Design Books

This is the first and the best in a very long series of books concerning recording studio acoustics. Jeff Cooper was one of the pioneers in studying and building recording studios and though this book is very compact, it contains much of his knowledge in a precise and very simple way. This book manages to make a very complicated matter accesible to everyone who has an interest in building either a recording studio or a listening room.

As someone unfamiliar with construction techniques, this book was a god send to me. The writing is clear and straightforward, and it contains a series of easy to understand illustrations showing construction details. From my simplistic laymen's perspective, I can say that after reading this book, I was able to have intelligent and informed conversations with architects and contractors regarding my studio. I'm sure readers who know how to swing a hammer will feel prepared to do a lot more than just talk.

In my opinion this is a good book. Helps you solve some problems of existing acoustical environments and provides great info on building rooms "from the ground" as well.
Now, the author him self says that going deeper on some stuff is beyond the scope of the book, but I think a little bit more wouldn't hurt.
Other aspects are it is really easy to read and have some nice drawings of every detail approached by the text. That helps you with ideas to be developed.
I think that this is a very good book for anyone seeking basic reference to rely on.

Jeff Cooper "nails" every relevent topic on the construction of a modern recording studio. Not for the faint of heart (or wallet) as these construction tecniques are hardly ever followed in today's home studios. But at the least, you'll know how to do it right and why the real built-up studios should get the big bucks!

After reading lots of boring Acoustics books, I had already given up on finding a book with "PRACTICAL" advice on how to build a studio. The only negative point about this one is that maybe it is a bit scarce on contents (only 200 pages)... Once read the book, one wishes it had a sequel!

Excellent! The proof is in the pudding. I plan to build the T-2, one of the proas covered in detail. Only the book is needed to complete several proas from start to finish, including sails. Each boat also has options as to material and rig. There is plenty to ponder including the author's website and links. I was looking for something light weight, fast, and different. An outrigger should attract some attention on the boat ramps here in Maine. Paul

If you're interested in building a sailing outrigger or have simply always wondered how these somewhat mysterious boats work, this book is a "must have" and contains a tremendous amount of information, especially for the price. People who have read my book (Canoe Rig) know that I place great value on plenty of top-notch illustrations. Gary's book is crammed full of them and does an excellent job of showing you exactly what he's talking about in the text. They also inspire the reader to build one (or maybe even all three) of the boat projects illustrated, just because they're beautiful boats. Toss in the bonus that they're light, fast and relatively easy to transport and store in the off-season and the become even more attractive. The "Ulua" design, in particular would also make a great paddling hull in case you aren't interested in sailing all the time. Building procedures and options for all three designs are well documented and discussed. This is, after all, a boat building book, not just an explanation of the types and principles of outrigger canoes (though you'll learn a lot about them as you read and build). In short, this book will be a great addition to any conoeist's library and any or all of the boats illustrated should be a very nice and unusual addition to your fleet.

Todd Bradshaw
Addiction Sailmakers

Congratullations to Gary Dierking for a great book in the art of boat building a pacific sailing outrigging. There is enough writing and a lot of pictures to clear any issues a person may have. This is a great reference book for any amateur or experienced boat builder.

As a sailor, builder, and designer of multihulls, and collector of multihull related books, this one is unique! Dierking presents three simple and attractive designs, from a hard chined plywood outrigger for a first time builder or for a class project; to a strip built asymmetric hulled proa that is also simply described and laid out for a first time builder.
The book also details the construction of amas, akas, spars, and foils; everything is covered. If you are inclined to purchase plans from Dierking, this book would be the perfect primer. Actually, it's a great primer to anyone interested in building a small sailing craft.

Well written and illustrated. Three different designs and their variations are presented. Since I am rabid about proas I read it cover to cover and enjoyed it immensely. I don't think it's enough for a beginner to build a complete canoe just from the tables of offsets and parts diagrams but perhaps an experienced craftsman could pull it off. I still think it would be better to buy the full plans if you're serious about building. The plans will have the construction sequence, tips, instructions, etc. that the book lacks. Thus this book is a long advertisement for Gary's plans but I don't find fault with that. I wish there was more about actually sailing the canoes. I liked reading a little more of Gary's history building and designing canoes. In the end this book is exactly what the title says.

I am planning to build a log cabin in Alaska, and did not know anything about it. After buying at least eight different books, I found that this one is the best at inspiring me, at teaching me, and at showing me how great my cabin could be. His explanation of why and how to proceed at each step of the building process (from choosing the site and felling the trees, to stove selection and outbuildings) is very clear, even for a non-carpenter like me. And he LOVES log building. It shines through his descriptions of 600 year-old European log houses and through all the beautiful color photographs of cabins built by him and his friends in Alaska. So it's a great read too. Then, I was able to tackle Robert Chambers' "Log Home Construction" book (which is widely believed to be the best guide to log construction available) and understand all of the details of state-of-the-art scribe-fit logwork. Before reading Walker's book, I would have been intimidated by the more serious Chambers book. So together they have given me all I need. All the other books contained little information beyond what's in these two, if you are planning on building yourself in a remote area such as Southcentral Alaska. The only other great source was the free guide "Alaska Log Building Construction Guide" which is available online from a number of sites. I found its organization confusing, though, and would recommend reading the books in the order of Walker, Chambers, and the Guide. Even if you are contracting your house and not building it yourself, read these and you will know what questions to ask to get the best house.

I just talked to Alaska Northwest books, they said it will be avalible in April,$37.

Well written with no nonsense and easy to understand terms. Actually exciting to read because the author lends brief, interesting stories from his own experience of building log homes. Sufficient details of the building process and appropriately explains why certain methods work better than others. Nice pictures and diagrams to support the text. Found myself wanting even more information than the book offered, such as techniques/considerations on building an outhouse in very cold climates, construction of the roof around joints/vents/stovepipe, suggestions for optional building materials in areas where items cannot be trucked in. Regardless, the book was thorough and I highly recommended it.

Excellent all color on glossy high quality paper. A real pleasure to read with lots of information. Concise chapters dealing with most every aspect of building. A great history section in the back. Not as much technical info as some but the pictures make up for it.

I called the publisher, Alaska Northwest books (ph# 1-800-452-3032). They will do another reprint of this book toward the end of the summer of 2006 (Aug/Sept). The cost of the book will be $29.99 plus shipping and handling. So why is the seller judioops trying to sell a used copy of this book for $87.99? If you want this book, wait until the publisher releases the reprint or call the publisher directly and place a order for this book.

Not only are the pictures exquisite, but the text is extremely engaging. This book really speaks to me. Of all my design books (and I have a lot of them), this is my favorite. I re-visit it again & again. The introduction by Donna Karan says it better than I can. This is an inspiring and amazing book if you are passionate about color, art, fabric, antiquities, and most importantly objects with a genuine patina. You won't be disappointed!

This is my favorite decorating book of all time. It inspired me to experiment and create different looks, and I highly recommend it.

French 18th century chandeliers swathed in organza, colorful Japanese candies in charming boxes, luxuriant fresh garden roses scattered across a ballgown skirt-if these images appeal to you, Carolyn Quartermaine Revealed is a must see. The book is a hybrid of fashion and interior design, and showcases fabric designer and collage artist Quartermaine's London flat.

Her home is also her studio, where she is constantly experimenting. She favors the romance and elegance of antique French pieces tempered by clean, airy surroundings. Passionate about color, Quartermaine appreciates beauty in both grand and mundane objects-from the peeling paint of a fine old gilded chair to a pretty ice cream wrapper. The exquisite photographs show yards of luscious silk in robin's egg blue, vivid pinks, and tangerine against a backdrop of crisp white. Calligraphy-both Asian and Western-is another passion of the artist. Her contemporary twists on the classics are smart, fresh, and entertaining.

Essentially Quartermaine seems to live in a splendid world of her own creation, and the book gives readers glimpse in to it.

I adore Carolyn Quartermaine! Several years ago I was captivated by a House Beautiful cover that featured gorgeous, lusciously colored printed silks. I saved the magazine, and later bought this book, only to open it and find the same photo. I was thrilled to finally find the artist who I'd been carrying in my head all those years. Carolyn is absolutely amazing, an incredible textile artist, as well as a beautifully creative individual. This wonderful book includes not only pictures of her work, but also a section on arranging food, and everyday objects that will make you feel like you've slipped into some heavenly version of Wonderland. An excellent book by an inspiring artist!

I found the book first class, but need more help from Carolyn's followers. I am studying at Staffordshire University for a BA (HONs) in Surface Pattern and my research is covering Carolyn Quartermaine. Information about her is limited. Can anyone help me anywhere please by sending me information at sylviroyal@aol.com Thank you so much.

This is a very well-written study-guide. It gets to the point without getting too wordy. It could serve as a model for other study guides. But, I do have a few minor gripes. First, some of the pages were printed kind of blurry, a kind of shadow image. Second, there is too much preaching about what the author feels are best practices, some of which I question. Best practices questions are not on the exam, at least the one I took, and thus should be left out of a study guide except as perhaps small footnotes. There were also a few minor typos, but being a niche market I can forgive that for technical books.

This is pretty much the only material you need to pass the certification. I was thinking of getting the exam buster as previous reviewer suggested, but exam buster does not promise same day delivery of their products, and with the exam one day away, I had only this guide to rely on.

Here is the approach I took that might work for you as well if you are pressed for time: Work on the end of chapter exercises first, mark all the questions that you are unsure of, if you have the time, go back and read the chapters and correct your own mistakes (I skipped this one because of time issue), and finally check the answers at the back. Note all the ones you were unsure of or didn't get right and studied the reasons provided with each answer. If you don't feel confident of the topic or you have made enough mistakes in the questions, read that chapter.

Before I read the guide, I scored a 70% using Ben's site. After a day of going through the guide using the "algorithm" above, I got an Advanced certification the next day. It goes to show you how good the guide is. One thing to be aware of, some answers are not correct (ran into about 4-5 incorrect answers at the back of the book), thankfully the answer analysis are correct most of the time so you can catch any mistakes in the answers the book provides. Do Ben a favor and get this book, he really deserves the royalty.

Ben Forta's deep experience and practical application overflows from the pages of this book that I highly recommend. Of the dozens of computer books I've ever read, this one kept me astounded me with its perfect-sized chapters, handy reference and cross-reference segments, and the well-written pages. Not only is Ben Forta a good writer, he's an outstanding teacher.
Clarke Schroeder
Advanced Macromedia ColdFusion Certified

This is a very good book, however the coupon for 15% off of the exam is no longer valid. It expired December 31st of 2003.

This book does a good job of giving you information on every possible topic of the certification exam. I used the original study guide to take and pass the first exam. This book includes just about everything in the first book, and goes into topics that are relaevent for MX (i.e. CFCs, XML, Flash intergration, etc.). If you want answers in a few pages vs. a few chapters, then buy this book.

I haven't read the book but I really need a picture of Coco Chanel. Is there any about? I need it for my A Level French Course work!!!! Any Help Thanks xxxxxx

This book is very good. The text isn't hard to read, and in this book are allot of pictures, only in black and white. There should have been also a few colour pictures. This book is only looking at the period that Coco Chanel designed the collections and not the Karl Lagerfeld era.

This is a spectacularly beautiful and insightful view of a woman who was the major force in 20th century fashion. It is elegantly written and sumptuously illustrated and no doubt will become the definitive book on Coco Chanel. I learned a great deal that I did not know before and I had a long career in fashion. This book will delight men as well as women because it contains many revealing stories about Chanel's sexual escapades. Buy it by all means!

I have always been fascinated by whatever's written about her ever since I received a Chanel purse for an 18th birthday present. There have been a number of books written about Chanel, I'm sure but Janet Wallach's will not disappoint any reader. It is simple and elegantly written with beautiful black and white illustrations. Even if one is not a fan of Chanel's style, you will be intrigued by her notorious life as told here. Either for yourself or a friend, a nice book to keep and look through now and again.

Another superb book from Janet Wallach. Engaging, provocative and insightful. Wallach brings her estimable research skills and writing talent to bear on a fascinating and controversial women who continues to demand attention, respect for her determination and accomplishments and fair judgment for the choices she made in her private life as a very public person.

This one is worth every penny. If you are looking to see how the whole website experience goes together from planning the site, building the site, promoting the site and tracking the site then look no further. Martinez tells you how to do this and for free, in most cases.

As a webmaster myself I can say that "FREE" when used in webspeak translates to either limited or restricted or both but nothing comes closer than pointing you in the right direction than Cheap Web Tricks.

Some parts of the book may not be as in-depth as you would want but at least you don't have to go slogging through 10 or 20 different sources either. 5 stars for Martinez. Well done!

Perhaps it's just in my nature, or simply just the way I was brought up (I'm always looking for a bargain)... but I didn't learn anything new from reading this book.

Having said that, Cheap Web Tricks! Build and Promote a Successful Web Site Without Spending a Dime is a book that covers a lot of ground making it a good point of reference for anyone wanting a site starting out from scratch. In fact, the first part of the book takes you through the process of getting a site online without dealing with all the unnecessary details that inevitably get in the way.

Needless to say, this was not what I was expecting when I first opened the book. I guess I was just blind to fact that the word "build" was in the title but I was hoping for a lot more pages on the promotion side of things, so that I could pick up a few new ideas on the way.

One nice surprise was the section on making money from your site as it wasn't something I was expecting. Not only does it give you an overview of the various different ways you can make money from a web site, but also realistic with describing the results you can expect.

This has to be the reason why I'd still recommend it for the complete beginner. Of course, the book simply isn't big enough to go into all the details, nor does it claim to, but it goes a long way to giving an overview of what's involved in owning a web site. For many beginners, this is exactly what they need to know before starting out!

I thought I was a web genius until I read this book. It is absolutely amazing. The author Anne, even responded to a question I had within the hour by email. If you want to build a succesfull website you have to get this book.

Never thought it could happen, but with the help of Cheap Web Tricks this formerly computer illiterate senior has created a dynamite website. And am actually getting inquiries already about the talents I apparently convinced the folk I can offer. Now I just want to get that money rolling in!

An amazingly thorough examination of just about everything you need to know about websites. I feared the book would be boring and a rehash of things I knew; that was not the case. The information builds nicely and there are many great tips. Even if you don't utilize the "cheap" techniques(which are excellent I might add) there is a lot of useful information. Hats off to this author!

This book is the ultimate guide to building your own guitar. The numerous color photos are of excellent quality. The book is well laid out and clearly written. A moderately skilled woodworker should be able to build a guitar from the information in this high quality book.

The author starts the budding luthier with the construction of molds and jigs. The order in which this is presented is excellent: by the time you get to the construction of the solera, you should be quite proficient at cutting the outline of the guitar in MDF (medium density fiberboard) with a 14" band saw. My solera turned out very well. A note on materials: John notes that the material for the molds will require two 4' x 8' sheets of 3/4" MDF and 1/2 of a 4' x 8' sheet of 1/2" MDF. 4' x 8' sheets of MDF are VERY HEAVY and impossible to work with in a small shop. I purchased 2' x 4' sheets instead and the results were great. Also, a 2' x 4' sheet 5/8" thick should be substituted for one of the 3/4" sheets, for the lining bender jig. This will save a bit of planing.

One should note the typo on page 51: under "Cutting the Pieces," "10 inches wide and 20 inches long" should be "10 inches wide and 24 inches long." On page 58 where John specifies "six pieces 24 1/2 inches x 10 1/2 inches," pieces only 24" x 10 1/2" will do very well. The plan for the caul on page 123 is missing. The author says it was accidentally cut out of the book, and he wrote, "The laminations are masonite thinned down to about .090 to make them easier to bend. I use about four of them. The outer one has sixteen pieces of 3/4 MDF glued from top to bottom along the length as shown on page 123. The pieces that go over rounded areas must be shaped to fit flat on their entire surface."

The author will offer printed plans for the guitar at some point in the future.

Overall a very nice book. I've just finished bending the sides according to John's instructions and I look forward to the next steps in this very interesting project.

This book is an example of passion with the guitar. It's well written, beautifully photographed covering all steps of classical guitar construction that follows a high grade standard. Even if you don't want to build a guitar, buy it just for the beauty of its pages. I have bought a lot of books about lutherie, but this is one is far the best.
It makes evident in every detail how Mr Bogdanovich loves what he do. Seems to me he had a very good time written it. Go deep!

Very well written and presented, although I agree that there's nothing truly 'modern' here; a formal presentation of lattice bracing or composite tops (10 year old technology) would be needed to earn the 'modern' moniker. But for traditional style building (with interesting personalized wrinkles) it's an excellent text. Highly recommended, and the first true competition for the Cumpaino.

This book is sure to please the most discriminating maker of guitars. The photos of all the different phases of guitarmaking are clearly explained with a multitude of colored photos. The language is clear and concise. The illustrations and color photos speak for themselves, of the many varied operations involved in guitar making. My only problem was figuring out how to make a 15ft and 25 ft radius jigs.Of all the 12 books I own on guitarmaking. This book, in my opinion, is the most comprehensive in detailing , every aspect of this demanding and rewarding craft. My hats off to Mr. bogdanovich for an excellent job.

As a 6th year college senior, I've found ways over the years to skim around text books and still ace classes. I've read this text cover to cover, however. Ms. Claudia Cuddy's writing allows you to learn actively on your own. The copy is not a chore to read; once you get into a chapter, the text practically reads itself! Also, Ms. Cuddy's zest for the subject comes across with many tips and witty rhymes that literally make it difficult NOT to learn the material. The author's passion becomes contagious to the reader. Basically, a college student using this text will leave the course as an unstoppable publication designing machine- wielding the Quark program as a professional weapon of success.

I have never used Quarkxpress, and don't plan to in the future, but I loved this book! I read it from cover to cover, and tried to absorb everything about publication layout and design that I could. I am a public school teacher. I write a church newsletter, a newsletter for school, and do lots of other computer "paperwork". This book taught me so many things - little and big - that I have already applied to my work, and more that I plan to use in the future. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to make their publication work more professional and polished.

Any questions you have about Quark are answered quickly, and easily in this book. It is easy to use and makes working with Quark a breeze. Even as you become used to working with Quark you will still come back to this book time and time again. This book is a great reference for all Quark users no matter the skill level.

Not only is this book a great reference for Quark users, but it is also a step-by-step guide to creating just about anything in Quark - from a newsletter to a business card. This is one of a few text books that I will never part with because I know it will be valuable in the future.

I knew nothing about Quark before I got this book, and now I feel like I can do anything with it by my side. It's descriptive, yet easy to understand, and has plenty of screen shots and examples to make projects simple but perfect.

This fantastic book takes you through the basic design principals of Quark Xpress in an easy to understand way. With this book you will not only learn how to do something but also the theory behind the designs. Claudia Cuddy has years of experience teaching new students how to use Quark. Her book has become a collection of her tried and true methods. This book has opened the door to Quark for me and many other students. I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn Quark.

Beautiful pictures, nice ideas - my mom went gagga over it - cottage style is totally her. I liked it - but wouldn't look at it repeatedly.

This book is filled with great color photos mixing a country and cottage style throughout. I highly recomend it.

I only wish I could make my house look like this! This book has quite a range of different types of Cottage decorating, everything from Swedish to Shaker to Garden. It contains many ideas that I will be trying to emulate.

This is the first book I will pick up to get inspirations and ideals for cottage style decorating. Loads of colorful photographs really set this book apart from other books.

I love, love cottage style! I have many decorating books - many okay and many duds. This one is a keeper. Wonderful and clear photos. Recommend