Block Building for Children: Making Buildings of the World with the Ultimate Construction Toy

Customer Reviews:

Ultimate Block Construction Book.......2005-10-23

Genuine hardwood unit blocks are THE best toy for children. I have a fairly large set of them and my children, who range in age from 2-8, all sit down together (and separately) and play with them. The blocks become horse stables, airports, buildings, hotels, doll houses, highways, you name it!! And when other children come to our home, the blocks are invariably the first thing pulled out and played with.

In general, I've held that open-ended toys like blocks should be open ended, that kids should be encouraged to make their own creations, not carefully recreate someone else's construction.

I make an exception for Lester Walker's exceptional book. Some of his buildings are so realistic - his cathedral, roman temple, and skyscraper, for example. It is so interesting to see how he takes the basic block shapes to make such complex looking structures.

Other projects in the book invite hours of play, such as his shopping mall, airport, and boat dock.

I highly, highly recommend this book.

Kdg. teachers buy this book!.......1997-11-29

This is the best book on the topic of block building that I have ever seen. Black and white photographs of the beginnings and completions of interesting structures are shown, as well as carefully drawn plans for building each structure. While recommended for older children on this site, I highly recommend that it be included near every block corner in kindergarten classes. The children are able to visualize, then extend the ideas contained in the book, and have become much better block builders as a result. One very positive thing is that the book tends to attract girls to the block building area, where they carefully study the plans and cooperate to try to reproduce the structure. Since block building is known to nurture spatial sense, an important math skill, anything that encourages girls to participate in block building is highly recommended. (By the way, boys love it too!)

Book Description

In honor of its 75th birthday, Penland has created a very special gift that celebrates its own history and that crafters will treasure forever. It is, first and foremost, a visual delight, with 137 images of pieces created by Penland instructors and shown at an anniversary exhibition. But the volume goes beyond the Penland School, with a series of original essays that offer a fresh and inclusive vision of the power of crafting. Written primarily by those outside the field—including a Nobel Laureate chemist—who came to Penland and immersed themselves in the unique experience, these articles look at crafting from the perspective of the anthropologist, scientist, folklorist, sociologist, poet, cultural historian, and critic. Their thoughts prove provocative, highly personal, and unforgettable.

Customer Reviews:

Great history with a bonus feature.......2007-09-28

I had seen this in a bookstore and later regretted not buying it, so found it through Amazon. The photos and stories of the history of Penland are great, but what made me buy the book was an essay by Lewis Hyde at the end about the potter Paulus Berensohn, who wrote a wonderful book, "Finding One's Way with Clay" back in 1972. It is an essay about Berensohn's theory that there are more than the 5 senses we normally associate with humans (sight, smell, etc.); but in fact, at least 60. A mind stretching essay at the end of a delightful book.

Average customer rating:
Latent image: The discovery of photography
Beaumont Newhall
Manufacturer: University of New Mexico Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

History of Photography: From 1839 to the Present

ASIN: 082630673X

Average customer rating:
LATENT IMAGE.. THE DISCOVERY OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Beaumont (George Eastman House, Rochester, Ny) Newhall
Manufacturer: Doubleday & Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000K9KDY4

Average customer rating:
Latent Image: The Discovery of Photography
Beaumont Newhall
Manufacturer: Anchor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000GRNRSE

Average customer rating:
Latent Image: The Discovery of Photography

Manufacturer: Doubleday & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000HDFG0Y

Average customer rating:
LATENT IMAGE the discovery of Photography

Manufacturer: Anchor Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000FMNOTC

Average customer rating:
Latent Image: The Discovery of Photography

Manufacturer: Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000HNZGCC

Book Description

The legendary Max Karant, fighter for the rights of private pilots, aviator, and founding editor of AOPA Pilot, lived a colorful and eventful life. This memoir weaves together his fascinating flight tales with stories of his fights on the ground against the big airlines and Congress and the FAA, always championing the rights of the "little guy," the private pilot, to use the airspace and landing fields. This vivid account of the characters and controversies in aviation in the 1940s through the 1970s is both inspiration and warningNto work to preserve the freedoms we now enjoy.

Customer Reviews:

An excellent portrait.......2001-01-11

Because Max Karant was my grandfather, I'd heard from his own mouth some of the stories in this book, but I never truly understood the impact he'd had in the realm of general aviation until after his death. This book was extremely informative to me on that level, but it also accurately captures the sense of humor, passion for flying, and a sometimes obstinate (in a good way, from my point of view!) sense of purpose that this man had for his work. If you're interested in Max Karant's life, this is an honest telling of his adult life.

The story of a remarkable man with a mission.......2000-04-26

I thought I knew Max well. We both worked for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. However, there were many things about Max, the man, and Max, the crusader for general aviation, that I didn't know until I read this facinating book. Anyone who loves to fly, should read Max's story and be thankful that the "Curmudgeon of Aviation" did battle for so many years to make it possible for them to enjoy the "freedom of flight." Max didn't do it alone, of course, he had AOPA, its staff and legions of members behind him, but perhaps more than any other individual he represented the spirit of general aviation in its formative years. Max's early life was largely unknown to me before I read this book, and I found the descriptions of some of his adventures in the air entertaining reading.

Average customer rating:

My Flights & Fights
Max Karant
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000JV7KQM

Average customer rating:

Max Karant: My Flights & Fights
Charles F. Spence Max Karant
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Companies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OFY6UG

Book Description

In her first collection in more than a decade, the most trusted woman in North American shares her wisdom and sage advice. Ann Landers reprises the counsel and anecdotes that make her column such a popular newspaper feature, providing timeless yet amazingly contemporary questions and answers on topics from care of elderly parents to homosexuality to AIDS. She also includes many of the beloved essays and aphorisms that make her columns so heartwarming and memorable. Illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

Very Good Book... Ann Landers Was Awesome.......2003-02-09

I'm such a huge fan of Ann Landers! I read this book after her death, actually, but she continues to inspire me. A while before she died I started to cut out her newspaper columns and store them... But reading a book of them is better!
Very funny and extremely weird in some parts, and sad or gross or touching in others. I recommend it. It's entertainment!
As always, Ms. Landers gives her brilliant advice... And even if you don't always agree with what she says, it'll get you thinking. And that's something, isn't it?

Buy this book!.......2000-01-14

I admit it...I go straight for the Ann Landers column in the paper before anything else. This book is great to have around because you can enjoy Ann's column anytime you want. All the classics are in here too: Poems, tear-jerkers, and laughs galore. Every kind of ailment and family squabble is commented on. Better than the Springer show. ha ha

I loaned my copy to my retiree parents. They made the book last by reading one printed column a day. I couldn't be that patient. I liked it so much, I couldn't put it down and felt compelled to write notes in the side margins! I've never done THAT before or since buying this book.

Book Description

On a bitterly cold Palm Sunday, 29 March 1461, the army of King Edward IV met that of his Lancastrian enemies on a snow-covered battlefield south of the village of Towton in Yorkshire. The struggle lasted all day in the longest and bloodiest battle of the Wars of the Roses. With the arrival of Yorkist reinforcements under the Duke of Norfolk, the Lancastrian line eventually broke and their troops fled, many being caught and slaughtered in the death trap known as ‘Bloody Meadow’. Christopher Gravett examines the campaign that marked the resurgence of the Yorkist cause and established Edward IV as king

Customer Reviews:

A very readable book.......2007-10-07

I am no scholar on fifteenth century warfare but I enjoy reading about history, particularly military history. "Towton 1461" provides the reader with a concise but still interesting look into a particularly brutal Medieval battle. The snowy weather conditions, the fact it was fought on Palm Sunday, and the horrific death toll all combined to give the confrontation a legendary feel. The section of the book describing skeletons of men who died in the battle was especially interesting. The paintings of the battle were well done. Overall this has been one of my favorite Osprey Campaign Series works to date.

Very Nice Account of the Battle.......2007-02-04

This is another excellent addition to the Osprey Campaign Series. It describes Towton, a major engagement during the War of the Roses and one of the bloodiest battles to ever occur in England. During the introductory chapters the author provides a succinct background to the era and effectively introduces the reader to the major personalities and relevant events that led up to the campaign. This was especially helpful as I knew almost nothing about the War of the Roses, and had never heard of the Battle of Towton, before I read this book. The battle itself is particularly well described. One draw back (which is not really the authors fault) is that there is a fair amount of doubt about what actually happened. The few available primary accounts are vague and contradictory. However, the author does a great job of piecing together the available information and presenting the most plausible course of events. When several explanations are possible he describes all likely courses of action. Overall, this book should be a valuable addition to the library of anyone interested in medieval warfare or English history.

One particularly appealing aspect of the book is the inclusion of forensic evidence collected from grave pits at the battle site. Several very dramatic photographs are included that show incredible injuries to some of the battle participants; in one case a skull exhibits an ~1 inch square puncture wound possibly caused by a pollaxe, in another case the front of a skull has been crushed by a sword or axe. There is even a forensic reconstruction of the facial features of one solider based upon his skeletal remains. Thus, readers can almost literally look into the faces of soldiers that took part in this battle.

Good Insight on 15th Century Warfare.......2003-04-30

In Osprey Campaign #120, Towton 1461, English museum curator Christopher Gravett describes the bloodiest battle ever fought on English soil. While the battle itself is interesting, the campaign is set in the midst of the Wars of the Roses - a period of history that is confusing, complicated and murky. In large part, Gravett succeeds in bringing a tough subject to light and his summary is professional throughout.

Towton 1461 has a rather lengthy 9-page introduction, followed by somewhat brief sections on opposing commanders and forces. The campaign and battle narratives are adequately covered in 34 pages, supported by three 3-D "Birds Eye View" maps (all of the Battle of Towton in various phases) and five 2-D maps (England in 1460-1, the march to Towton, skirmish at Ferrybridge, final positions before battle and England after Towton). The volume also has four battle scenes by the talented artist, Graham Turner: the fight at Ferrybridge, the melee at Towton, the rout and the opening barrage. The final section, on the battle's aftermath in overly long at ten pages and includes and unusual discussion of modern examination of a gravesite on the battlefield. The section on the Battlefield Today and bibliography are decent.

Although any work on the Wars of the Roses is hindered by a paucity of detailed information, the author works through this deficiency rather well. He is somewhat less effective in explaining the complicated politics behind the campaign, and this subject virtually demands an appendix with capsule biographies on the major participants. The author's background as an authority on medieval arms and armor enables him to add considerable insight into his discussion of what 15th Century close combat was like at Towton. Furthermore, the Battle of Towton was rather unique in being a large-scale engagement fought amidst snow squalls.

In terms of military history, a study of Towton has relatively little to offer, since it was essentially a straight-up infantry on infantry fight until one side cracked. The leadership example of the young King Edward IV, who raced to join his troops in bucking up a crumbling flank, is interesting. Neither side made any egregious errors or did anything overly innovative, although each side employed a ruse or deceptive effort. Unlike many other battles of this period, cavalry only played a role in the pursuit phase, but the main battle was a pure infantry fight. While exact numbers are contentious, the author argues that about 45,000 troops from both sides fought in the battle and about 13,000 were killed in the space of a 6-hour battle, making Towton a very bloody day indeed.

Book Description

The position of the nineteen million Kurds is an extremely complex one. Their territory is divided between five sovereign states, none of which have a Kurdish majority. They speak widely divergent dialects, and are divided by religious affiliations and social factors. br br It has taken the tragic and horrifying events in Iraq this year to bring the Kurds to the center of the world stage, but their particular importance has been the source of growing concern and interest during the last two to three decades. This book provides one of the first assessments of the Kurds, and examines social and political issues, legal questions, religion, language, and their modern history in Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Syria, and the former Soviet Union. It will be an invaluable source of information for students and specialists in Middle East studies, and for anyone concerned with wider questions of nationalism and cultural identity.

Book Description

Summarizes and illuminates two decades of research
Gathering important papers by both philosophers and scientists, this collection illuminates the central themes that have arisen during the last two decades of work on the conceptual foundations of artificial intelligence and cognitive science. Each volume begins with a comprehensive introduction that places the coverage in a broader perspective and links it with material in the companion volumes. The collection is of interest in many disciplines including computer science, linguistics, biology, information science, psychology, neuroscience, iconography, and philosophy.

Examines initial efforts and the latest controversies
The topics covered range from the bedrock assumptions of the computational approach to understanding the mind, to the more recent debates concerning cognitive architectures, all the way to the latest developments in robotics, artificial life, and dynamical systems theory. The collection first examines the lineageof major research programs, beginning with the basic idea of machine intelligence itself, then focuses on specific aspects of thought and intelligence, highlighting the much-discussed issue of consciousness, the equally important, but less densely researched issue of emotional response, and the more traditionally philosophical topic of language and meaning.

Provides a gamut of perspectives
The editors have included several articles that challenge crucial elements of the familiar research program of cognitive science, as well as important writings whose previous circulation has been limited. Within each volume the papers are organized to reflect a variety of research programs and issues. The substantive introductions that accompany each volume further organize the material and provide readers with a working sense of the issues and the connection between articles.

A Computational Model of Metaphor Interpretation (Perspectives in Artificial Intelligence Series, Vol 8)

Average customer rating:

A Computational Model of Metaphor Interpretation (Perspectives in Artificial Intelligence Series, Vol 8)
James H. Martin
Manufacturer: Academic Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Programming | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Natural Language Processing | Software | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Programming Languages | Computer Science & Information Systems | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0124747302

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books