Amateur Books

This two-volume work (vol 1 on the solar system, vol 2 on everything else) is indispensible in learning how to make scientifically useful observations with modest or expensive equipment. Comprised of separate articles on specific subjects, like "Spectroscopy", "Double Stars", "Jupiter", or "Photometry", each section delves deeply into how to make accessories or observations that are of scientific value. It is incredibly detailed. My only detraction is that the text is translated from the French and once in a while the text can be confusing (especially the description of the "V" micrometer in the double star section which, in my opinion, is nearly unintelligible).

This book contains almost everything you need to get initiated in the fascinating area of solar astronomy. Beginning from a historical review, the author makes a thorough exposition of the elements of solar observation (what is to be observed, how to do it), and even proposes some interesting projects that can easily be carried out by amateurs.

Cultural anthropologist, historian, social scientist, and outdoorsman Dennis Roth presents Oozing the Moon: A Sky and Night Woods Guide to the Galaxy, a memoir of his search for vision and illumination through experiencing the outdoors and the night sky. Roth used unconventional approaches to literally and metaphysically peer into the mysteries of nature: not only did he walk at night and very early morning to experience the quiet and the dark, he hung upside down from trees, squeezed his vision through cracks between leaves and branches, or contemplated the same sight night after night to personally soak in the progression of differences. Written in a day-by-day (or night-by-night) journal entry format, Oozing the Moon describes the rapturous wonder of simply contemplating natural life, the galaxy, and the expanding universe. Part memoir, part philosophical treatise, Oozing the Moon expresses undiluted joy, wonder, and appreciation of the majesty of the natural world.

Great book to learn about building water gardens. Excellent resource and I would highly recommend it.

I was very pleased at all the ideas and step by step instructions in this book. I wanted to build a cover for my patio and bought this just based on the front cover (had a picture of the type of cover I'm looking for). With great suggestions on what MY patio might need, I'm going forward with my plans! Before this I had no idea where to start. Now I have a good amount of information to make me feel comfortable with drawing up the plans, figuring out my materials list, and starting the project. The photos in here offer some great ideas and really get the creative juices flowing.

Ortho's Guide to Decks & Patios is, in my opinion, the best all around how to book about the subjects that I have read to date. This book accurately describes decks and patios as "extensions of interior spaces for living, working, and eating." It is full of color pictures, illustrations, guidelines, and instructions to help you design and build an outdoor space that suites your needs.

After a brief overview of decks and patios and the history of outdoor living, the reader is asked to develop a list of group or individual needs to consider while creating a design. Checklists are used to help remind you of the critical items to think about along the way, and there are plenty of color photos of finished work to provide you with ideas for your own projects. The design section explains bubble diagrams, base plans, site plans, and working drawings. The construction sections contain drawings and descriptions of all of the basic tools used to build the projects shown in the book along with material lists and span charts. There are sections explaining the actual construction techniques for building wooden decks, brick, stone, and concrete patios, brick walls, mortared and dry-stacked stone retaining walls, overhead and freestanding garden structures, as well as suggestions for fences, spas, plant containers and outdoor lighting. There are pictures showing different decking pattern options, railing configurations, brick paver patterns, patio edgings, decorative concrete finishes, and methods to control sun and shade. Several complete projects with framing plans, sections, and material lists are also included in case you would rather incorporate an existing design into your plan.

While some of the related subjects are not covered in great depth, one should not expect a single book to address every aspect of such a broad group of topics. However, this book is very thorough in its approach to decks and patios. It should provide anyone who is considering designing and building an outdoor living space with the necessary information to do so. The directions and guidelines used in this book, as well as, the drawings, descriptions, and construction techniques are presented clearly and accurately. And, there are plenty of photos of existing projects to provide you with ideas for your own. I was very impressed with this book and I highly recommend it.

I got this book as a gift a few years ago. I do almost all my own home maintainence and have had many books over the years. This is by far the absolute greatest book I have ever seen. Everything is covered-from structural problems to minor leaky faucets. The wording is easily understanable by a novice and the illustrations are right on the money! All I can say to you is---BUY IT--you WILL be glad you did!

TIME Life Books are great for instructional purposes. This book is easy to read and provided many pictures to guide you as you build your outdoor project. We use this as a guide for building our fence and outdoor patio cover. Great book!

I LOVE THIS BOOK! We all want to make the right choice when redecorating. Sunny Goode is very experienced and has put her vast knowledge and creativity into beautiful printed pages and easy-to-follow directions. I have done several faux finishing wall/room projects in the past so most of the "how to" sections were a review or variation on techniques. What I loved was the additional ideas and use of stencils. I'll use this book for years!

This breaks each technique (verdigris, liming, stippling, etc.) down into 5 to 7 steps. Each step is shown in a photos. The book is compact, but covers a lot in 224 pages. Some effects I hadn't seen before in books or in the brochures at paint stores. There is one showing painting faux sandstone blocks.
I can hardly wait to get the paint and try one of these effects. They are shown for a variety of surfaces (walls, floors, furniture, accessories).
Highly recommended if you want something besides plain ol' paint.