Review of Building with Nature: Inspiration for the Arts and Crafts Home (Hardcover)

This is the first book to truly explore the origins of the American Arts & Crafts Movement.A group in San Francisco began constructing simpler buildings and furnishing them with what eventually was called Mission furniture.This lead to the nationwide popularization of Craftsman homes and furniture by Stickley and others.If you have an interest in Architecture or the "Arts & Crafts" you should read this book.

Product Description
Much has been said about the Arts & Crafts spirit of Californians, their appreciation of the land, their desire to build "simple" yet interesting houses that connect with the outdoors (sleeping porches, gardens, verandas, terraces, and so on), and their love of wilderness areas. This new edition of the classic, Building with Nature: Roots of the San Francisco Bay Region Tradition, focuses on the beginnings (1865 and on) of the Bay Area shingle style and Arts & Crafts collaboration in California, and the origins of the trend toward building simple rustic homes in harmony with nature. Freudenheim explores how and why a small, influential group of Californians (including Joseph Worcester, Bernard Maybeck, Charles Keeler, William Keith, Charles Lummis, A. Page Brown, and others)--all of whom had come from the East or from England--were especially devoted to Ruskin and the Arts & Crafts style and how this combined with their dedication to California's natural beauty to create a unique architectural movement.

Building with Nature: The Development of the California Arts and Crafts Home presents some revolutionary ideas, including exciting new material on the San Francisco Swedenborgian Church, now a National Landmark and considered to be the model for several lines of Mission-Style furniture; new information on the architectural development of Russian Hill; and the similarities and differences of the almost simultaneous development of the Arts & Crafts movements in England and in the Bay Area. Freudenheim examines how Worcester and his circle encouraged less materialism through architecture that complemented a simpler life in tune with nature, and includes letters from Worcester to his cousin, architect Daniel H. Burnham, along with previously unpublished original documents relating to architectural developments in the Bay Area at the turn of the century.

Leslie Freudenheim is the coauthor of Building with Nature: Roots of the San Francisco Bay Region Tradition (Gibbs Smith, Publisher, 1974). Freudenheim has continued to work on architectural history and related areas, and has been published in the Baltimore Sun and the Washington Post. She also served as editor of Federal Design Matters for the Design Department, National Endowment for the Arts. Since 2002 she has returned to studying Arts & Crafts homes and the architectural and social roots of this movement.

From the Inside Flap
Much has been written about the Arts & Crafts spirit of Californians, their appreciation of the land, their desire to build simple yet interesting houses that connect with the outdoors (sleeping porches, gardens, verandas, terraces, and so on), and their love of natural building materials. This revised edition of a foundation classic focuses on the beginnings (1865 and on) of environmentalism and Arts & Crafts collaboration in California, and the origins of the trend toward building simple rustic homes in harmony with nature.

Freudenheim and Sussman explore how and why a small, influential group of Californians (including Joseph Worcester, Bernard Maybeck, Charles Keeler, William Keith, Charles Lummis, A. Page Brown, and others)--all of whom had come from the East or from England--were especially devoted to Ruskin and the Arts & Crafts and how this combined with their dedication to preserve California's natural beauty to create a unique architectural movement.

Building with Nature: Development of the California Arts & Crafts Home presents some revolutionary ideas, including exciting new material on the San Francisco Swedenborgian Church, now a National Landmark and considered to be the model for several lines of Mission-style furniture; new information on the architectural development of Russian hill; and the similarities and differences of the almost simultaneous development of the Arts & Crafts movements in England and the Bay Area. Freudenheim examines how Worcester and his circle encouraged less materialism through architecture that complemented a simpler life in tune with nature, and includes letters from Worcester to his cousin, architect Daniel H. Burnham, along with previously unpublished original documents relating to architectural developments in the Bay Area at the turn of the century.

Leslie Freudenheim, with coauthor Elisabeth Sussman, did pioneering research on the Arts & Crafts movement and its architectural manifestations in the San Francisco Bay region. This collaboration resulted in the publication of Building with Nature: Roots of the San Francisco Bay Region Tradition (Gibbs Smith, Publisher, 1974).

Subsequently, Freudenheim continued her work in architectural history. She wrote a weekly column on architecture and urban affairs for the Baltimore Sun, and contributed to the Washington Post and Museum News. Thereafter she served as Editor of Federal Design Matters for the Design Department, National Endowment for the Arts, and while living in Berlin (1999-2000) wrote on art and architecture for DieWelt and Art News. Since 2001 she has returned to studying the architectural and social roots of theArts & Crafts movement in California.Freudenheim lives in Washington, D.C.

Elisabeth Sussman is a curator at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Her recent exhibitions and catalogues include Eva Hesse: A Retrospective and Diane Arbus: Revelations (both originated at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art). Sussman lives in New York City.



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Review of Vastu: Transcendental Home Design in Harmony with Nature (Hardcover)

This book is stunningly beautiful! I want to move right into the rooms, homes, and gardens featured in this book. The photographs alone would make this book worth owning. But on top of the great beauty, the book is filled with helpful information on how to improve our homes so we can feel more grounded, serene, and joyful. I have used some feng shui techniques in the past, which is why I was interested in this title. I made a few changes recommended in the book and have experienced an enhanced feeling of well being. The biggest change has been in our bedroom. My husband, who has historically been a poor sleeper, and I changed the direction of our bed. He is now sleeping much better and sometimes even sleeps through the night, rather than waking up 3 or 4 times as he used to. I also moved the extra books out of our bedside table, which makes the bedroom feel more peaceful even though the books could not be seen where they were. Next, I plan to investigate "yantras," which the author recommends for making our homes more sacred and correcting problems that we cannot correct because of the limitations of our homes or budgets. In summary, I highly recommend this book and recommend that you use some of the Vatsu principles. You will definitely feel the benefits!

Product Description
The notion of designing and respecting sacred space has been around for centuries, recognized in such current culture trends as Feng Shui, Wabi Sabi, and even the push to make homes greener. Vastu-India's ancient science of architecture and design for buildings and gardens-is the origin of traditions like Feng Shui, and finally gets a proper introduction in Vastu: Transcendental Home Design In Harmony with Nature ($29.95; Hardcover; Gibbs Smith, Publisher, October 2007) by Vastu sacred space design consultant Sherri Silverman.




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Review of How to Design, Build, Remodel & Maintain Your Home (Paperback)

This is a very comprehensive book. We are building an addition. This book was very detailed oriened yet fairly easy to understand. It covers everything from heating and air conditioning to duct work to repairs to explaining basic terms.

If you are working on an addition or building a house this would be a good book to buy.

It is not a book of ideas or suggested floor plans. Rather, this book will help you build the addition or build the house once you have decided what you are doing. This a book more about the 'guts' or the 'behind the scenes' of the house building.

Well worth the money.

Product Description

With this comprehensive book, you will learn enough about construction materials and labor to save up to 70 percent on the cost of your home and still have a house mare sound than any ready-built structure.

You will learn enough about creating a plan so that you or a professional builder can translate your dream into a reality.

You will learn enough about good building methods to avoid the "high cost of cheap construction."

Included in this volume is complete and detailed information on all the following topics:

Basic Tools and Use

* Doors and Windows
* Site Selection
* Exterior Finishes
* Building and Zoning Laws
* Interior Non-Bearing Partitions
* How to Read Plans
* Soundproofing
* Preliminary Design Studies
* Plumbing
* Designing for the Physically Handicapped
* Heating
* Air Conditioning
* Dangerproofing
* Electricity
* Cost Control
* Solar Energy
* Staking Out
* Fire Stops
* Introduction to Construction
* Insulation and Energy-Saving Techniques
* Foundations
* Termites and Carpenter Ants
* Ceiling Finishes
* Floor Framing
* Interior Wall Finishes
* Wall Framing
* Floor Finishes
* Ceiling Framing
* Interior Finishes
* Roof Framing
* Saunas
* Plank and Beam Framing
* Site Work
* Sheathing
* High Cost of Cheap Construction
* Roof Covering
* Construction Forms and Contracts

Written simply enough for the layman to understand, with enough sophisticated knowledge and creative ideas for the professional, here's a book no home builder should be without.

About the Author
Joseph D. Falcone, A.I.A. is an architect, educator, city planner and author. He is head of an architectural firm with a permanent staff of architects and engineers, served as Chairman of City Plan Commission for 18 years and has taught and is currently teaching at Secondary, College and University levels.

He is listed in Who's Who In The East for the past five years for outstanding design in construction and has won a national award in design by the American Association of School Administrators. He has been elected to the International Registry of Who's Who.

Mr. Falcone is considered an expert in all types of building design and construction and has a proven track record of optimum combination of creativity, logic, soundness and economy.



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Review of The Preservation of Historic Architecture: The U.S. Government's Official Guidelines for Preserving Historic Homes (Paperback)

Well writen and full of info for anyone who works in the field or just loves old buildings.

Product Description
From removing graffiti in Manhattan to rebuilding a hops barn in Oregon, the National Park Service-a part of the Department of the Interior-has faced just about every problem an old structure can encounter. Here for the first time is a collection of their hardwon know-how and official guidelines, written by the top experts in their respective fields of preservation.

Forty-two fully illustrated chapters include:

-- cleaning and waterproof coating for historic masonry
-- repointing mortar joints
-- maintaining historic adobe buildings
-- the dangers of abrasive cleaning
-- repairing historic wooden windows
-- rehabilitating historic storefronts
-- repairing wooden shingles
-- preserving barns
-- repairing stucco
-- using substitute materials on historic building exteriors
-- mothballing historic buildings
-- understanding architectural cast iron

There's even a chapter on repairing vintage signs. Each subject is treated with the utmost care and discusses the safest and most historically accurate repairs. Perhaps just as important as the valuable advice on how to undertake various projects, the guides also give invaluable advice on what not to do-based on years of preservation experience-that can save a homeowner thousands of dollars, hours, and perhaps a priceless piece of architecture. For the student or the professional restorer, THE PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE is the official government text on saving old buildings.


From the Back Cover
From removing graffiti in Manhattan to rebuilding a hops barn in Oregon, the National Park Service - a part of the Department of the Interior - has faced just about every problem an old structure can encounter. Here for the first time is a collection of their hard-won know-how and official guidelines, written by the top experts in their respective fields of preservation.
Forty-one fully illustrated chapters include: Cleaning and waterproof coating for historic masonry; repointing mortar joints; maintaining historic adobe buildings; the dangers of abrasive cleaning; repairing historic wooden windows; rehabilitating historic storefronts; repairing wooden shingles; preserving barns; repairing stucco; using substitute materials on historic building exteriors; mothballing historic buildings; understanding architectural cast iron.
There's even a chapter on repairing vintage signs. Each subject is treated with the utmost care and discusses the safest and most historically accurate repairs. Perhaps just as important as the valuable advice on how to undertake various projects, the guides also give invaluable advice on what not to do - based on years of preservation experience - that can save a homeowner thousands of dollars, hours, and perhaps a priceless piece of architecture. For the student or the professional restorer, The Preservation of Historic Architecture is the official government text on saving old buildings.


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Review of George Washington's Mount Vernon: At Home in Revolutionary America (Paperback)

Knowing Professor Dalzell and Mrs. Dalzell personally, I was incredibly curious to see how they blended the two seemingly connected but perhaps contrasting topics of George Washington and his home. Essentially, theywere connected very successfully. The entire history of the home itself istold vividly with photographs, anecdotes, and objective descriptions of itsdevelopment. Following, Washington's own personal, military, and politicalhistory is told in light of the times, and in the book's shining ability,in relation to the home itself. The Dalzell's cleverly-melded arguments anddiscussions leads the reader to a full knowledge of Mt. Vernon and itsinspiring owner.



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Review of The Victorian House Book: A Practical Guide to Home Repair and Decoration (Hardcover)

I order this book to help in my restoration of an old victorian house.I was very pleased with the photos and the range of ideas.The advice given in the book was also quite helpful.I return to the book often to browse the photos again when I am in need of inspiration.

Product Description

Historical information plus design ideas and advice for a Victorian vintage home.

[Praise for the UK edition:] Well-researched and documented... Essential for anyone interested in Victorian design and decoration.
- Library Journal

The Victorian House Book is a fascinating and essential guide to a rich and varied design age. The book details numerous interior and exterior styles -- from the High Victorian and Queen Anne Revival to the Classical and Gothic -- and showcases homes from the United States and Great Britain.

Full of inspiring ideas and fascinating information, the book is organized room by room including conservatories, libraries and billiard rooms. More than 500 color photographs and 1,500 line drawings show the beauty and elegance of Victorian homes and reveal details of their architectural features. A wide range of design elements is examined, including:

• House styles and plans
• Traditional colors and finishes
• Construction features
• Furniture styles
• Roofs and gables
• Ceilings and fireplaces
• Wallpapers and upholstery
• Decorative glass and moldings
• Curtains and floor coverings
• Railings and ironwork.

The Victorian House Book also includes a trouble-shooting guide with information and advice on renovation techniques and care and maintenance. A source list provides the names, addresses and websites of manufacturers and suppliers.

(20080318)



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Review of A Home for the Soul: A Guide for Dwelling wtih Spirit and Imagination (Hardcover)

If you are looking for lots of ideas for floor plans, design or decorating ideas, this is not the book you want.If you are looking for a book that will help you create a space that feels like "home," this book will help you think about what that means in terms of your space.

Lawlor takes an unusual approach to his subject by first examining each living area with respect to the Greek gods typically responsible for that space.Before one dismisses this as a New Age thing, study the ideas behind the activities represented by that god.It's simply his "hook" to get the reader to continue on, to think about what this space is intended to do in the routine of life.As a storyteller, I was thrilled to read of his ideas for planning one's living area, which should be a space for stories, music and social interaction.He does not ignore the ever-present television, but he does suggest planning for lively, involved social interaction, which we all crave but often lack in our busy lives.

He does give general suggestions for room layouts if you are in the planning stages of construction, and closes each chapter with his vision of the ideal layout for that living area.He suggests materials, colors, furnishings and accents for each specific area, so that if you are looking to change existing space, you'll find that, too.Anyone who places a priority on books as a major furnishing component will win me over every time, but his vision of planning for a home, not a house, has appeal as well.

Product Description
A Home for the Soul
by Anthony Lawlor

Anthony Lawlor is known as the architect who brings soul to design. His acclaimed book The Temple in the House showed how to and the sacred in architecture. Now, in A Home for the Soul, he reveals how our houses and apartments can become havens of inspiration and renewal.
"From the moment we're born, we seek to find home." Lawlor says, "Yet, despite this primal longing, our dwelling places often disappoint us." In A Home for the Soul, we discover that the depth and meaning we seek is right in front of us if we but have the eyes to see. Lawlor teaches us how to develop a consciousness about the spiritual possibilities inherent in our interior surroundings; he shows how to recognize the sacred in material form. "Each time we bathe," says Lawlor, "we not only cleanse the body,
we refresh the spirit. Each time we open our front door, we enter a universe of connection and signifcance."
Lawlor leads us on a journey through each
room of the house, opening our vision to hidden possibilities. We discover, for example, how a stove expresses the transforming power of nature, how clothes closets reveal our inner personalities, and how home offices display our talents. Lawlor shows us the mythological
and archetypal meanings within the common objects of daily life--such as a bed, a bathtub, a pair of shoes, or a loaf or bread.
The author also offers practical suggestions
for arranging or building soulful homes.
He explains how to use wood, tile, brick, and stone to express qualities of the spirit and
how to use furniture and personal objects as allies in creating meaning.

Finally, Lawlor shows us how to construct a Mandala of the Soul--a wood cabinet with compartments for housing the symbols of home that have particular personal meanings for
each reader.
In these pages, we come to understand how all the rooms we live in can form a sacred place of wholeness, a home that cares for and uplifts the totality of mind, body, and soul.



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Review of Vastu Living: Creating a Home for the Soul (Paperback)

I've taught Vedic texts in the West for many years. The author presents a cogent, wise, and clearly stated introduction not only to vastu but to the Vedic holistic philosophy. I actually include the title in my students reading list. The author's update of vastu, connecting it to ayurveda, is a wise decision and makes good sense.Vastu is connected to all the other Vedic disciplines and practicing yoga, ayurveda and now vastu can enhance the quality of one's life. I've read many of the new books on vastu, but the author's understanding of this subject is refreshing and true to its Vedic source. I look forward to reading the author's new release.



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Review of Apartment Therapy: The Eight-Step Home Cure (Paperback)

As a reviewer previously noted, there really isn't anything new here. But like a chef who takes ingredients we are well familiar with and combines them to give us a new experience, so too does Maxwell. There are the little gimmicks--calling people warm and cool, talking about the house like a body when he could just say he's writing about attending to repairs (bones), arranging and organizing the stuff in your space (breath), figuring out the functions of each room (head) and decorating (heart). But this is not a meal of last night's leftovers. Instead it is packaged into another gimmick: the eight week cure. There's a lot to do in your eight weeks: and the work seems unbalanced. It starts out slowly (throwing out one thing, making lists) and ends slowly (preparing for a party) but in the middle there's almost an impossible amount of things to do. But it's all laid out. There are worksheets and practical tips to begin. Maxwell has taken all the steps to transforming a living space and laid them all out sequentially. This book is about more than just fixing up your place however: Maxwell aims to change and enrich your experience of your home. And that's the spice that makes the book worth consuming.

This book is also something else. It's a primer for a web site and blog. It sets out the vocabulary and explains the aims of hundreds of people who have already participated in the first on-line cure. Like Marla Cilley's Sink Reflections, the book functions as a portal to the collective on-line experience. There are no lush photographs in the book.They are on the web site.

More than anything, though, Maxwell writes his prose well and in such a way that one feels inspired to tackle transforming one's home and experience in it. I'm not in a small apartment in the city---but a small house in a city whose burbs are ever expanding outwards. I don't need to start cooking at home--as he recommends--but taking those wonderful morning baths he advocates. It'll be a challenge to implement the cure for my home and it will take longer than eight weeks. Nonetheless, he has inspired me to do all he counsels and for that reason I recommend the book.




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