Traditions in Architecture: Africa, America, Asia, and Oceania

Book Description

Traditions in Architecture: Africa, America, Asia, and Oceania is the first wide-ranging, one-volume study to examine the architectural achievements of diverse cultures outside the Euroamerican tradition. In contrast with traditional chronological surveys of architectural history, this volume is arranged thematically to show the basic commonalties of all human communities. In order to provide a basic understanding of the cultural heritage defining these diverse groups, both vernacular and monumental works are discussed. The book is divided into five major sections, each of which addresses specific topics fundamental to all societies. The authors discuss these topics in terms of particular architectural solutions, comparing and contrasting geographically separated buildings and construction traditions. For example, the issue of architectural meaning is studied through symbolic gardens in China, verbal ornament in the Islamic world, and the wall paintings of Ndebele women of southeast Africa. Beginning with an investigation into the ways in which the continuity of traditional forms is maintained, the authors then explore practical issues such as housing and food structures, climate and ecology, building materials, and architectural forms and methods. Architectural goals and purposes, which determine what is built, vary from culture to culture and are given special attention. Planning and design-ways in which space is used in patterns of organization-range from urban plans to landscaped settings. The authors conclude with an examination of cultural values, investigating the way in which architecture interacts with social relations, traditional theories, decision-making, and the economics of building. The book is enhanced by over 200 photographs, maps, and charts, as well as a glossary and full bibliography. This unique study will enlighten students and open new avenues of research for scholars.

Customer Reviews:

A fresh look at non-western traditions.......2001-12-19

Although the book was written as a textbook for a course in non-western traditions in architectural history, it may be of considerable interest to anyone traveling to parts of Asia, Africa and Oceania. The authors' approach is largely descriptive, and the illustrations both plentiful and very good, so one may be a little impatient that the verbal descriptions rarely provide much information that is not apparent from the photos and drawings; but this is, after all, a textbook, and if you will grant that allowance, it is well-worth your time.
The architectural traditions covered are contemporary as well as ancient, grand as well as domestic and, throughout, the authors treat the sacred and symbolic traditions of the culture, insofar as they are known or may be inferred, as they bear on the built environment. The book is organized thematically, rather than chronologically or geographically. Among the themes: moveable, stationary and underground dwellings; the impact of colonialism on native structures; the transfer of traditional architectural knowledge; and spatial organization, from courtyards to the axial alignments of cities. The focus is on three categories of structures: professionally designed and built monuments, houses erected by traditional building tradesmen, and structures that ordinary people build for their own use. The overarching theme is that architecture expresses cultural values as well as technology, and it illustrates that theme with an exceptionally wide range of examples.
In the single area of the book where I have a fairly solid background, the Anasazi/Puebloan architecture of the Southwest, the scholarship is current and sound. Interesting and highly informative.

Excellent Study of non-western architecture.......2001-10-02

My familiarity with architectural studies stems from 3 years as a graduate student. Most architectural studies are "biased" to western history an organized in chronological order. Traditions in Architecture takes a fresh approach by focusing on a rich source of architectural precedence in the early America, Asia, Africa and the far east. The organization is thematic, rather than chronological covering such diverse topics as fixed versus mobile living spaces, vernacular materials, construction methods, sacred spaces, and so much more.

The only reason that I did not give the work 5 stars is that many of the pictures (all black and white) lacked clarity. I do not know whether this was due to poor originals or poor reproduction; however, the details often are necessary to untderstand the full impact of the works.

As UCLA professors, Crouch and Johnson give much credit to their students' work and input. This appears to be a work that has been a culmination of years of study with much independent input. I highly recommend it as a "first" to take this approach and to cover such a wide breadth of topics in one volume.

Average customer rating:
Traditions in Architecture: Africa, America, Asia, and Oceania
Dora P. Crouch
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OKMWWA

Customer Reviews:

the complete handbook of San Francisco's mural treasures.......1998-04-12

My nomination for a perfect, crystalline Saturday: Follow Drescher's guide through San Francisco neighborhoods to find murals on walls glowing against the September sky. The title is right. Humankind doesn't let nature alone in Bagdad by the Bay. We have been filling walls with our color and figures since the walls have stood in the City. That most curious of monuments, Coit Tower, brimming with the muscular WPA murals, tells California's story in paint. The murals in the Haight vibrate with psychedelic counterculture; those of the Mission and Western Addition not only deliver the messages of the Latino and African American neighborhoods but have become identified as centers of the communities. People meet at a mural in San Francisco, just as they might meet at a fountain in Rome. Of course, the book records the outstanding art across the Bay and down the Peninsula, but for me the best part of the book was its putting together city maps and pictures of murals so that a reader can experience the favorites. The fancy semiotics, art techniques and materials are all here, conveyed by a recognized authority, but the author is wise enough not to get in the way of the always revolutionary, ever traditional mix of color, lines, architecture and geography. A keeper.

Book Description

While the Internet is an important source for locating photographic images, there still are hundreds of photography books published each year for whose contents there is no external access. This second supplement to Photography Books Index addresses

Average customer rating:
William M. Gaines's Polyunsaturated Mad #31

Manufacturer: coronet communications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000CNPIB6

Average customer rating:
William M. Gaines's Polyunsaturated Mad (Mad, No 31)

Manufacturer: Warner Books Inc (Mm)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0446861790

Product Description

Advertised as a new standard for living, the Lustron Home was introduced in 1948 in response to the urgent need for housing for veterans returning from World War II and their rapidly growing families. These enameled steel, prefabricated houses became very popular, and were heavily promoted from 1948 to 1950. Approximately 2,500 went up all over the United States and even South America. This work chronicles the history of the Lustron Corporationhow it got started and why it failed. The architectural differences between the six basic models of the Lustron Home, and how they could be built in as little as two days, are fully described. Also included is a listing that documents the location, model, color and various other particulars of the roughly 2,500 houses completed.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting and well-researched book.......2006-01-16

And I learned a lot of curious and odd little details that I thought were utterly fascinating. Tom Fetters is *the man* when it comes to Lustron Homes. Plus, the book is filled with dozens of vintage photos and brochures and ephemera. As an architectural writer, I loved the vintage graphics and old-fashioned 1950s advertising copy. What a hoot!

The only drawback is that the text is a little dry and a bit too technical in places. A small complaint, I know, but that aside, it's a good book and remains the definitive book on Lustron Homes.

Rose Thornton
author, The Houses That Sears Built

American Architecture.......2005-12-05

This is a must-have book for anyone interested in American Architectural History, history of pre-fabricated housing or offbeat/innovative design that has been overlooked by conventional residential builders.

Every university with an architectural design degree program should include this text in its curriculum and/or reference library.

THE definitive book on Lustron homes!.......2004-10-02

An exceptionally well-researched and informative study of these historically-significant all-porcelain-enameled-steel houses. Fetters documents just about every aspect of Lustron's amazing history, from design & company background to manufacture & marketing to the political machinations that led to Lustron's demise. The text is supplemented by important company documents, useful diagrams and photos, and a valiant first attempt at listing all known Lustron addresses by state. (An updated online inventory, supplemented with the author's help, is available at "Lustron Locator".)

My copy of this book sees constant use as a valuable reference work, and the wealth of information collected in one place has provided a great resource for the ongoing nationwide effort to publicize & preserve Lustrons throughout the eastern U.S. (Many Lustrons have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but many more are demolished each year due to real estate pressures; fortunately, there is a growing community of concerned Lustron owners and a formal Lustron Home Preservation Society is taking shape.)

Every Lustron owner or enthusiast should have a copy of this important book. It will also appeal to architectural historians, recent-past preservationists, and those interested or involved in the current pre-fab housing trend.

Great Book.......2003-01-30

This makes a great coffee table book for my Lustron Home.

Informative & Interesting.......2002-03-07

This is definitely a "niche" book...one would probably either need to have a direct interest in the Lustron home or have an interest in researching American housing types. I fall into the category of one who is interested in the Lustron home. My husband & I are in the process of purchasing a Lustron home...until about a month ago we had never even heard the word "Lustron". This book has proven to be highly enlightening & has allowed us to make an informed purchase.

I found it to be not only informative but also quite interesting reading. Mr. Fetters' extensive research allowed him to include many tidbits of information that made the story of the Lustron Company come to life. It is a somewhat bittersweet story; Mr. Fetters gives just due to a product that was years ahead of its time.

Book Description

This text, designed for courses in US labor history or the history of American workers, presents a carefully selected group of readings that allow students to evaluate primary sources, test the interpretations of distinguished historians, and draw their own conclusions.

Major Problems in the History of American Workers follows the proven Major Problems format, with 14-15 chapters per volume, a combination of documents and essays, chapter introductions, headnotes, and suggested readings.

Major Problems in the History of American Workers 2nd Edition Plus Text Letter

Average customer rating:

Major Problems in the History of American Workers 2nd Edition Plus Text Letter

Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Average customer rating:

very good

Editing Needed

Absolutely the best single volume reference on the market!

Superb work for those interested in classic armor

More coffee table than reference

The Encyclopedia of Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles: The Comprehensive Guide to over 900 Armored Fighting Vehicles from 1915 to the Present Day

Manufacturer: Thunder Bay Press (CA)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Military Science | History | Subjects | Books
General | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books
Military | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books
General | Transportation | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Military Engineering | Special Topics | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Encyclopedia of Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles: From World War I to the Present Day

Great Book of Tanks: The World's Most Important Tanks from World War I to the Present Day

Russian Tanks of World War II

Tanks of World War II

World War II AFV Plans: German Early War Armored Fighting Vehicles (World War II Armored Fighting Vehicle Plans)

ASIN: 1571458069

Book Description

Warriors have long sought to combine protection and mobility in combat, from ancient chariots to medieval knights and armored wagon. It was the development of the internal combustion engine that allowed a vehicle to possess both features on the battlefield. The Encyclopedia of Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles is a definitive guide to over 1500 armored vehicles that have emerged from the first gasoline engine to the present day. In 1916, during World War I, the tank made its debut on the Western Front for the British, and the face of warfare changed almost overnight. In each nation's quest for battlefield dominance, many different types of armored vehicles have been produced, some more successful than others, all of which are covered in the encyclopedia, with each entry being accompanied by a photograph or artwork, full specifications and a development and career history. The book is divided into sections by country, with entries arranged chronologically. A detailed index is provided for easy cross-referencing. With such in-depth coverage of the subject, The Encyclopedia of Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles is an essential reference guide for anyone interested in the history of military vehicles.

Customer Reviews:

very good.......2007-09-21

very good, concise and fairly exhaustive book coverign almost all of the tanks produced in the 20th century. a must have book.

only improvement would have been more on the main sub-versions of each model that was mass produced (i.e. Pz III, IV; sherman, T-34, etc.)

but a great book to own for any military history affecionado

Editing Needed.......2007-09-15

I think this book is good, but it could have been great. It is clear that the editing could have been more rigorous. I have found both technical errors (some of them painfully obvious) and typos in the text. Mediocre editing aside, this book is a good value compared to other reference volumes (Jane's for example). The author does omit some vehicle characteristics that I think should be included (like ground pressure). I hope that future editions will be scrutinized a little more before hitting the press.

Absolutely the best single volume reference on the market!.......2006-03-31

After having purchased hundreds of reference books on AFV's over the years, this is the book I keep going back to the most. From WWI up through modern, the sheer amount of information included is staggering, especially considering it features many designs you will not find in even more focused collections.

As an all-around resource on the subject, it simply can't be beat, if you can locate a copy, grab it while you can, as they are getting harder to find.

Superb work for those interested in classic armor.......2006-02-13

As was indicated in a previous review, if you need up-to-the-minute data on modern Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs), this is not the book for you. However, that is just about its only weakness.

This superb volume is ideal for everyone from the casual 'military historian' to avid model builders and those who just want solid information on AFVs of all types from all nations.

Written in a no-nonsense style meant for the layperson, the text is informative and authoritative without being boring or overwhelming. Major design improvements are carefully pointed out, as well as models that fell flat on their tracks (or wheels).

The book is presented in encyclopedia format, with the largest division being country of origin. The AFV designs are then sub-divided into Armored Cars, Tanks, Armored Personnel Carriers and Self-propelled Guns. Each entry includes important data such as armament, weight, speed, crew, year of introduction and major variations. The vast majority of entries include at least one photograph.

As of the writing of this review, I have owned my copy of The Encyclopedia of Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles for slightly less than two years. I need a new one, because this one is worn out.

Whatever the reason behind your interest in AFVs, this book will entrall you. I cannot recommend it highly enough. A must-have for students of World War I and II tanks.

More coffee table than reference.......2005-05-27

I'm a big fan of anything Chris Foss writes, publishes or edits. His facts aren't always spot on - his deadlines for publication obviously have him rush and cut corners. I purchased this book in December 2003 and have spent many hours flipping the pages. Overall - I enjoy owning and reading this book.

If you are a hobbiest, enthusiast or historian of armored vehicles - this book is a lot of fun - filled with enough data of historical development and progression of armored vehicles - from every country imaginable - that you can lose many hours turning the pages.

I do not keep this book at work. As a defense contractor, historical data more than 40 years old is useless to combat simulation modeling (unless we're looking sub-Sahara Africa or Central Asia). There are many other unclassified pocket guides, and books that are more handy to use to identify and collect performance data - and to do my real world computer modeling.

Overall - I enjoy this book for it's historical data - it's a pleasure to read - and "re-discover" obsolete vehicles I used to operate - or commanded units of. Looking back across the years - one wonders what would have happened if I would have met my Soviet counterparts with their T-54/55 and T-62, T-64 or T-72's - with my M-48A3/5s, M-60A1 and M60A3 models.

Buy the book to enjoy and learn the history of every country's armored vehicle development programs. The historical prospective given by this encyclopedia gives one data to strike up conversations with military veterans and counterparts of all nations and compare data. Gives a good foundation to understand the combat results each of these vehicles gave the countries that utilized them in war!

A great (big) book better suited for the coffee table at home than the bookshelf at work.

Average customer rating:
Birds in Jeopardy: The Imperiled & Extinct Birds of the United States & Canada, Including Hawaii & Puerto Rico
Paul R. Ehrlich , and David S. Dobkin
Manufacturer: Diane Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0756790271

Product Description

The natural habitats of birds have degraded & diminished & the bird populations have declined. In the U.S. & Canada, 33 bird species have already been driven to extinction & well over 150 are in danger of extinction in all or parts of their range. This book, enriched by 191 beautiful color paintings illustrating all of the birds treated, is the first concise, authoritative review of the status of the birds currently imperiled in the U.S. & Canada -- those that are federally listed as Endangered or Threatened & those that are listed by the Nat. Audubon Soc. as suffering local or regional or widespread decline. Also treats the birds that have been driven to extinction in the past two centuries. Includes the imperiled & extinct tropical birds of Hawaii & Puerto Rico.

Birds in Jeopardy: The Imperiled and Extinct Birds of the United States and Canada

Average customer rating:

ok book

Birds in Jeopardy: The Imperiled and Extinct Birds of the United States and Canada
Paul Ehrlich , David Dobkin , and Darryl Wheye
Manufacturer: Stanford University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Conservation | Environment | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

General | Conservation | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

General | Birdwatching | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0804719810

Customer Reviews:

ok book.......2006-09-12

This is just an ok book,I was disappointed in it as I expected more information, the book kind of overdoes it on tropical birds, but, of course this is probably where most of the birds in jeopardy are.There is an extinct bird section that I think should have more info and be more conclusive,the artwork is ok,but not outstanding, I think this book should cost a little bit less for what you get, but there are not a lot of good books on this subject that are as affordable as this,so the choices are limited.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books