Reviews (11)

Terrible
This book is full of errors. The publisher will do great service to the engineering profession (to humanity by extension) by immediately withdrawing this book from the market. Unorganized, incoherent, almost schizophrenic.

A great book for design
There are seven of us (structural engineer / bridge designer) have been using this book successfully for our daily bridge design. Very Badly Written
Like all of Professor Nawy's books, this one is extremely badly written.There are numerous typos and mistakes, although some are kind of entertaining.The Reinforced Concrete Book for example discusses the "modulus of rapture" of concrete.The chapter on Unbonded Post-tensioning in the Concrete Construction book discusses "prostrating tendons".Read more

Subjects:  1. Engineering - Civil    2. Prestressed Concrete Structures    3. Prestressed concrete    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Technology    6. Technology & Industrial Arts    7. Building construction & materials    8. Civil Engineering, Surveying & Building    9. Technology / Construction & Construction Trades   

Reviews (4)

Mediterranean Architecture At Its Finest
I love these elegant books put out by Acanthus Press.This book has vivid period black and white images of great american homes in the Mediterranean style.This is a reprint of a book first realized in the 20's.The images and text really make one appreciate the craftmanship and grace of the era.They really don't build buildings. like this anymore, whether they be for residential or commercial use.If you have any interest in wondeful period images, or singular craftmanship, then you will love this book.

Primarily southern CA architecture.
This was a good coffee table book.Or, if you're interested in the "Mediterranean" look that would be more precisely refered to as "spanish revival" or "Santa Barbara" this is a great example of the architecture of southern CA in the earlier part of the last century.A very popular and good looking style.Only thing, for a style reference it could have used more floor plans of the homes.

Shadows on Stucco Walls
I find this book a compelling record of a style and period of architecture I love. This is a reprint of a 1929 book, the period black & white photos and drawings are well realized and reveal a lot detail. There are also plans shown for most of the houses illustratedRead more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Architecture    3. Architecture, Domestic    4. Design & Construction    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Italian influences    7. Spanish influences    8. United States   

Editorial Review

For twenty years people have relied on these hundreds of recipes,instructions, and morsels of invaluable practical advice on all aspects of growingand preparing food. This definitive classic on food, gardening, andself-sufficient living is a complete resource for living off the landwith over 800 pages of collected wisdom from country maven, CarlaEmery--how to cultivate a garden, buy land, bake bread, raise farmanimals, make sausage, milk a goat, grow herbs, churn butter, catch apig, make soap, work with bees and more. Read more

Reviews (83)

Tribute to Carla Emery and Country Living
The Encycopedia of Country Living is a wonderful reference guide written over the course of Carla Emery's lifetime.It is packed full of information for the person dreaming of living in the country or for the experienced homesteader.Carla Emery writes in a personal, down to earth way and it is never boring.It is a must-have for those even thinking about a county lifestyle. Carla Emery passed away recently but her book will continue to live on and be a reference guide to all those people that have hopes and dreams of living off the land.

An Absolute Treasure! Thank you Carla!
This book is a rich treasury of simple living. Reading it is not only incredibly informative, but also almost like having a close friend or grandmother at your side. Excellent for reference, full of useful facts, critical insights, and a personal touch that rings of the warmth of a country home.
Can't live without book
Long ago I had an earlier version that was punched hole pages with wire rings holding it together.
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Subjects:  1. Cooking / Wine    2. Gardening    3. Gardening/Plants    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Home economics    6. Reference   

Subjects:  1. Buildings    2. Construction - General    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Standards    5. Standards, Engineering    6. Technology    7. Technology & Industrial Arts    8. Building construction & materials    9. Reference works    10. Technology / Construction & Construction Trades   

Reviews (7)

Waste of time and MONEY!
Based on the reviews of this book I decided to buy it! To my absolute shock, I dont understand who wrote these great reviews??? They were probably written by the publisher or author of this book.
Good Guide
I was not impressed when I received this book, with the quality of the paper or the overall presentation.I thought some of the photography left much to be desired quality-wise.However, it is quite a comprehensive book and I leaned on it considerably in my studies of furniture and design.So don't let me put you off.I just think that, with all the research and hard work involved, and considering the price, a better quality might have been forthcoming.

Like Cliff Notes for Furniture!
This book has brief history lessons on furniture from the begining of time!It's a great reference when you need an answer about a design period- quick! A must for every Interior Designer! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Art    3. Decorating - General    4. Design - General    5. Furniture    6. Furniture Arts And Crafts    7. Interior Design - General    8. Styles    9. Art / Design / General    10. Home furnishing & decoration   

Subjects:  1. Architectural Drawing    2. Architecture    3. Building Details Finishing    4. Ceilings    5. Construction - General    6. Design & Drafting    7. Engineering - Civil    8. Flooring    9. Paint    10. Paneling    11. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    12. Reference    13. Standards    14. Architectural structure & design    15. Architecture / Reference    16. Building construction & materials    17. Reference works   

Reviews (1)

Excellent Reference Book
I have many years of architectural drafting experience. Although this book says "Basic Skills" on the cover, it is much more than basic. It's an excellent reference book, covering everything that is needed for interior design drafting: from line weights to scale, dimensioning, plans, elevations, sections, checklists, furniture and finish schedules, contract documents, and the list goes on. I highly recommend this book for students of interior design and practising designers alike. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Building    3. Building Construction    4. Construction - General    5. Decorating    6. Details    7. Drafting & Mechanical Drawing    8. Drafting Technology    9. Drawings    10. Interior Design - General    11. Interior architecture    12. Structural drawing    13. Technology    14. Architecture / Interior Design    15. Computer aided design (CAD)    16. Engineering graphics & technical drawing    17. Home furnishing & decoration    18. Interior design   

Reviews (47)

I love Rex Cauldwell's Books!
This was the first of his books that I have read. I have read it cover to cover a couple of times now.
Somewhat informative, OK for casual reading
This book does have some useful information, but has a frustrating lack of "how to" descriptions and drawings. I would like to just see a photo or drawing of a properly wired load center, or how wires are routed through the attic. There are a lot of the author's personal anecdotes which may be OK for casual reading but when someone buys a book like this they are looking for hard-core how-to info. It DOES describe many code requirements better than the scattered, ambiguous National Electric Code, which is another review. Whether you're an experienced journeyman, or a homeowner builder like I am, you will get some useful info out of this book, but it won't be your main source of information. Better practical how-to info is at Reader's Digest website.

A perfect book, If you are not an electrical novice.
At the top of the front cover, in large type, is the advisory "FOR PROS, BY PROS".The book delivers exactly on this claim.If you do not already know neutral from ground, this is not the first book you should buy.But if you do have some electrical knowledge, and perhaps even own your own copy of the NEC, then this book is an absolute must-read.
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Subjects:  1. Do-It-Yourself    2. Do-It-Yourself - Electrical    3. Electric wiring, Interior    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Home & House Maintenance    7. House & Home / Reference   

Reviews (15)

They Work!!!!!
So far everything I've tried has worked.Especialy the amonia for skunks and lemon juice for fleas.

Run Screaming...
...from this book.
Good book.
Lots of useful secrets.Not worth the original $40 for the paperback though. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gardening / Horticulture    2. Organic    3. Pest Control    4. Reference    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Technology   

Reviews (13)

The Not So Big House Collection
Quick and easy transaction.Fast to get it shipped out.Very satisfied with condition and entire sales process!

Good Reference
Nice reference and will hopefully be useful on our next project.Good photo ideas.

Unique Slant
It's evident Ms Susanka has fashioned a niche for sleek, tasteful and refined living. She seperates style from fashion with a keen eye set for timeless architecture. She stresses quality over quantity in square footage. I was pleased with the quality of these books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Design & Construction    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Domestic    5. House & Home    6. House & Home / General    7. Interior design   

Subjects:  1. Construction - General    2. Directories    3. General    4. Reference    5. Technical & Manufacturing Trades    6. Technology & Industrial Arts    7. Technology / Technical & Manufacturing Industries & Trades   

Reviews (1)

Excellent introductory book
This book explains the fundamentals of structural analysis (mainly statically determinate structures) and then goes on to the design fundamentals for different materials (wood, steel, concrete and masonry)followed by the design of the structural system for a building.I firstused an earlier edition of this book when studying for my undergraduatedegree as an introductory book before reading the course texts. The presentedition maintains the "easy to understand" explanations of theearlier edition while adding new materials, expanding other sections andupdating the design methods in line with the building codes. Emphasis isplaced on understanding, the explanations given are very clear and thereare numerous worked examples to illustrate the principles.The book isexcellent for the beginner first getting used to structural analysis anddesign or for the practising engineer who has not touched structures for awhile and wants to refresh his memory. However this book is only the firststep and the undergraduate or practising engineer would do well to followup on thiswith other more specialised books like Wang and Salmon's"Reinforced Concrete Design", Salmon and Johnson's "Steelstructures: Design and behaviour", or Halperin and Bible's"Principles of Timber Design for Architects and Builders". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Construction - General    3. Design & Drafting    4. Engineering - Civil    5. Engineering - General    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Structural engineering    8. Technology    9. Technology & Industrial Arts    10. Technology / Construction & Construction Trades   

Reviews (3)

Virtues of the Ranch House
"These modest homes were the fulfillment of the American middle-class dream, bringing a higher standard of living to average people, and giving birth to a whole new way of life. There is a type of beauty in their simplicity, their efficient use of space, and the creativity with which they employed inexpensive materials to deliver a modern look." ~Rob Keil
Beautiful Book, Important Topic
This is a great book that finally gives America's "average" midcentury tract houses their due. The photos are beautiful and the information is great. Eichler, Levittown, Westlake, and other midcentury neighborhoods are pictured along with detailed information on remodeling, restoring, and preserving these underappreciated little gems of modernism. It's a nice coffee-table presentation of the subject that is pleasing to just flip through for the sake of the photos, but also informative enough to spend some real time with.

Mid-Century Marvels
Having just purchased my 1954 Mid-Century Marvel I was ecstatic to find this book.It has become an essential resource guide to help me restore my Mid-Century Marvel to its former glory.It is full of gorgeous photography, decorating ideas, and it even has a section on landscaping.This book is a must have for any Mid-Century enthusiast.Simply, excellent!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Architectural Design    3. Architecture    4. Design & Construction    5. Domestic    6. History - Specific Styles    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. Interior Design - General    9. Ranch houses    10. Residential Buildings Architecture    11. U.S. Architecture - General    12. United States    13. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (2)

This book is expensive, inaccurate, and underwhelming.
Claire Shaeffer writes informative books about sewing and fabrics for the home sewer.Claire Shaeffer should have either stayed in the sewing industry or gained real experience in the garment industry before she dare charge $71 for a vacuous outsider's perspective of this so-called "apparel industry".The book has a generic text book tome and the corny needle and thread clip art screams "home sewer".There is nothing wrong with home sewing.I've been sewing since I was 10.Making clothes has been my quiet hobby and a source of unending fascination.The truth is: the garment industry doesn't want to deal with home sewers."Fashion" designers and home sewers both share ignorance and arrogance as annoying, unappealing traits.Anyone can doodle on a napkin, but who can construct it from a sketch, fit it right, and sew it up professionally, within your cost structure?Not a "fashion" designer or a home sewer can do that, yet they think that they are greater than the process for they are completely unaware of the process.The goal is to work well with the fashion and garment industries.If you are looking for this kind of information in this book, you won't find it. THANKYOUCLAIRESHAEFFER!!!
This is the type of book that should be used in schools for Merchandising OR Fashion Design. I cannot get over it's usefullness. Everything I wanted (and needed) to hear about about clothing manufacture is in this book! Fairchild Pubs could never publish such a USEFUL and INTELLIGENTLY WRITTEN book. Those bastards always make textbooks difficult to understand and fill them with meaningless JABBERWOCKY!! Half the time, they don't even have a decent glossary or INDEX (if there is one at all) whereas Claire it seems, has given us the full tour. Peripheral data you could care less about is not here!! Nothing to waste your time, only a step-by-step layout of what happens when a person or people manufacture clothing for retail purposes. From the design concepts (who and how they're created) to what type of people you would need (including full job descriptions) to what the considerations are for contracting, shipping etc.. There are also tons of other little things including pictures that are laid out in a very intelligible way. The beauty of her writing is that the data is always concious that you may not be a huge entreprenuer, and applies methods for the little guy as well. Just an amazing book. I almost don't want anyone else to know about it... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business/Economics    2. Clothing trade    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Decorating - General    5. Design - General    6. Dressmaking    7. Manufacturing    8. Sewing    9. Tailoring (Women's)    10. Technical & Manufacturing Trades    11. Technology & Industrial Arts    12. Textile Industries    13. Art / Design / General    14. Needlework & fabric crafts    15. Textile & fibre technology   

Reviews (4)

Must have for designers!!!!!!
Very informative and loaded with pictures of gorgeous fabrics from one of the top fabric design houses in the world. A must have for designers or anyone in the interior design business who deal with high end fabrics and trims on a regular basis. Would highly recommend this book!!!!

Sensuous fabrics, trims, and more!
This book has great historical information on the Scalamandre family and brand in addition to fabulous room photos.

Scalamandre review
This is one of the most beautiful books on Interior Design.It does not have a lot of type to clutter the beautiful photos.It will remain an historical account of an historic company that exposes beautiful fabrics to a discerning clientele.It should be in everyone's library...... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. House & Home    5. Interior Design - General    6. Scalamandre (Firm)    7. Scalamandrâe (Firm)    8. Textile fabrics in interior de    9. Textile fabrics in interior decoration    10. Home furnishing & decoration    11. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (2)

Wonderful book, great pictures
This book contains a wonderful pictorial view of stone houses, better than I've ever seen.It includes all forms of construction and gives very informative descriptions of each style.The history related here is invaluable to the reader, as it takes you back in time. The pictures are full color and very articulately done.I found the colors presented in the homes helpful to me in restoring our stone house, built in the 1830's.This book is more than a "coffee table" book, it's a history lesson.

Great book
Wonderful photos and very interesting and informative text.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Design & Construction    3. Domestic    4. Historic Preservation    5. Architecture / Domestic    6. Pennsylvania    7. Residential buildings, domestic buildings   

Reviews (1)

Fast Track to acquire best skills
I have worked for 3 years in project management company about construction, but I cannot establish transparent concepts about Project Management. At the moment, this book was messiah to me almost drowning in deep mud pool of construction field. Most of all not only beginners to PM but also skillful PM can gain lots of useful informations from this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - General    2. Construction industry    3. Engineering - Civil    4. Engineering - Industrial    5. Engineering Construction Management    6. Industrial Project Management    7. Management    8. Management - General    9. Project Management    10. Science/Mathematics    11. Technology    12. Technology & Industrial Arts    13. Building construction & materials    14. Technology / Engineering / Civil   

Reviews (7)

Way too many errata for a recommendation
I have been using this book for six months in two different courses, and have nearly completed it.
how to survive the use of this book
this book is terrible!There are very few helpful illustrations, some simply don't exist ie in the defining of angles and their relationships!for some problems/projects that are fairly involved, several completely different data sets are used, so if you were confused about something on one step you cannot derive understanding from the completion of the problem.So, you are forced to rely on the horrible text written partially in crat -things are explained in the longest possible way!The author and our instructor use different terms, it is awful. Elementary Surveying
Simply the best surveying text.The best feature is the way it introduces the basic concepts of a topic followed by a section of advanced concepts concerning the topic.This makes the book an essential reference for both students and practioners.This book is highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - General    2. Engineering - Civil    3. Geomatics    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Surveying    6. Technology    7. Technology & Industrial Arts    8. Geodesy & surveying for maps & charts    9. Technology / Construction & Construction Trades   

Reviews (18)

Great Resource!!!!!!!!!!!
We love this book.It has taken us (my husband and I) step by step through the process of finishing our basement (we are now up to drywall, yeah!) The extra tips are great also.You do need an additional wiring book if you have never tackled it before. I would highly recommend this book if you have an unfinished basement and you are looking for the right book for guidence.

Showed me what I needed to know
I'm planning my basement renewal and this book helped me think through the different stages.I haven't tested it in practice as yet, but it helped me a lot.

Excellent overview
During the remodel of my basement, I found this to be an excellent "guide".I say guide because I did have to supplement a couple of times (namely the drywall and HVAC sections) with more in-depth books.But German lays out everything in a logical step-by-step manner and most of his explanations are clear.I didn't run into the insulation problem that some others had because I used a separate book for hanging drywall and insulation.I think that any novice wanting to remodel their basement should pick up this book first and then get more detailed information on subjects if they need to.Everyone's experience will be different, and this book is a great overview of most of the stuff you will encounter. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Basements    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. Home Maintenance And Repair    5. House & Home    6. Remodeling    7. Remodeling & Renovation - General    8. House & Home / Remodeling & Renovation   

Reviews (1)

good reading in project management
the book covers most of the issues related to project management. Sometopics are very informative even for soemone with experience in projectmanagement. overall a very good book on this subject. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Building    2. Construction - General    3. Construction industry    4. Engineering - Civil    5. Management    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Superintendence    8. Technology    9. Technology & Industrial Arts    10. Building construction & materials    11. Construction & heavy industry    12. Technology / Construction & Construction Trades