Book Description
The greatest monument to love, and the lost world of the Agra gardens and their characterful owners, re-created through superb scholarship and evocative illustrations.
The Taj Mahal is the epitome of Mughal art and one of the most famous buildings in the world. Yet there have been few serious studies of it and no full analysis of its architecture and meaning.Ebba Koch is the only scholar who has been permitted to take measurements of the complex. She has been working on the palaces and gardens of Shah Jahan for thirty years and on the Taj Mahal itself—the tomb of the emperor's wife, Mumtaz Mahal—for a decade.
The tomb represents the house of the queen in Paradise, and the author shows how its setting was based on the palace gardens of the great nobles that lined both sides of the river at Agra. She leads the reader through the entire complex of the Taj Mahal, with an explanation of each building and an account of the mausoleum's urban setting, its design and construction, its symbolic meaning, and its history up to the present day.
The book features hundreds of new photographs plus drawings by the Indian architect Richard Barraud that include plans and reconstructions of Agra and the Taj complex as they looked in Shah Jahan's time.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent book!.......2007-09-26
Having visited the Taj Mahal, I wanted to have an authoritative book on the history behind its construction and this book is not only an excellent souce, but also a very good photographic record of this amazing Wonder of the World!
A Ten-Star Book that Is Without Parallel.......2007-04-15
Having read a number of books about the Taj Mahal, including the recently published "Taj Mahal: Passion and Genius...," I would bet good money that if given a copy of Ebba Koch's book to preview, those truly interested in India's national treasure will buy "The Complete Taj Mahal," even if they have to skip lattes or lunches to afford it, even if they have already done so to afford Okada/Joshi/Nou's "Taj Mahal" with its stunning photography.
One reason, of course, is that TCTM is so complete. To others' overviews of the material covered, I would add only that Koch does not neglect the human element. For example, in eight introductory pages of text, Koch provides excellent background information about Shah Jahan, his wife and his predecessors; later, she details Jahan's passion for building. Koch also includes interesting information about the artisans, craftsmen and laborers who did the actual work as well as details about others associated with the Taj-related structures/gardens of Agra. Further humanizing the story of this garden city are colorful Mughal paintings of its nobility and rulers.
Another aspect of TCTM that makes it a must-have are the many photographs of sites, structures and architectural ornamentation, photographs "The Hindu" declared "often brilliant" as well as "judiciously chosen." Just how apt these descriptions are is suggested by the following: There were only seven pages of O/J/Nou's photographic extravaganza of the Taj complex that I photocopied to tuck into Koch's book, and of them, five were additional close-ups of floral inlays and calligraphy. Adding to the appeal of TCTM is that the camera goes beyond the splendors of the Taj complex. Of special interest to those who have been in Agra, for instance, will be the realistic photographs of the Taj Mahal peeking above the "agglomeration of haphazard constructions" that have "almost obliterated" its bazaar and caravanserai. Shown, too, are its architectural precedents as well as artisan workshops and quarries. Though most of the photographs in this book are in color, even those in black and white are revealing.
Also making TCTM next to impossible to resist are the "company drawings," most of which are in color as well. Forerunners of postcards, they were "made by local artists in the early days of the Raj" for European tourists, who bought them "to illustrate their journals." Works of art in themselves, often the drawings are so detailed that they could easily be photographs. But they do not serve as mere eye candy: many are of Taj-related structures that no longer exist or have been stripped of all that made them magnificent; some are juxtaposed with recent photographs to show the toll time has taken on the brilliance of color and intricacy of design. Evocative paintings and watercolors of the Taj Mahal by foreign artists are included as well.
What may ultimately sell people on TCTM, however, is that it is a book they will actually enjoy reading much if not all of. Not only is Koch's narrative writing fluid and easy-to-digest. Even her descriptions of architecture will be relatively easy for laymen to understand, provided that they are willling to refer to the glossary of terms and look at the many visual aids, including Barraud's "precise and clear" line drawings, that accompany the text. So well done is this book, in fact, that as "The Hindu" noted, even "information which is more technical and not at face value so interesting to general readers will, in fact, be found by them to be equally absorbing." (All I would personally exclude from this are the two pages of precise measurements of the Taj complex.)
To another reviewer's assertion that TCTM is a book that "should be in the library of anyone fascinated by the Taj Mahal, not just historians and architects," I add a thousand "Amen's."
Agra the Extraordinary.......2007-03-16
A superlative volume showing in detail and with historic drawings, maps, and photos, as well modern illustrations and reconstructions the unsurpassed achievements of the Mughal in residential garden architecture. The riverbanks of the Yamuna River as it passes through Agra was where this artistic impulse achieved culmination in the seventeenth century garden residences and tombs sponsored by the nobles and rulers of the Mughal state and built by the craftsmen of India. One of the signal contributions of this book is the inclusion of the stories of the architects, carpenters, and masons who left their signatures and marks on the individual elements of the overall project. The residential and tomb gardens which stretched along the river and are now mostly gone gave way at midpoint to the grandest residence of all, the Red Fort which remains today the second greatest landmark of Agra. And at the southern end of the development stands today the greatest tomb ever built, one of the architectural wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. The work is so complete that it documents not only the construction efforts but also the tourism that followed and the depth to which the Taj Mahal became embedded in the consciousness of the world. The culmination of three decades of meticulous research this substantial volume tells an engrossing story of the planning, development, and eventual decline of a unique garden city. It more than fulfills the adjective "complete" and should be in the library of anyone fascinated by the Taj Mahal, not just historians and architects. A truly extraordinary accomplishment.
Book Description
As indoor kitchen design books do, The New Outdoor Kitchen covers initial design and planning and, in subsequent chapters, covers "stove" options (grills, smokers, wood-fired ovens); the rest of the kitchen (outdoor refrigerators, sinks, cabinets, and countertops); the entertaining and eating areas (including a discussion of outdoor heaters, social fire-fireplaces, firepits, and chimineas--and bug control to increase your season of enjoyment); and, finally, the grace notes of the outdoor kitchen--lighting and sound systems, plantings, and water features. Ten portfolio kitchens will be laced between the chapters, and the book will conclude with an extensive source list. The kitchens pictured in the book will run the size, price, ambition, and creativity gamut, from kitchens sited on decks and patios to a small urban backyard set up to elaborate built-in, freestanding outdoor environments.
Customer Reviews:
simply beautiful - a must have!.......2007-06-06
Deborah does an amazing job with this how - to on outdoor cooking. beautiful pictures and designs to inspire even the most uncreative of readers. highly recommended - she even includes pictures of her own amazing outdoor kitchen which is just a testament to her knowedge and experience. even if you are just looking for ideas or creative possibilities pick up a copy and you will not be disappointed- you truly get what you pay for. i wish i could just carry out all of the projects she puts in here!
Book Description
Detailed plans for outdoor kitchen in a variety of locations.
Color photos provide inspiration on how to apply designs to any setting.
Insights and ideas for the cook, as well as smart tips for the builder.
Coverage of both form and function to help homeowners assess their needs for cooking and storage space.
Special section provides all-time favorite grilling recipes and tips for outdoor cooking from the Better Homes and Gardens experts.
Customer Reviews:
An excellent starter/idea book.......2007-08-12
Okay, this is not a book of plans and layouts--there are several--but, that's not the primary purpose of a book like this. IDEAS that's what you got here.
Transposing one of these designs wholesale into your backyard would be fine IF you have the space, the matching terrain and the $s and, if the design matches and fits the style, scale and complements the features of your house. The writers admonish the reader to sit down and seriuosly think about how they use their kitchen and how they plan to use their outdoor one--that bit of advice alone is well worth the price of the book.
As to the do-it-yourself aspects of the book they are well thought out, well laid out and clearly illustrated--and they are repleat with warnings and "bail-outs"
All around outstanding
Outdoor Kitchens.......2007-07-23
This is a good book. I gave it three starts because it only gave s few designs for the construction I needed, but it was a good reference. I think its important to research projects with these books then launch your own project with the ideas you've learned.
3 stars out of 5.
The man's book.......2007-07-02
The girls can look at the pretty pictures but this actually shows you how to do the job... (Or some of you girls can come over and help me with my project:)
Book Description
-Aimed at the fastest-growing segment of the how-to market: gardening landscaping.
Customer Reviews:
The complete guide to creative landscape.......2007-05-14
This is a great book with so many very well illustrated projects. I have just built a new home and am beginning to landscape my 4 acres I find this book very useful. All the projects are described in great detail with lots of pictures. Thanks L. Rocha
It can't be replaced!!!.......2006-05-15
I bought this book over a year ago. I've read through each project a dozen times. I love about 94% of them. Our house sits on a lot that is ~ 100 feet x ~ 120 feet. I was going to get crazy this spring and summer with a new patio, arbor, and several garden areas.
Sometime a couple of months ago, my book disappeared. I have searched nearly every square inch of our attic and basement, in addition to every closet, underneath every bed, and even in the garage. My wife has looked as well, but to no avail.
I'm 32 years old, and losing this book has nearly made me cry on at least four occassions. It's that good.
Our library doesn't have it. None of the hardware stores in town have it. We have one bookstore in town - and they don't have it. Last weekend, I finally broke down and bought two other books, thinking that by doubling up it would somehow take away the pain of losing my B&D Creative Landscapes book.
It hasn't worked.
I'm purchasing another copy on line this afternoon. There are just too many things in the book that I can't find anywhere else. It's nothing that difficult, but they do such a great job of making things easy to follow, and each project gives you ideas for three more.
Buy the book. Buy two copies. And be sure to hide one in your drawer where no one can take it.
Great Book.......2002-05-12
This book is so well layed out. I give this book 5 stars because it has excellent descriptions and pictures. I built the terra cotta fountain in the book and I love it so much.
Not bad depending on what you are looking for.......2002-01-13
This book is great as general advice. There are SO MANY different projects though that there is not a great level of detail on any one. Just enough of an overview and "how-to" to make you feel comfortable about taking some of these projects on for yourself or answering those questions that always used to make you go "Hmmmmm." Still, for a first time homeowner it will give you a lot of ideas and confidence to start making plans.
great book!!.......2000-10-28
I have been in the search of a home for months now and the one thing I kept telling myself was that when I finally bought it, I would also buy this book. I looked at lots of books at Home Depot, B & N, etc. but this is one of the best and most creative landscaping books I have found. So today, knowing that I have a home and YARD that I can call my own, I am buying it!!
Average customer rating:
- An Essential Resource For Landscape Contractors
- Great Professional Book
- The Source
- Landscape Construction
- Landscape Construction-David Sauter
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Landscape Construction
David Sauter
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ASIN: 0827384270 |
Book Description
Landscape Construction provides detailed instructions for the installation of a majority of landscape elements used today. The text proceeds step-by-step, offering readers a clear, chronological order. First, the construction process is outlined and the pre-construction activities are covered. Then, the steps of site grading, landscape related utility installation building of landscape walls, paving sites, construction of wood improvements, placement of fences and freestanding walls, landscape amenities such as pools, fountains, and site furniture are explained. The text concludes with the installation of plant material and turf areas. Irrigation installation is not included in this text, since that aspect of landscape work has grown into a specialized construction area. ALSO AVAILABLE -- Instructor Supplements: Instructor's Manual (ISBN# 0-8273-8429-7) and Student Workbook Instructor's Manual (ISBN# 0-8273-8430-0). Call Customer Support to Order.
Customer Reviews:
An Essential Resource For Landscape Contractors .......2007-06-08
I'm glad I decided to buy this book, despite its high price. Having just recently become a landscape designer/contractor, it proved invaluable many times in the course of our company's first big job. For example, the sections on stone paving were very helpful when we were building a flagstone patio, as they helped us select the best foundation and edging materials.
I like the way the book is arranged, i.e. having a large section on paving, beginning with materials and site preparation for paving in general. This is followed by a chapter on each of the specific paving materials, such as concrete, unit pavers, dry laid stones, mortared paving, and granular paving.
The extensive section on retaining walls, which I am about to take advantage of in our next job, is arranged similarly.
This book is the industry standard. It is used as a text in City College of San Francisco, and it is also listed as a resource in the California Contractor's State License Board's Study Guide for the Landscaping (C-27) License Examination.
So if you want to do landscape construction, I highly recommend this one.
Great Professional Book.......2007-04-10
This book is full of incredible and professional information related to Landscape Construction. It's not meant to be a DIY book you'd get from Home Depot or Lowes. This book is meant for students and professionals wanting to learn best practices regarding Landscape Construction. Amateurs, landscape designers and architects can gain some valuable insights, too. We used this book as our textbook in the various landscape construction classes I took, studying to be a landscape designer.
The Source.......2007-02-13
I found clear concise information on this subject rare until discovered Mr. Sauter's Landscape Construction. There is a host of Better H & G / Sunset books available, but those are really idea/coffee table books written for the weekend warrior. If you really want to know the best-practices and standards for the industry, this is the reference for you. Great for the student and pro alike.
Landscape Construction.......2006-06-29
Just another really expensive textbook with no real information provided. The Better Homes and Garden series has much more how-to information, great photographs, and ten percent of the cost too.
Landscape Construction-David Sauter.......2000-06-19
I found this book to be very thorough and detailed in its approach to a variety of landscape construction issues. It has detailed pictures and diagrams that illustrate the processes and make it easier to understand. The information is up to date, easy to read and a great learning tool for the student, professional or hobby person. As a landscape student, I find it a great resource book.
Book Description
Landscape architecture bible--now better than ever. If you want to keep pace with the latest thinking in landscape design, turn to the Third Edition of John O. Simonds' Landscape Architecture. Packed with hundreds of new inspirational photos, clear diagrams and time-saving checklists, this revised classic gives you a systematic approach to designing outdoor places and spaces. From the basics of using the natural landscape as the ecological basis for all land use planning to breakthrough methods for designing habitations and communities, it gives you step-by-step procedures for selecting and analyzing sites. . .assessing environmental impact. . .developing detailed designs. . .and more. This completely updated resource also shows you how to design for sustainability and managed growth. . .reverse urban sprawl. . .revitalize run-down urban areas. . .utilize original methods for planning open spaces. . .and develop regional blue and green ways.
Customer Reviews:
not a reference book.......2000-01-20
Good photos but not so pleasure to read it. It covers whole range of landscape architectural topic. It give you the whole picture of this field. If you want to know what't the field about, you may buy it since there are not so many selections for you. However, the text is very dry.
Wise and wonderful!.......1999-11-10
I was surprised to see the two prior comments and suspect that they were not written by anyone in the landscape architecture field. This book has been the classic introductory text since the 1960s. As a text, it does not purport to be a definitive reference but rather to acquaint the student and layperson with the breadth of landscape architecture. It is not at all focused on the surface alone--Simonds has been one of the pioneers of sustainable ecological design, and the book proves it, covering, among other topics, natural water systems, native plants, greenways, and climate. As Simonds states, "The work of the landscape architect...is to help bring people...into harmonious relationship with the living earth--with the 'want to be' of the land." This book points us in the right direction!
Save your money.......1999-10-27
A good example of why you would go to the library or bookstore and see if the book was any good, prior to purchasing. Specifically, author hits a wide range of topics and delves into little. The book lacks summaries and lacks a general direction. Some nice photos, which probably resulted in the excessive price. Save your money.
Yikes!! Simplistic & dated for 1999.......1999-09-27
Based on the previous reviews I expected a rigorous, comprehensive, organized & contemporary approach to the topic but was soon disappointed with almost every aspect of the book, It's photo's, text, timeliness, scope, scholarship and even general layout are substandard for 1999.
The book discusses landscape in primarily visual terms i.e. the landscape is seen as something to be artistically composed according to principles espoused by the Master's of design, i.e. Corb, Wright, etc. as if that is enough. Wrong! For instance, a golf course is a monoculture with environmental benefits equivalent to a parking lot, yet the author cites numerous examples of the genre as something to aspire to.
Throughout the book, broad statements are made and not explained or justified, i.e. New York City is considered a bad landscape, a sort of icon of man's inhumanity to man, but on the next page Central Park is heralded for it's design and benefits, yet the author doesn't bother to explain either assertion, socially, environmentally, even visually, as if the statements and pictures are self evident.
In short, if you know nothing about ANY kind of design, perhaps this book is of some help, but if, like me you've studied architecture and are looking to add to your understanding of landscape architecture this book has VERY little to offer.
Great book for anyone interested in Landscape Architecture.......1999-05-01
This book covers all aspects of Landscape Architecture. For a student, this book takes landscape architecture and turns it around and exposes all facets. For a professional, it offers more points of view to stimulate your creativity.
Book Description
COURTYARDS
Aesthetic, Social, and Thermal Delight
Courtyards is an artful, informative exploration of courtyards, from their origins in early civilization to contemporary design concepts. Architects and landscape architects will repeatedly turn to the detailed guidelines for reference, gain a greater sense of balance between building and garden, and cultivate optimal green space by using the practical planting tips. Over one hundred photographs and drawings illustrate the concepts written about by an authority and passionate scholar in his field.
Customer Reviews:
Stunning!.......2007-08-11
This book surpassed all my expectations. I was looking for a book full of photographs of Spanish courtyards, to assist me with constructing my own "patio" at home. I was delighted when I found not only loads of beautiful photographs, but also incredible detail about how to construct a courtyard, which direction it should face, keeping it warm in winter and cool in summer, how courtyard entrances work, thermal sailing, what to plant, and more! I have really enjoyed using this book to plan my own private oasis. I would have loved to have seen more colour photographs (many are black and white, but most are colour), and it would have been ideal if courtyard construction in the southern hemisphere had also been considered (I live in southern Australia, where the climate is very similar to southern Spain), but these minor issues did not interfere with my enjoyment of the book.
Courtyards: Aesthetic & Function.......2006-05-18
"Courtyards: Aesthetic, Social, and Thermal Delight" begins with a brief history of courtyards including itemized accounts of such topics as placement within a building, orientation, exposure, and the promotion of temperature conditions within a courtyard.
Over 50 full-color photographs from Spain and Latin America supplement the second section. Temperature charts, solar diagrams, and other key technical data accompany these images.
Finally an extensive section of planning and design guidelines highlighting factors for consideration such as daytime/nighttime temperature ranges, zoning regulations, proportions, and proposals for driveways and use of rainwater.
Architects, landscape architects, and building designers will find useful information for creating or renovating any courtyard. Students will also find this an inclusive reference. This is not a title of tremendous value to the casual reader.
Couryards: Interacting with nature.......2005-11-06
I got this book several years ago on an inter-library loan from NDSU. It's a great book. The only problem is that it's relatively expensive -- $60 or so.
I'm not an architect, but over ten years ago I built a geodesic dome on an Indian Reservation with the permission of the local district. Assuming you can afford it, where and how you live is the most important spiritual element of your life.
Professor Reynolds approaches his subject with this sort of wonderment. Someday, I hope to build again using some of his ideas as a base. I've never met him, though I would certainly like to sometime. And, I don't know any of these other reviewers who, like me, seem to be very swayed by his writing. (The only reason I mention this is because of one reviewer who felt that there was a certain intellectual dishonesty in the sameness of the praise for this book.) If you're interested in creating harmonious personal space, then you should fork over the $60 or get it from your local library like I did.
Honest Reviews?.......2004-03-03
Were all the reviews written by the author? Give me a break! The fact that every review sounds the same will keep me from ever purchasing this book. In that case, I guess all the reviews helped!
THE Book on Courtyards........2002-05-09
Courtyards is a terrific book, the result of 20+ years of loving research. Oregon Professor John Reynolds is crazy for courtyards and it certainly shows.
A courtyard is a space surrounded by a building, often surrounded by a house. There are all manner of courtyards, large, small, huge, quiet, loud. Some are open and others are terribly private. But all good courtyards have things in common. In the landscapes most of us in the US are used to, we have a house and the gardens are on the outside and we see them before we see the house. In a sense these landscapes serve mostly as dressing to enhance the outward look of the house. But a fine courtyard garden is different. It is smack in the middle of the house and the house surrounds it. It is not wide open to the world, but instead is a place to get away from it all, a place to be outside, but not to be out in the open. The best courtyards are open to the sky, have water, vines, a multitude of interesting flowers, trees, potted plants. A large number of the very finest courtyard plants are discussed in detail in this excellent book. I was struck by how interesting the numerous photos and designs were. Profusely illustrated, each one serves a definitive purpose. I was struck too, by how many different things go into the making of a well thought out courtyard. What is involved so that it will be warm in the winter and cool in the hot summer. What is involved so that it becomes a place where people want to be. I took many notes as I read this large book and some day I plan to build a house of my own design, and in the middle of it, I'm going to have a courtyard. And in this courtyard, I'll have all the things needed, the ingredients so carefully detailed here, that make the right courtyard a magical place. I'd recommend this book for anyone who ever plans to build their own home, for all landscape designers, for all architects, for anyone with a serious interest in horticulture and design. An excellent book.
Book Description
Detailed, illustrated plans for building a variety of styles.
More than 50 garden structures included, with construction drawings and lists of materials.
Expert construction advice—how to use tools, prepare sites, buy lumber, and apply outdoor finishes.
Selection tips for plants compatible with the structures featured.
Customer Reviews:
Trelliss, Arbor & Pergolas: Idea and Plans for Garden Structures.......2006-11-12
Good information on the different aspects of building the various landscape structures.
Great idea and how-to book.......2005-05-22
My husband and I had a landscape plan drawn up that included a pergola. Since my husband rebuilt part of our fence, he wanted to tackle the pergola himself. So, I bought him this book and he really loved it.
The beginning of the book shows a variety of ideas for trellises, arbors and pergolas. Even if you're not going to build it yourself, the photos, drawings, and descriptions of styles may help you select or design one that you like and fits your house/yard. My favorite idea from the book was a trellis that goes over the garage door - what a neat idea!
The next section of the book has all the necessary instructions and shows you how to build a number of these structures. This could come in handy if you decide to build it yourself.
Section three offers some suggestions for plants that will climb up structure.
The final portion of the book goes over the different types of tools you may need for your project. There are also drawings and descriptions to help the novice learn the basic building and wood-working skills needed for these projects.
Although we haven't started our pergola yet, I'm sure this book will come in handy. We've definitely been enjoying looking through it to see what kind we might want!
Amazon.com
This is a joint project between the editors of Better Homes & Gardens and the Home Depot, and much like their earlier collaboration, Home Improvement 1-2-3, they cover a lot of ground in this big, detailed book. Clear, step-by-step instructions and diagrams for just about any outdoor project one can imagine--from deck building and maintenance to building a retaining wall to making outdoor furniture to installing an outdoor faucet or constructing a customized fountain--it's in here.
A very useful series of features throughout the book helps guide the homeowner: "Skill Scale" assesses the skill level needed for individual projects; "Trip Saver" helps save time and money, eliminating numerous trips to the store; "Safety Alert" warns of potential dangers on given projects; "Oops!" describes common errors and boo-boos and helps find solutions; "Designer's Corner" helps the reader with design and style choices.
Overall, as a comprehensive and nitty-gritty guide to all of the most common outdoor projects, this is a perfect book for the novice, but will have information and shortcuts for the experienced homeowner and do-it-yourselfer, too. --Mark A. Hetts
Book Description
Combines the expertise of Home Depot—the nation's #1 home center retailer and Better Homes and Gardens Books—America's leading home and family publisher.
Every project is shown with clear, step-by-step instructions and illustrations.
The Home Depot employees review ever page to ensure accuracy.
Skill Scales for each project indicate the level of skill required and how long the project might take.
Stuff You'll Need features with every project includes a list of tools and materials needed to complete each project.
Bright red Safety Alerts call to the reader's attention any potentially dangerous situations.
Homer's Hindsight highlights mistakes homeowners should know about and how to avoid them.
Designer's Corner provides design tricks and tips that only experts know.
Buyers Guides highlight how to get the right part and offers advice on how to get the best value.
Regional variations in construction techniques are highlighted.
Customer Reviews:
Great for the 1st time landscaper!!.......2006-12-07
My husband is a carpenter and very good with working on things in the home. He needed a little guidance for outdoor projects that he never had done before. This book was even great for me who has no knowledge or training in building or landscaping. The two of us redid our entire back yard and it looks wonderful....we added a deck, patio, retaining wall, and lots of plants. Now we are looking forward to working on the front yard next Spring. This book will definitely get more use.
nice book!!.......2005-08-14
This book truly gives you the most "bang for your buck". If you are interested in learning how to do a wide variety of things and are somewhat mechanically inclined.....THIS is the book for you! I have my own contracting business and refer to this book many times for that "extra" insight I need on a project. The diagrams and pictures are very helpful and I truly would recommend this book to anyone!
A boon for us non-carpenter, born-in-the-big-city types........2001-01-01
Generally when I used think about home improvements (indoor or out) I thought about calling somebody (experienced or not) to help me with it. It was usually at this point that the neighbors would bring their kids inside. . . Just to be safe. . . To be honest, until just after I bought this book (a year ago) I didn't think I had the inate skills needed to do something as alien to modern men as replacing a fawcet washer, much less replacing the whole fawcet and installing a greenhouse!! This book, aside from not being very good at helping you lift heavy things, is all the help you will need to complete hundreds of different improvement projects in and around your house.
The skill gauge is very acurate in it's time estimates and tells you what level of skills you should have before starting a project - This is helpful if only so you can put your local fire department on call. With all the information on tools, their usage, and the type, amount and quality of materials you will need this book could make Homer Simpson look like Martha Stewart. . . Well, maybe more like Tim Allen, but you get the point.
I highly recommend this book and the Home Depot "HOME IMPROVEMENTS 1-2-3" book as well!! Truly money well spent!
love this book.......1999-10-25
this book is great my husband wanted it and now he loves it he uses it all the time and it give us both ideas on things we can do and then shows us how.
The Handymans Hand Guide.......1999-09-01
A user-friendly search manual of OutDoor/Indoor do-it-yourself projects. This book is a quick read with adaquate illustrations depicting vital home upkeep/improvement projects in simple lay terms. Sport reading for the seasoned professional, critical for would-be's.
Book Description
This book features all-new projects aimed at the hottest trend in garden and yard decoration - rustic structures and accents made from green wood, soldered copper, weathered wood, rough cedar, unfinished iron, and other common materials. Rustic ornaments and structures now dominate most upscale landscape centers and arboretums - some structures sell for hundreds of dollars, using materials that can be acquired for a few dollars. Given the expense of these pieces of yard art, the cost savings offered by doing it yourself are enormous. The book opens with an idea section demonstrating how rustic structures and accents can transform the look of a landscape. This is followed by a section showing where to find green wood and other materials, and how to work with them. The heart of the book is 20 plans and step-by-step directions for a wide range of projects. Projects include: rustic bird houses and wildlife feeders made from weathered cedar; arbors and trellises made from rough willow branches; a garden bench made from bark-on branches shaped by an ax; a garden obelisk made from soldered copper allowed to weather; woven-twig garden edging. The projects are remarkably easy to build, and most can be completed in a single weekend. Dawn King has taught the art of building bark-on garden art pieces at the McLaughlin Woodworking Museum in Kingston, Ontario, and her work has been featured in magazines. She lives in Perth, Ontario.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent book.......2007-06-30
Great book. Has good instructions and lots of projects. I have already built a 2 trellises based on this book, and am getting ready to start on some chairs.
Alot of fun!.......2007-05-17
I just attended my 3rd course with Dawn King. If you can take a course with her it is well worth it! The book is easy to follow and the projects actually end up looking like the pictures in the book!! Dawn is a super teacher with a light hearted approach. 5 stars for her and her book.
Disappointing.......2006-08-09
This book has photos of some neat projects, however, there is one page of basic 'instructions' which is not helpful at all. There is no advice on selecting wood/branches, bending them, curing them, finishing/varnishing etc., nor is there instruction (except for screws and a very basic tenon on the aforementioned instruction page)on how to attach the pieces. The only 'directions' are simple illustrations of what order to put the pieces together in. A real disappointment.
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