Kesling Modern Structures: Popularizing Modern Living in Southern California 1934-1962

Book Description

Practically unknown today, William Kesling and his design/build firm, Kesling Modern Structures, played a unique and important role in the development and acceptance of modern architecture in Southern California. For one year, beginning in November 1935, William Kesling was by far and away Los Angeles' most prolific and successful practitioner of Streamline Moderne design, breaking ground on more than twenty projects. His better-known peers, Schindler, Neutra, and other modernists could not so easily desert the principles of economy and austerity. The unschooled Kesling was not bound by such dogma but nevertheless was driven by the noble goal of bringing high quality modern design within reach of the everyday home-buying public. Today his houses and small apartment buildings are considered collector's items for L.A. cognoscenti and while many have been ruthlessly remodeled many others are being carefully restored to their original elegance. Kesling was one of Julius Shulman's first clients. These never-before-published images were taken with Shulman's first vest-pocket camera.

Customer Reviews:

Moderne for the masses........2003-09-12

An interesting overview of a minor Southern California architect who saw an opening in the market for inexpensive streamline homes. The author examines eight of these buildings in detail and when I saw the black and white photos it is obvious that Kesling had the good sense not to make them as simple or austere as the houses designed by Schindler, Neutra, Breuer, Keck and the other big names of thirties architecture. Houses designed by this elite group always ending up costing plenty.

Apart from the eight houses covered (which all have ridiculously small floor plans) David Gebhard writes an excellent introduction about Moderne/Streamline design. There are plenty of exterior and interior photos and the author provides an interesting chronology of projects that Kesling was involved with from 1935 thru 1948.

I love any Streamline houses and a book I have always enjoyed is `Classic Modern Homes of the Thirties' (ISBN 0486259277) by James and Katherine Ford, a reprint of a 1940 book with 194 photos and 128 floor plans. Also worth a look is `The Modern House Today' (ISBN 1901033724) by Nick Dawe, stunning color photos of sixty-three still standing in England.

***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.

Kesling takes another beating........2003-03-09

Although not without errors this book is well illustrated and quite interesting. The fact that Kesling may or may not have been a bit of a scoundrel only makes it more interesting. So let's just say this is the best book on Kesling, ok?

Seriously, the other reviews suggest the same snobbery that Kesling had to deal with when he was alive. I'm not an architect and therefore can only appreciate things that look good. But I must tell you, compared to the houses they build today, Kesling's look mighty fine to me. So lighten up, folks. Who knows, maybe Neutra or Schindler wrote a bad check or two!

Kesling Modern Structures.......2003-01-02

William Kesling was as good at architecture (despite a lack of formal training) as he was bad at business. In the middle of the Depression, he popularized moderne-style houses, but his career in LA was destroyed by a vindictive client. He re-established himself in La Jolla as a builder of rational, low cost housing. This elegant study, with its bw photographs by Julius Shulman and David Sadofski, and its preface by the late David Gebhard, restores a lost reputation.

Buy it for the photos, forget the text.......2002-11-27

This slim volume is an introduction to the work of this forgotten Los Angeles builder/draftsman. He produced some wonderfully whimsical houses for a brief period of time.To compare his work to that of Schindler or Neutra is criminal (as was Kesling.) It is a pleasure to see the Schulman photographs and the redrawn floorplans. The text is not informative- it could have been left out entirely leaving room for more pictures and floorplans. For someone with a love of Los Angeles or Streamline Moderne architecture this inexpensive volume is worth a look.That it is inexpensive makes it worth the look.

Customer Reviews:

Perspective Drawing--My Point of View.......2000-09-06

This book is clear and easy to understand. It explains the basics and offers simple exercises to help readers gain a working knowledge of one and two-point linear perspective. It is particularly useful for artists who wish to learn to "see" in perspective, and give their free hand drawings a more convincing sense of depth. Those wanting more technical information will have to go to supplementary sources. I teach an introductory perspective class for artists and designers, and this is the best book I have found so far.

Product Description

Bill and Jan Moeller meticulously traced and caputured on film the remnants of the Oregon Trail-surprisingly intact in many places. The resulting full-color photographs, accompanied by selected entries from emigrant diaries, evoke for the modern reader the frontier-strange, harsh, and beautiful-as the emigrants saw it.

Customer Reviews:

A lovely visual journey over the Oregon Trail.......2002-01-08

Minimal text and a focus on photographic quality make for a lovely visual journey over the Oregon Trail which places one color plate with facing text per page. Accounts of Oregon Trail life and travels make for a history account which is personal and enhanced with modern portraits of the Trail.

The Oregon Trail Is Still Alive: The 1995 Photographic Retracing of the 1853 Trail

Average customer rating:

The Oregon Trail Is Still Alive: The 1995 Photographic Retracing of the 1853 Trail
Ken Jones , Laura Jones , and Nathaniel Myer
Manufacturer: Systems Company, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Book Description

244 ways Charlotte residents are different from the rest of the world. Plus a Queenz Quiz (Questions with multiple-choice responses but no published correct answers "to stimulate conversation and friendly debate," says co-editor Margaret Bigger with a sly wink.) Also, Head Scratchers (More questions of a "how come" nature. Again, no answers.)

Book Description

This book on CD-ROM provides a comprehensive guide to diversifying IRA and Keogh investments to include real estate, notes, mobile homes, tax lien certificates, participations, leases, construction loans and rehabs (fixers) just to name a few options, in addition to stocks, bonds, mutual funds, Certificates of Deposit, car liens, and anything else legally permitted. With easy to use pull down menus and mouse overs, and the ability to bookmark, the pages also provide explanations of the fly. In addition to extensive coverage of easy to read and comprehend rules about Roth, traditional, Education IRAs, SEP-IRAs and qualified plans (Keogh) there is also a complete section about prohibited transactions.

The book is divided into three major sections including how you get started and how things really work in the IRA and Keogh world, Eleven deals that really happened, and the comprehensive easy to read reference section.

It is a must read for the serious real estate investor, with CD ROM capability. Access is provided with any 4.0 Browser with JAVA enabled.

Book Description

"This is the perfect gift… for so many moments in life."

It makes perfect sense… that a book about life's most precious "gifts" would turn out to be an invaluable present itself. That's certainly the case with this collection. 42 GIFTS I'D LIKE TO GIVE TO YOU is ideal for so many situations and celebrations, and is perfect... simply for sharing with someone who deserves to know how wonderful they are.

Is there anyone who couldn't use more happiness in their life -- or benefit from a bit more encouragement and serenity in their world? Whether this book turns up as bedside reading or relied on as a daily reminder to keep smiling... these are the kind of thoughts that are turned to, time and time again. Spend a few moments leafing through the pages. You'll have the privilege of "listening in" on an eloquent gathering of authors, philosophers, and famous people from contemporary and classical times. And as they speak out on what they value most, they'll inspire you to keep those thoughts close to your heart forever.

Average customer rating:

A Real Gem

Where are the References?

Readable but flawed

Introduction of the Pacific War!

Broad, readable, lightweight, and non-groundbreaking

Victory at Sea: World War II in the Pacific
James F. Dunnigan
Manufacturer: Harper Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books
General | World War II | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Naval | World War II | Military | History | Subjects | Books
General | World | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Pacific Campaign: The U.S.-Japanese Naval War 1941-1945

The Pacific War

Eagle Against the Sun: The American War With Japan

Clash of The Carriers: The True Story of the Marianas Turkey Shoot of World War II

Dirty Little Secrets of World War II: Military Information No One Told You...

ASIN: 0688149472

Book Description

Victory at Sea brings together in one encyclopedic volume all the facts, figures, and details of the Pacific theater of World War II, containing much information that is unfamiliar or new. Here, acclaimed military historians James Dunnigan and Albert Nofi examine both the massive campaigns launched by all the combatants, including the famous battles for places like Midway, Guadalcanal, and Okinawa, and some of the lesser-known confrontations that were sometimes more strategically important. They also discuss the innovative and unique aspects of a modern war at sea, such as carrier-to-carrier battles and islandhopping campaigns, and tackle the myths, conspiracies, and cover-ups surrounding the dramatic events of the Pacific campaign. An authoritative reference of historic scope and vision, Victory at Sea captures the brilliance and desperation, military strategies and stories of personal valor, to give the most comprehensive overview yet of the war in the Pacific.

Customer Reviews:

A Real Gem.......2005-08-23

This book is very entertaining. I found it for 4 bucks at a discount bookstore in an outlet mall somewhere. And when I first picked it up, it looked very boring. I thought, "who would want to read a 600 page glossary of terms on World War II in the Pacific?" But I thought for 4 bucks, who cares. It turned out to be a treasure trove of info that a World War II geek like myself just relishes. It's easy to read and has some humor in it too. Highly recommended.

Where are the References?.......2003-07-08

For a book that purports to have a lot of factual information, I find that this one breaks the first rule of research: cite your references and sources. A case in point: where did Mr. Nofi and Mr. Dunnigan find out how much aviation gas certain Japanese carriers could carry? I have never come across a source, and I have seen virtually every one produced, that indicates these figures. Where did they get their information on the efficiency and fuel use (and therefore potential range) of the different ships? Some sources, such as 'Jane's Fighting Ships' cite very limited performance characteristics, and certainly not what is said here. The virtual total lack of references and notes to sources diminishes greatly the value of this book. These all could simply be 'guesstimates' on the part of the authors. This may be a habit of theirs as it is sometimes inevitable when creating wargames, for which especially Mr. Dunnigan deserves 5 stars for his past efforts. The rating for this book is very, very unfortunate but deserved. I can only encourage the authors to be much more precise and academic in their approach. A book such as this should be a laudable reference for amateurs AND academics alike. In its present state it is only a 'pop' history book that may generate sales but does not feed intelligent minds.

Readable but flawed.......2002-05-07

For a book rich in trivia, as other reviewers write, there are some surprising errors. MUTSU blew up in Hiroshima Bay, not in Hong Kong! I buy everything by Dunnigan, even though I acknowledge that his stuff is sometimes flawed.

This book, however, I got rid of. Likely to have reliability problems and errors that I cannot spot as easily as that one.

Also, too much re-hashing of things that were in others of Dunnigan's books.

Introduction of the Pacific War!.......2001-05-24

This is an excellent book for beginners especially identifications of war machines on both the Allies and the Japanese in the Pacific war. For them who are interested on an advanced learner, I don't recommend to read this as the history facts are brief not realistic but easy to understand especially on important battles and ship classes used by both navy! It may not be a lot of reading but i find it interesting due to Dunnigan's organized writing. It is brief, simple and easy to understood before reading an advance level!

Broad, readable, lightweight, and non-groundbreaking.......1999-06-29

I have enjoyed some of the material James Dunnigan has given us about warfare. And I enjoyed this book. But I didn't learn a great deal. If you known almost nothing about World War II in the Pacific, and want a broad, lightweight introduction, this book is okay. If you are looking for an in-depth book, or even a book with some new insights on a few detailed areas, this book probably doesn't fit the bill.

Victory At Sea: World War II in the Pacific

Average customer rating:

Victory At Sea: World War II in the Pacific
James F. Dunnigan
Manufacturer: William Morrow and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000NZ7QMW

Average customer rating:

Victory at Sea: World War II in the Pacific
James F. Dunnigan; And Albert A. Nofi
Manufacturer: WILLIAM MORROW AND COMPANY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OLJ9NY

Victory at Sea: World War II in the Pacific (First Edition)

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Victory at Sea: World War II in the Pacific (First Edition)
James F. Dunnigan
Manufacturer: William Morrow and Company, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000UOHVV2

Product Description

Average customer rating:

VICTORY AT SEA: WORLD WAR II IN THE PACIFIC
DUNNIGAN / NOFI
Manufacturer: Quill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NPRNRA

Average customer rating:
The Beginnings of Our Country

Manufacturer: The John C. Winston Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000BKYQ4A

Product Description

Subtitled: The Story of America for Young Americans. Schoolbook, American history with a beginning chapter for the teacher. Many illustrations and some maps.

New Land, New Lives - The Story of Our Country's Beginning - Teacher's Manual

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New Land, New Lives - The Story of Our Country's Beginning - Teacher's Manual
Robert and Rembert W. Patrick Gilstrap
Manufacturer: Steck-Vaughn Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000RZ7ZCO

Average customer rating:

Our country's beginnings,
Henry Noble Sherwood
Manufacturer: Bobbs-Merrill Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Our country's flag, (Follett beginning-to-read books)

Average customer rating:

Our country's flag, (Follett beginning-to-read books)
Nicholas Peter Georgiady
Manufacturer: Follett Pub. Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006AYHNA

Ancient Syriac documents relative to earliest establisment of christianity in Edessa and the neighbouring countries, from the year after our Lord's Ascension to the beginning of the fourth century

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Ancient Syriac documents relative to earliest establisment of christianity in Edessa and the neighbouring countries, from the year after our Lord's Ascension to the beginning of the fourth century
William Cureton
Manufacturer: Oriental Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0007KGUQ6

New land, new lives;: The story of our country's beginning,

Average customer rating:

New land, new lives;: The story of our country's beginning,
Robert Gilstrap
Manufacturer: Steck-Vaughn Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Book Description

A keepsake sure to be treasured by both amateur and expert, the Audubon Life-List Journal provides a special place for birders to record their memories. Entries for more than seven hundred species allow ample space to note the time, date, location, and details of each sighting. But the journal is much more than a checklist. Intended for use after excursions in the field, the pages invite comments, sketches, mementos. Over time, with thought, each book becomes a unique reflection of its owner, and of a profoundly personal relationship with birds.

Illustrated essays interspersed throughout the diary focus on the many intriguing facets of birding. From monogamous mating pairs to ergonomically designed eggs to elaborate nest constructions, the idiosyncrasies of bird behavior are presented in an accessible manner by Audubon Society ornithologists. The Life-List Journal also celebrates the cultural impact of the bird, noting its symbolic significance in literature, language, art, and film. Each essay is accompanied by original images from the world's greatest bird photographers. An extensive reference section includes tips on attracting birds to the backyard, suggestions for planning trips around seasonal migrations, and listings of conservation organizations and important bird areas.

Customer Reviews:

oversized checklist.......2007-07-20

Oops, perhaps I missed the dimensions statement? I expected a lifelist I could pack for an outing, I received a large, cumbersome book! Other than that, it works -- plenty of room to describe sightings and interactions with every bird in the US!

Audubon Life List Journal - Great Gift for the Birder.......2001-03-05

The Audubon Life List Journal makes for a wonderful gift for the birder. The print type and color pages are beautifully crafted. The book includes the most common birds of North America, but for the serious birder, the book lacks some of the more uncommon bird species one may encounter. For example, the Jabiru is an occasional visitor to Texas but there is no mention of it. Compared to a house sparrow, this would be a "memorable" sighting and more space alloted for unusual sightings would have been preferable. Furthermore, the book has no blank pages dedicated for other birds not listed in the text. Overall, though, this is a nice gift for the birder.

Average customer rating:

Audubon Life List Journal
National Audubon Society
Manufacturer: Artisan, National Audubon Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KIDE4G

Average customer rating:

Audubon Life-List Journal
National Audubon Society Staff
Manufacturer: Workman Publishing Company, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MY8524

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