House Form and Culture

Customer Reviews:

Classic- well worth reading.......2001-09-22

This book ties together many ideas from the fields of anthropology and architecture. Rapoport methodically builds an argument for his hypothesis that "The different forms taken by dwellings are a complex phenomenon for which no single explanation will suffice." He supports his arguments with hundreds of examples drawn from the literature, as in the style of a review article. I was struck by parallelism between Rapoport's evidence that houses can vary tremendously, even given similar environmental or cultural factors, and the old structural linguistics adage that languages can vary in innumerable ways. Some of Rapoport's terminology is now outdated (e.g. "primitive societies,"), but these terms were standard at the time when the book was written so he shouldn't be singled out for using them. The ideas presented in the book are well worth studying and the book includes numerous reference citations for further investigation.

Reflecting the Culture on the House Form.......2001-08-11

The book -House Form and Culture - is a precious source of information on the cross cultural aspects of the house form. It is an exploration into the virtually unknown in the field of housing. The author was extremely successful (nothing new considering Amos Rapoport) in editing the availabe scattered sources to weave them into one extensive work that is priceless. The anthropologist, environmental behavior researcher, and the architect are only some of the ones who will appreciate this book. Especially interesting is the effect of the deteriminant of the house on shaping the house form. Rapoports own interpretation of the determinants of house form just brings it all together. The book is well written and very interesting even to the novice as it sheds light on the cultural diversities of the most insignificant tribe and the city dwellers.

China's Vernacular Architecture: House Form and Culture

Average customer rating:

China's Vernacular Architecture: House Form and Culture
Ronald G. Knapp
Manufacturer: Univ of Hawaii Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

House Form and Culture (Foundations of Cultural Geography Series)

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House Form and Culture (Foundations of Cultural Geography Series)

Manufacturer: Prentice-Hall, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GAOIL6

Product Description

The book tries to propose a conceptual framework for looking at the great variety of house types and forms and the forces that affect them. It attempts to bring some order to this complex field and thus create a better understanding of the form determinants of dwellings. Drawings and photographs by the author.

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House Form and Culture
Amos Rapoport
Manufacturer: Prentice-Hall, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000O86WZA

Sci-Fi Movies Facts, Figures & Fun (Facts Figures & Fun)

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Sci -Fi Movies Facts, Figures and Fun

Sci-Fi Movies Facts, Figures & Fun (Facts Figures & Fun)
John Grant
Manufacturer: Facts, Figures & Fun
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Essays | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

History & Criticism | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
ASIN: 1904332358

Book Description

Sci-fi films are pure gold at the box office—think Star Wars and Spider-Man—with an exceptionally devoted fan base. And Paul Barnett, an award-winning author of many nonfiction books on science fiction and fantasy, as well as some 50 novels, has created a great guide for them. It expertly surveys the genre’s best and worst, charting the cinematic changes from the low-budget, cheesy 50’s flicks to today’s high-budget, high-tech blockbusters with their mind-blowing special effects. Separate sections cover remakes, sequels, award-winners, and even sci-fi erotica! Mavens will enjoy all the in-depth information and memorable quotes—as well as the smart, knowledgeable writing.

Customer Reviews:

Sci -Fi Movies Facts, Figures and Fun.......2007-02-16

Was this a fact finding book of knowledge, Oh no this was an "impress the pants of everyone" kind of book. Yes i'm a bit of a science fiction kinda chick but i can honestly say this is a book for all levels. IT'S ABOUT MOVIES..... it's easy to read (not to long ) and handy to keep in your handbag!!!! what more can i say

Sticks and Straw: Comparative House Forms in Southern Sudan and Northern Kenya (International Museum of Cultures Publication, 13)

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Sticks and Straw: Comparative House Forms in Southern Sudan and Northern Kenya (International Museum of Cultures Publication, 13)
Jonathan E. Arensen
Manufacturer: Summer Institute of Linguistics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0883121646
Release Date: 1983-06-01

Product Description

Describes and documents various indigenous house forms in the southern Sudan and northern Kenya area in order to gain insights into the lives of the people who build them. Formulates reasons as to why people build their houses in the ways they do.

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HOUSE FORM AND CULTURE
Amos Rapoport
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000O904PI

Average customer rating:

House Form and Culture
Amos Rapoport
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OIEMYI

Traditional Indonesian house forms & culture

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Traditional Indonesian house forms & culture
Anna Tjubianto
Manufacturer: Kent State University, School of Architecture & Environmental Design
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B00072AW7M

Customer Reviews:

If you love scratchboard - get this book!.......2000-06-03

There aren't many books available on scratchboard but I've managed to obtain some. I got this book through Amazon's out-of-print service and am very glad I did.

The first few chapters give a history as well as overview of the materials used. She shows various scratch tools available as well as various surfaces. Instructions for inking your own all-black surface on white scratchboard is also given.

The next few chapters give examples of the various types of lines and dots that can be achieved with the scratch tools. Some of these examples combine pen & ink with various techniques. The Getting Aquainted chapter, for example, give instructions for creating various half-tone effects, stipple effects, hatching and cross-hatching and combining these with pen & ink.

There are instructions for creating an "unplanned drawing" (which the author defines as sketching directly onto the scratchboard surface freehand) and a "planned drawing" (which is sketching first on paper and then transfering the traced drawing to the scratchboard).

There is instruction on how to correct mistakes, using various mechanical drawing aids such as French Curves, triangles and compass. There are chapters on creating a woodcut or a linoleum cut and metal or wood engraving effects. She deals with effective use of light and shadow and values. There is even one small chapter on non-traditional scratchboard and more experimental surfaces or effects. The final chapter deals with using color with your scratchboard art.

Throughout the entire book each page is crammed with diverse and stunning examples of scratchboard art. Much of the enjoyment I derived from this book was simply from looking at all the great art featured. The diversity of styles - from non-representational to realistic was a feast for the eyes.

Customer Reviews:

Does Exactly What it Says.......2001-11-18

If you've ever wanted to learn scratchboard (scraperboard in the UK) this slender book is a great place to start. The explanations are clear and detailed. Different types of scratch marks on different scratchboard surfaces are shown with plenty of illustrations so you can see what all the marks look like in finished pieces. There are chapters discussing light, shading and blending techniques, tonal values, patterns, use of mechanical aids such as french curves, etc. One of the last chapters of the book shows a gallery of scratchboard art.

I particularly liked the fact this book demonstrates a lot of different subjects. I've noticed that scratchboard art (at least on the Internet) seems to be dominated by wildlife art so it is refreshing to see other subjects shown here. The only subject this book doesn't cover which some of my other scratchboard books do is the use of color. However, I am trying to grade this book fairly by considering when it was first published - 1949. At that time color wasn't as much of a concern - particularly for a little book that was geared as an introduction to the medium. By today's standards I think it rates a 4 simply because there are other scratchboard books available that also include discussions of color. In 1949 I would've said it rated a 5. It also has the virtue of being more affordable than any other book on scratchboard I've yet found (and I have quite a few in my collection - including some that are out-of-print). If you are thinking of trying out scratchboard or are just a scratchboard fan this little book is a worthwile addition to any collection.

Book Description

"I don't want a clever photograph. I want my pictures to make ordinary people react to see something that they hadn't taken in before."

-Snowdon It has been said that English photographer Lord Snowdon (born Tony Armstrong-Jones) knows everyone worth knowing. In this first retrospective on his nearly 50-year career, it seems he has also been everywhere and seen everything-and captured it all, brilliantly, on camera. Published to accompany a major exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, London, and the Yale Center for British Art, New Haven, the book unveils fashion shots for Vogue, pictures of actors, playwrights, dancers, designers, writers, and artists, and piercing photographs revealing the pain of the lonely and the disadvantaged. All bear the unmistakable signature of one of the foremost photographers of our time. The book ranges from Snowdon's early reportage for LIFE to his dynamic pictures of Alec Guinness, Helen Mirren, the British royal family, Francis Bacon, David Hockney, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and many more. Snowdon's friends and colleagues contribute texts on the various aspects of his career, revealing the full, extraordinary range of his work. DRUSILLA BEYFUS is a contributing editor at the Sunday Telegraph Magazine. SIMON CALLOW is an actor, director, and author. GEORGINA HOWELL writes for the London Sunday Times Magazine. PATRICK KINMONTH is a writer, fashion editor, and set and costume designer. ANTHONY POWELL is a three-time Academy Award-winning costume designer. CARL TOMS was one of Britain's great theater, ballet, and opera designers. MARJORIE WALLACE is a noted journalist and a leading authority on schizophrenia. All of the contributors have had close personal and professional ties with Snowdon. 220 photographs, 79 in full color, pages, 12 x 105/8"

Customer Reviews:

Photography meets fine art meets human drama.......2000-12-23

If you watched the December 17, 2000 CBS News SUNDAY MORNING feature on Lord Snowdon, you would have noted the photographer's humility. He denies photography's place as a fine art and his significance in his work - the subjects are what is important.

No person with an eye trained to fine art could deny the quality of Lord Snowdon's talent. As a fellow professional photographer, I aspire to capture the human condition quite as Lord Snowdon does. The reader will find a variety of work - black & white and color, famous persons and ordinary people, sharp crisp work to grainy impressionist. Don't look for any ordinary pictures - each is dramatic in some varied fashion. Don't look for sensual nudes - a couple of tasteful nudes adorn the book.

The photo selection is an excellent representation of his 50 years as a photographic master. The book's technical presentation is superb, in terms of paper choice and printing techniques. I eagerly await Lord Snowden's exhibit at the Yale Center for the British Art. Thank you for your wonderful contributions, Lord Snowdon, and thank you Harry N. Abrams, Inc., Publishers!

Average customer rating:
Photographs by Snowdon: A Retrospective
Drusilla Beyfus; Simon Callow
Manufacturer: Harry N. Abrams
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MC6BZY

Average customer rating:

Useful but short

Great Book For Anyone Contemplating A Retail Operation

A wealth of tips, tricks, and techniques

Success in Store: How to Start or Buy a Retail Business, Enjoy Running It and Make Money
Geoffrey Heard , and Gordon Woolf
Manufacturer: The Worsley Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Retailing | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
New Business Enterprises | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Business & Investing | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Retail Business Kit for Dummies

Specialty Shop Retailing: How to Run Your Own Store Revised

Start & Run a Retail Business (Start & Run a) (Start & Run a)

Start Your Own Successful Retail Business (Start Your Own)

Start Your Own Clothing Store (Entrepreneur Magazine's Start Up)

ASIN: 1875750185

Book Description

Practical advice by people who have done it and helped others do it. Just one example: how a small store turned a sale into a community event - cleared old stock, sold more, made a profit, raised cash for a charity, had fun and had customers making sure they were on the invitation list for next year

Our feeling is that retailers are going to want to dip into this book for ideas as they go, so we've made the contents listing extensive and included an extensive index. There are also margin notes of cross references. It's a book to keep by you and refer to again and again.

Customer Reviews:

Useful but short.......2005-07-15

This book gives you a glimpse of retail business. Helpful but lacks of more detailed info on operation. I think this is just a compilation of articles from a certain book/mag.

Great Book For Anyone Contemplating A Retail Operation.......2003-09-28

If you're thinking of starting or buying a small shop, you'll learn a lot by reading "Success in Store- How to Start or Buy a Retail Shop, Enjoy Running It, and Make Money" by Geoffrey Heard and Gordon Woolf.

Heard and Woolf cover many aspects of running or evaluating a shop including:

* The Importance of the Lease
* Licenses
* Recordkeeping
* Buying and Selling a Shop
* Dealing With Existing Staff
* Calculating Gross Profit Percentage, Markup, and Profit Margins
* Cash Flow
* Dealing With Customers, Including Shoplifting and Security
* Evaluating Stock
* Working With Sales Reps
* Purchasing Stock
* Promoting Your Shop
* Planning For the Growth of Your Business
* Deciding If You Should Purchase a Franchise, Start a New Shop, Or Purchase an Existing Shop

Heard and Woolf give specific advice for running many different kinds of shops, including bookstores, giftshops, clothing stores, antique shops, cafes, rental shops, and bakeries. The authors speak from experience having operated many types of shops. For example, Woolf owned (or owns) newspapers, a publishing company, a convenience store, a bookshop, and a small printing company.

Heard and Woolf point out that nearly anyone can start or buy most types of shops, but there are a few limitations-for example, only a pharmacist can operate a pharmacy.

Heard and Woolf write: "The first question to ask yourself is whether the business you are considering requires specialist knowledge and whether you have that knowledge (or a substantial part of it). There are businesses which require little specialist knowledge, but it is important to know how to obtain that small amount of knowledge if you do not already possess it."

Many shops fail though, possibly because it's so easy to start them. Heard and Woolf write: "While the majority of small businesses fail, and fail quickly, the business run by someone who seeks help from experts and who is prepared to admit mistakes, and do something about them, stands the best chance of success."

"Success in Store- How to Start or Buy a Retail Shop, Enjoy Running It, and Make Money" provides new shop owners with the benefit of the authors' experience, including important, but easily overlooked topics.

For example, there is a great discussion about leasing space. The authors write: "One of the fundamentals in which many new businesses go wrong is in signing an unsuitable lease."

Heard and Woolf warn new owners they might not get the same lease rate as some larger, more established stores, called "destination stores," because people go to particular shopping centers to shop at those stores. Thus, destination stores have more negotiating power.

In addition, Heard and Woolf address how running a business might affect your marriage and family. And, they address the important question: Will you make money with your own shop? And, how can you grow your business, if that's your goal?

If you're contemplating starting or buying a shop, I highly recommend "Success in Store- How to Start or Buy a Retail Shop, Enjoy Running It, and Make Money."

A wealth of tips, tricks, and techniques.......2003-09-14

Authoritatively co-written by marketing consultant Geoffrey Heard and experienced convenience store owner Gordon Woolf, Success In Store is a practical, "nuts-and-bolts", no-nonsense guide to acquiring and running a retail business, whether personally established or purchased from another. Individual chapters deftly address ways to promote one's store, basic information on day-to-day business operations, making the most of the internet, and a great deal more. A wealth of tips, tricks, and techniques make Success In Store indispensable reading for anyone seriously considering retail business as a career.

Success in Store: How to start or buy a retail business, enjoy running it and make money -- 2nd Edition

Average customer rating:

Success in Store: How to start or buy a retail business, enjoy running it and make money -- 2nd Edition
Geoffrey Heard , and Gordon Woolf
Manufacturer: The Worsley Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Perfect Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Retailing | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

New Business Enterprises | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1875750258
Release Date: 2007-01-25

Product Description

Extensively rewritten and extended from the successful first edition, Success in Store 2nd Edition offers practical advice on how to start or buy a retail business, enjoy running it and make money. The books is built around the narrative of buying, running and selling a small convenience store in a major rural city, with break-outs to a score of different kinds of retail business. The 2nd edition includes an all new chapter, Advertising for Success, providing hands-on advice about advertising and promotions using real world examples.

Book Description

How do you convey respect in Japan? Are business gifts appropriate in Kuala Lumpur? Can women negotiate contracts in Morocco?

The right answers can mean lucrative foreign deals. The wrong ones can spell farewell to golden opportunities abroad.

Now you no longer have to rely on instinct and hearsay to succeed in cross-cultural negotiations. This book prepares you for the real-life situations you'll face in international deal-making. You will learn all the right moves, whether your business takes you to Japan and the Pacific Rim; Western, Southern, or Central Europe; Latin America and the Caribbean; the Arab world; or Australia.

Emphasizing the acquisition of a "global mindset", this book tells you how to recognize the real leaders among your foreign counterparts; handle crucial cross-cultural differences in negotiating styles; deal with unfamiliar concepts of punctuality, manners, and gift-giving; and emerge victorious as a successful international negotiator!

Customer Reviews:

Great place to start........2005-09-27

This book provides a framework for thinking about foreign negotiations. Although it contains useful info about some specific foreign cultures, it is explicitly NOT a laundry list of dos and don'ts. If you are preparing to negotiate in a specific foreign cultural environment, you will still need to learn about that specific environment, but this book will give you a powerful means of approaching the material.

Basically, the author starts by raising readers' awareness of what it means to be "American" - what sorts of cultural assumptions we start from and habits we unconsciously develop. From there, he draws comparisons to other cultures. By making American readers more aware of ideas and habits they will tend to take for granted, the author opens his readers' minds to important issues in int'l communication. Interestingly, this book would be an excellent guide to negotiating in the United States for foreign businesspeople.

As the author points out, this heightened awareness gives practitioners the ability to deal with situations in foreign settings "on the fly" in a way that a list of specific behaviors and practices simply does not. You get more of the "why" than the traditional "how to," allowing you to spot issues as they crop up. However, there are plenty of specific tips for certain foreign settings.

I have M.A.s in Int'l Relations and Communications, and this is one of the better practical descriptions of the intersections between the two fields that I've come across, possibly the best. It is also consistent with the "principled bargaining" approach of Fischer and Ury, which is generally what U.S. businesspeople are taught. The table of contents is detailed, the organization breaks concepts into easy to remember chunks, and the index covers a great deal. So, this is a book you can come back to whenever you need a quick refresher, as well as an excellent starting point. I would recommend this book even if it meant foregoing something more specific to a particular culture, although both would be ideal.

Very informative.......2000-03-08

My company recently entered into contract negotiations with a company in China. I found this book to be very helpful and informative as we went through this process.

International Business.......2000-03-01

I found Mr. Foster's book to be an insightful analysis of the need for increased cultural sensitivity both in and out of the world of business. His descriptions of various cultural practices and norms are fascinating and informative. A highly readable book;I look forward to future works by this cross cultural expert.

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