition of the "Nikon System Handbook" is really starting to irritate me. First of all, many of us who have bought and read any of Moose's books pretty much know that he's a bought and paid for Nikon agent, but this edition seems to lack any sort of quality control whatsoever. I routinely find technical errors on nearly every page. With some of the lens descriptions he's merely plagiarized Nikon's factory spec sheets and descriptions but he never bothers to put them into current year context. If you are basing lens and camera buying decisions upon Moose's comments, keep in mind that Moose is not that long with his Nikon experience, and guess who's PAYING for those lenses? His standard phrasology of this and that lens being "tack sharp" gets boring and is frankly inaccurate. If Moose would actually READ his own book I would think that he would surely see the inaccuracies that he's spreading around. If you want more accurate Nikon equipment reviews (...)buy anything from Peter Braczko, e.g., the Nikon Pocket Book. Bjørn is not a paid Nikon field agent,--he's a Norwegian outdoor photographer with some of the best practical experience with things Nikon. Moose is a babe in the woods by comparison.

Fills in the blanks.......2001-07-22

Owning older Nikon equipment and/or wishing to purchase some, this book is useful. I purchased this book to identify when certain Nikon lenses were in production. I had to update my knowledge of the Nikon world. This was most helpful when I had to replace a lens I had dropped...OOPS...In addition the Flash chapter was illuminating in regards to the many speedlights that Nikon has to offer. Listing the benefits and drawbacks to certain models helped me meet my needs on Ebay. However, more subjective than objective, it still is worth the price if you're in the market for used Nikon equipment.

Get the Brackzo book, not this one........2001-04-18

This guy obviously knows a lot about photography, but he makes a lot of statements that are nothing but fluff, and are not bourne out by fact. He pans lenses that everyone else in the Nikon world raves about, and always pushes the most current Nikon gear, even when some of it is poorly rated by the rest of the community. If you want a good pictorial overview of the entire Nikon system, with serial numbers, production dates, etc .... then get the Brackzo book or the Nikon Compendium. This one is a lot of personal bias, heresay, and not a very useful reference. After you've seen the Brackzo book, you'll realize what a silly little exercise this one is, and what a waste of money and time it is.

Essential for Nikon owners.......2001-03-01

Next to my Nikon F3 HP, I think this book is one of my best investments. Since I'm just a amateur photographer, this book guides me through the complicated world of Nikon system. Without it I would be lost! If you've ever tried to find information on discontinued products (all the good stuff) from Nikon's web site then you'll know it's nonexistence! May be I'm not looking in the right direction, but I like to have a source available to me whenever I need to make purchase decisions. And since majority of the used Nikkor lenses are not cheap, it's good to have a non-bias, honest oppinion. If you shop at camera collector shows, then you'll definitely want this book! Overall 5 stars, because this books is very well written and well presented. The paper used to print this book are pretty good paper stocks, because it stands up to my constant flipping and red pen markings.

Nikon Compendium: Handbook of the Nikon System (Hove Compendia)

Average customer rating:

Nikon Compendium: Handbook of the Nikon System (Hove Compendia)
Rudolf Hillebrand , and Hans-Joachim Hauschild
Manufacturer: Hove Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Equipment | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1897802021

The Complete Nikon System: An Illustrated Equipment Guide

Average customer rating:

Great reference for online auction junkies
The Complete Nikon System: An Illustrated Equipment Guide
almost great
For all Nikon fans
A heavy listing

The Complete Nikon System: An Illustrated Equipment Guide
Peter Braczko
Manufacturer: Saunders/Silver Pixel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Reference | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Equipment | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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Nikon: A Celebration
Nikon D200 Digital Field Guide
The Camera (Ansel Adams Photography, Book 1)

ASIN: 1883403855

Book Description

In the world of 35mm photography, the names "Nikon" on cameras and "Nikkor" on lenses are synonymous with reliability and outstanding image quality. Both professional and amateur photographers will find the 1,200 photos and this reference volume's systematic arrangement to be a fantastic resource. By offering a complete photographic profile of one of the world's most renowned, respected, and extensive photographic systems, this comprehensive guide makes it easier than ever for Nikon users and collectors as well as camera dealers and historians to search for information about the equipment. All Nikon cameras and Nikkor lenses ever produced are listed and described, including variant models, and are conveniently organized according to a special numbering system developed by the author, a professional photographer and noted authority on Nikon. A short overview of the company offers historical perspective. It truly is the essential reference for anyone interested in the Nikon system.

Customer Reviews:

Great reference for online auction junkies.......2003-04-14

If, like me, you buy a fair bit of Nikon gear on line then this reference allows you to be more sure of what is on offer. Information on release dates and model changes is invaluable and there is a fair bit of information on compatibility. What is the correct hood for the second autofocus version of the legendary 80-200mm f2.8 Nikkor?

The Complete Nikon System: An Illustrated Equipment Guide.......2003-02-14

In short, this is a terrific book on Nikon. But I think it really need a more frequent update...

almost great.......2003-01-01

I love and hate this book. Being a Nikon lunatic, i kept seeing the book at chapters and when the price was low enough, purchased it. If you want Nikon history, it`s all there, no doubt about that. I was more interested in lens information and performance. The text reads like a nikon pamphlet and gives some information about years in production and design changes. Certain absurdities resurface on almost every page. For example, the author writes about a certain zoom that the ranges of 28-35-50-80 are indicated on the lens. So what, every nikon lens ever made has that. Why mention it on some and not others?. Clearly, the author had to fill the lines and ran out of ideas. The text reads like something very (and I mean VERY) sensured by the nikon Corporation. Even lemon lenses receive a friendly write-up. Incidently, this book is way over-priced. A great buy if you can find it for ten bucks.

For all Nikon fans.......2002-08-10

Great layout to the book. Nikon equipment classified in a systematic easy to source manner. Loads of B&W pictures (however some colour prints would be nice). Highly recommend this book.

A heavy listing.......2002-07-13

A very heavy book. The publisher should reduce the paper stock weight. After all, there are only B&W photos here. The index ends with "S". Also, the index headings are the same type weight as the sub-entries so you can't find anything readily. Bold type for the heading would have helped. Some Nikon items are indeed missing although they have been available for years. I also noted errors in the text descriptions of several items.

Special Applications: Motor Drives, Underwater Photography and Auxiliary Systems (The Nikon Handbook Series)

Average customer rating:

Special Applications: Motor Drives, Underwater Photography and Auxiliary Systems (The Nikon Handbook Series)
Joseph D. Cooper , and Joseph C. Abbott
Manufacturer: Amphoto
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Lenses and lens systems (The Nikon handbook series)

Average customer rating:

Excellent Reference on all Nikkor lenses available in 1979

Lenses and lens systems (The Nikon handbook series)
Joseph D Cooper
Manufacturer: Amphoto
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Reference on all Nikkor lenses available in 1979.......1997-11-20

This book is part of a seven volume set, the Nikon Handbook series, published by Amphoto in 1979. This volume has extensive info on all 35mm lenses produced by Nikon at the time of publication. It includes sections on general use, as well as individual pictures, cross sections and specifications of each lens. The book includes both color and black and white photographs showing applications for various lenses. It is an invaluable reference for the Nikon enthusiast or collector.

Average customer rating:

Nikon System Handbook
B. "Moose" Peterson
Manufacturer: Images Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0929667093

Average customer rating:

Nikon System Handbook - 6th Edition
B. Moose Peterson
Manufacturer: Silver Pixel Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NK3MW0

Underwater with the Nikonos & Nikon systems

Average customer rating:

Underwater with the Nikonos & Nikon systems
Herb Taylor
Manufacturer: AMPHOTO
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0817424016

Average customer rating:

Nikon: System Handbook
B. Moose Peterson
Manufacturer: Silver Pixel Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MBEL4S

Book Description

Part memoir, part fantasy, Mammoir is a full length comic book, whose words and pictures take you on a wild ride through Fussell's experience as a fourth grade Boston teacher diagnosed with breast cancer. Mammoir is exhilarating, whimsical, serious and intense, mirroring the diverse ways cancer manifested in her life that year. The graphics and humorous characters help demystify hospital procedures, and will appeal to anyone who has visited a hospital and not understood a word the doctors have said. In addition, Mammoir is a must-read for all those in education who struggle to reach their students. Finally, this graphic novel might interest those who have had similar experiences dealing with breast cancer. Mammoir weaves the reader in and out of a fourth grade classroom, the hospital, and Fussell's imagination, often suddenly, in the same unpredictable way that she lived her life during that cancer year. The story attempts to convey how a single entity in the universe tries to rise above one of the many irrational situations that are randomly dropped into all of our laps. Get ready. Fasten your seatbelts. Enjoy the ride.

Customer Reviews:

A real look at cancer.......2007-01-24

My mom was diagnosed with cancer and this gave me some insight into what she was going through. I bought her a copy and she read it while recovering. It touched her. She bought copies for her support group library and it is making the rounds in their group. Tucky has shown her soul to help others!!!

Product Description

How I mined gold in apartment houses and you can too!

Customer Reviews:

Super Outdated for Today's Market..........2007-02-27

The author's stories were interesting but all of his transactions were done over 20 and 30 years ago. It's very difficult to use the same "real life" strategies of deals done so long ago because the market is so different. There are different types of loans, creative financing, and strategies to go about getting property, even with no cash and no credit of your own.

I don't recommend getting this book if you're looking for real life examples in today's market and not a million years ago.

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