Art Architecture Photography Books

Anyone looking to get into this wonderful hobby need look no further to get started than this book. It's written in a clear, direct prose that is simultaneously useful and humorous, loaded with great information that every newbie to Urb-Exing should know. The stories that occur every section or so of the authors experiences while exploring are not only entertaining, but useful examples of experience for your own explorative endeavors. Ninjalicious (RIP, he will be missed!) is a professional of the highest caliber not just in the field of Urb-Exing, but also in the field of writing. Not only can this book serve as a lucid introduction for many people interested in the hobby, but unlike most hobby books, it somehow manages to be interesting even to people who aren't that all excited about the hobby! I showed it to several of my friends who'd never even heard of Urb-Ex, and in 4/5 cases it was highly successful in getting them interested, much moreso than my own lame explanations and discussions have been. A must read for novices and experts on Urb-Ex alike!

I was a friend of Ninjalicious. We are from the same area, and had discovered eachother, because we were 'in the same line of work' so to speak. But I admire his creativity, not just in the exploration we shared, but in his ability to put it to ink, and share with others. A skill I have never had. Also, when I first met Ninj', and shared my story with him. How I not only explored, but often in my travels, I have made home in some abandoned buildings, he quikly humbled himself, that he was just in it for the 'sport', and opologized if he seemed like what he was doing was wrong at all. Not at all. Much respect for Ninjalicious. I am sad I will not get the chance to see you again my brother. Maybe on the other side. Farewell and rest in Peace.

I was surprised with how well this was written and put together. The picture of the book led me to believe that it was a large clumsy paperback (like another book on urban exploration I have). I was pleasantly surprised that this was not the case. It was very tastefully done, and with more information and insight than I had hoped for.
Ninj was very well read and created a gripping, easy and fun to read handbook on this hobby.
HIGHLY RECCOMENDED for anyone interested in urban exploration: from the curious to the expert, you need this book in your library.

This book was fantastic, in every aspect!

It offers groves of sound advice and knowledge on the subject, and urban explorers ranging from enthusiasts to experts will definitely take many good things with them from this book. Not only are the how-to portions fantastic, the stories, anecdotes, and philosophical bits contained within are a treat to read, too. This book is simply THE urban exploration book.

A definite buy for anyone interested in urban exploration, architectural/urban history, or just a great read.

For anyone in the "Urban Exploration" scene, the name Ninjalicious is almost legendary. Not that he was one of the first to explore tunnels and old buildings, but he was one of the first to really achieve some level of fame for doing so. So the source for this information is more than credible.

If you are a veteran explorer, this book probably will not tell you much you don't already know. If you are just beginning to explore, this may be a helpful guide, but you'd be better off finding experienced people and going with them. A little experience and a good amount of common sense should see you through.

That said, I still would recommend this book to any active or armchair explorer. The author's humor makes reading this book a joy and the personal stories he includes are highly entertaining. So if nothing else, read it for fun. Plus, you never know. There may be a gem or 2 of wisdom in there for even the most veteran explorer.

ITALIA: THE ART OF LIVING ITALIAN STYLE is a title that may be misleading. This is not a 'decorator's source book' (though it certainly is an indispensable resource of information for any designer of interiors or exteriors!): this is a book rich in the Italian ambience that marries a respect of history in all forms while providing some of the finest photographs of a wide vista of Italian towns and gardens and homes. It is unique in its approach and a most rewarding read as well as a picture tour through Italy.

Edmund Howard utilizes the gifts of photographer Oliver Benn in partnering this leisurely journey through all parts of Italy.The writing and the visuals are equal in quality and when paired as they are here they are inimitable. Howard divides the book into chapters: 'Towns and Landscapes' surveys the various regions from the north (Venice) through Tuscany to the south with Rome and Sicily; 'Architecture' details the forms or buildings as they have developed through centuries; 'Interiors' span the humble with the grand; 'Gardens' are explored in all varieties. Then Howard and Benn swoop down on a chapter titled 'Details': here Doors and Windows, Frescoes, Fountains, Colors, Stonework, and Mosaics are scrutinized with word and image, a point where the reader gains more information about the Italian style than in any other source.

Realizing that the book will seduce many to visit the land of all this beauty, the book closes with a 'Visitor's Guide' which succinctly outlines the most interesting places to see in all of the Italian and Sicilian towns, villages and cities surveyed in this book. This is a photographic feast and a completely entertaining and readable as well as informative book. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, January 06

i loved modern glamour but domicilium decoratus is my favorite. physically,the book is well made, the photos are simply beautiful. every single page is a pleasure - the colors, the details, the objects...are just mouthwatering and they were all put together in a thoughtful way with taste, style, design sensibility, intelligence and humor. i have to disagree with reviewers who dislike kelly's ball gowns and prentending to be domestic.... i especially love those photos as they inject great humor and great joy of life into this book(whether it was intended or not). with almost no text, the pictures in this book worths a million words.

Brilliant display of Kelly Wearstler's style and aesthetic put to work in her own personal space. I am always fascinated to see inside designers'(that I like) homes. This one is really interesting and fanciful. Wearstler also enjoys shoving herself into the pictures which I think is fun. She is beautiful and obviously loves to dress up and glam it on. How can you not love her?

I loved her first book and was excited to receive the second but I was very disappointed. I quickly sold it. When the first book had various ideas, this one only shows a few rooms from her own estate. The house is set up to sell her as a decorator and she poses in various gowns on every 10th page. Sort of blah.

While I very much enjoyed Miss Wearstler's first book, I found Domicilium Decoratus to be borderline obnoxious. Rather than show great decorating, the book focused mainly on close up shots of objects in her house that took up the whole page.In addition, I feel that as the viewer of the book I do not need to see fifteen entire pages of Miss Wearstler dressed in ball gowns pretending to be domestic.

I loved modern glamour.
Kelly Wearstler's sleek design is truly inspirational,
but this new book takes you to places one can only dream of-
bold, dramatic, luxurious, and exotic is the only way to
describe her ever evolving style. At first I was a little shocked
because it wasn't the glamourous 3 color minimalism I was expecting,- but after studying the pages over and over for the past few weeks I see how brilliant she truly is, and why she is one of the most progressive, sought after designers today.

I was amazed at how well this classic treatise on architecture has held up over more than 25 years. It's a thoroughly engaging history of architecture with something to please anyone interested in building and design.

Allthought not the best book ever written on American Architecture (Learning from Las Vegas, etc), it does provide a good overview of the evolution of architecture in America from the functionality of house forms in the early colonial times to asthetic forms of the 20th century. The book focuses on the regional influences which dictated the building forms of the early periods from materials to climate, which are often overlooked in broader surveys. Much has been written about the Segrams building in other books, but this book will give you a better understanding of why houses in the South are brick with external chimneys and New England houses are clapboard with internal chimneys.

We usually see bridges as an extension of the road we're on, never realizing that every bridge is a great venture unto itself, where creativity, engineering genius and big capital all come into play.
Mr. Cortright's book highlights the most beautiful and unusual bridges from around the world, covering a span of nearly 3000 years. They're all here, from ancient Roman arches to extravagant futuristic showpieces. Whether the locale is Buenos Aires or Shanghai, you'll find yourself daydreaming about who built these bridges and what it would be like to cross them. I picked up this book in an odd moment and found myself captivated for hours.

Ideal for bridge fans, but even better for those who simply like to travel in their imagination. Highly recommended.

An amazing book. Great photos of bridges all over the world. Very insightful. The book has inspired me to go Bridging and I use the book as a reference handbook.

Bridge aficionados are lucky that Bob Cortright is alive, well, and traveling the world with his camera and lifelong, unabashed love of bridges. In this, his third magnificent volume, Cortright takes his camera further afield to bring readers stunning, full color photographs of bridges from 28 countries across six continents. His witty, succinct commentary conveys fascinating lore and trivia about each bridge. A perfect gift for travelers, students, and pontists of all ages. To see more of Cortright's bridges, visit [...].

If you take bridges for granted, perhaps as part of a daily commute, you likely won't again after reading Robert Cortright's lovingly assembled book.

Whether it be a multi-century old stone bridge in the old world or a recently built cable-stayed structure, you can't help but pause to admire the hundreds of examples of man's handiwork in Bridging the World.

Grouped by the method of construction used, these bridges are a tribute to man's ingenuity and his need to communicate. Featuring bridges from almost 30 countries and from 6 continents, the book is guaranteed to leave you wanting to see more, perhaps even in your own locale.

BRIDGING THE WORLD would make a wonderful gift for anyone with an interest in engineering or architecture, an armchair traveler or history buff, or anyone who just likes beautiful photography. Cortright is a retired American banker who just loves bridges. This is his third book filled with bridge photos, and he's obviously very good at his craft. The photos are gorgeous, displaying bridges from all over the world, with 306 clear, colorful photos from 28 countries and six continents.

The photography is exquisite -- you can see the individual cables, the shadows on the water or canyon beneath the structure, and the texture of the stones and other materials used in the bridge construction. The book arranges the bridges more or less chronologically or by length of span. The photos are divided by method of construction used in the bridge -- beam, arch, suspension, cable-stayed, aqueducts and special bridges. The book begins with structures built in ancient times and moves on to huge, modern works of art. To see several of the photos, visit www.bridgeink.com. Strongly recommended, especially as a gift.

I felt in love with this book at first sight. The hardcover its on metalic gold color. When you get to open it you know that you made one of the best buys if you like contemporary painting. Every single page is amazing. Almost the whole book has full-page image. The paper quality is (like couché) great. I haven's seen a Richter's face to face so I can't say anything about the color (perhaps it has a little more contrast than the real ones, but it doesn's bother me at all). The print quality is excellent and allows you to see plenty of details. In the first pages you can watch Richter working at the studio with huge canvases around him. In the last pages you can get to see like a hundred of sketches most of them painted with oil on canvas or paper. This book and the Matthias Weischer's one I think are both A MUST HAVE ARTBOOKS.

One of the very few books on Daniel Richter with good reproductions and covers a substantial part of his illustrious career.Definitely does justice to one of the great painters of this decade !! Wish they had also included more interviews with Richter and some of his rarely seen drawings.

Frank Whitford provides an essential introduction to the Bauhaus in his book, titled simply--Bauhaus. Whitford follows the events of the school from a historical perspective starting with Walter Gropius' plan and motivation for the school, to its ultimate end in Dessau at the hand of the Nazis. Whitford also presents personal perspectives through the journal entries and personal letters of the staff and students of the Bauhaus. These personal accounts help create a connection between the historical and the personal, and track the change in mood within the school. Whitford's book spends very little time on the impact of the Bauhaus, which is an analysis beyond the scope of this book. Frank Whitford's book, Bauhaus should be of interest to any student of art, design or education.

Copyright © 2007 Of My Own Design, Josh Crain. All Rights Reserved.

Great background to an institution which was about as rock'n'roll as they come. The soul put into the establishment, its teachings, its beliefs (collective and individual) and the commitment of those involved is staggering - its a shame that it really doesn't have an equivalent today, but that's todays politic and media for you. Consice account that was almost written as a historical novel - Christ, I even read the bibliography at the end !! Off to find more books about it all now. Oh, and listen to Blumfeld, International Jetset & Earl Brutus whilst reading this too.

AJC 1999

Frank Whitford's Bauhaus in the Thames & Hudson World of Art series provides a fine basic introduction to the 20th century's most important school of art. Whitford writes engagingly and informatively. He begins by sketching the prehistory of the school in the 19th century arts-and-crafts movement and then goes on to examine van der Velde and the Weimar Art School that served as the basis upon which Gropius established the school. Whitford deals with all the major figures in the fourteen-year history of the Bauhaus and he uses contemporary documents (journals, personal accounts, etc.) to tell the story. I rank this among the best books in the Thames & Hudson series. In fact, I assigned it as a required text in a course on the Bauhaus and the Weimar Republic. Incidentally, teachers might be interested to know that Whitford has also written and narrated a fine 60" film "Bauhaus: Face of the 20th Century" (available in the Films for the Humanities series.)

Mister Whitford thoroughly chronicled the events that formed and shaped the Bauhaus - from the very beginning to the unfortunate end. A very good point of view - a must read for the Bauhaus enthusiast.

This a great tribute to perhaps the most influential design institute of the 20th Century.
The story of it's development, philosophy, success and untimely end is perfectly chronicled here.
The expert, novice and vaguely interested would find this book useful. It's a superb acaedemic source and an important catalogue. Bauhaus still influences design today and should also be regarded historicaly as yet another victim of the Nazi regime.

Photographer and artist Gary Greene has assembled a collection of reference photographs that has something for every artist. As reflected in the title, this book has a useful mixture of photos subdivided into the three categories: Reflections, Textures and Backgrounds. Here is a sampling of what you will find.

Reflections
- Subjects reflected from water such as buildings, bridges, daylight, sunset and artificial light
- Water in motion
- Light reflected from man-made objects such as metal and glass

Textures
- Natural subjects such as tree bark, weathered wood, mosses, autumn and winter trees
- Man-made subjects such as rusted metal, old buildings, fabrics, pots and baskets

Backgrounds
- Mountains, deserts, barns and fields, seascapes, autumn and winter scenes

This book has more than a collection of beautiful reference photographs. Greene has included some very useful information. For those who wish to take their own reference photos he discusses the timely topic of digital versus film photography. Next he covers in detail the different equipment and techniques for photographing reflections, textures and backgrounds. Throughout the book Greene discusses how he used the Adobe Photoshop software to digitally enhance his photographs. Finally he and five other artists demonstrate how they interpreted reference photos in various artistic media.

The first demonstration was a photorealistic interpretation by watercolor artist Beverly Fortheringham. Her painting strongly resembled the reference photo of a boat reflected in water.

In the second demonstration watercolorist Pia Messina took a different approach. In an impressionistic style, Messina chose to emphasize certain elements and omit others from a reference photo of antique items.

For the third demonstration Greene used Adobe Photoshop to create a better reference photo. He combined major elements from two photos to make the third reference photo of a tree trunk in a bed of flowers. Multi-media artist Liana Bennett used this photo for her demonstration.

In the fourth demonstration Greene used Photoshop to rearrange elements in the reference photo of "the perfect door". The artist Steve Whitney interpreted this photo in acrylic and molding paste.

Greene painted the fifth demonstration. First he used Photoshop to remove the distracting shadows from his reference photo of a wagon wheel which he then interpreted in colored pencil.

For the last demonstration Greene used Photoshop to add a vibrant colored background to silhouetted trees. He called this technique "sandwiching". This reference photo was interpreted by the pastel artist Paulette Johnson.

The major attraction of this book is the collection of beautiful reference photos and by including the additional information Greene has not attempted to write a complete how-to for photographers or a Photoshop manual. However he does offer suggestions for taking good reference photos and digital enhancing those photos.

Gary Green is an accomplished artist and photographer. He has written many other books including Creating Radiant Flowers in Colored Pencil, Painting with Water-Soluble Colored Pencils, Creating Textures in Colored Pencil, Artists Photo Reference: Landscapes, Artists Photo Reference: Buildings & Barns, Artist's Photo Reference: Flowers, and Artist's Photo Reference: Boats & Nautical Scenes.

There are so many photos to choose from. It has texture, but there is also, sky, water, trees, etc. A bit of everything, because everything has texture. It a very good reference to have if you don't have your own photo collection started yet.

This superb collection shows now-gone buildings and architectural treasures of our beloved city's past. These remarkable black-and-white photos show famous vanished bridges, churches, buildings and arenas, including the Colesium (nominating site of four Presidents). The City's downtown and surrounding areas were rebuildt after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, in the largest building boom in U.S. history. Wood gave way to brick, steel, and concrete - the fire led to strict building codes - and many structures rose as the city expanded from 320,000 people in 1871 to 3.4 million by 1930. Readers learn about our city's history, plus the valuable contributions from world-famous architects and planners like Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, Miles Van De Roh, Mortimer Adler, and Daniel Burham. Today, many call Chicago the nation's architectural marvel - yet we also lost many famous structures as this superb book shows.

I'd have liked more photos of rail structures (Chicago was and probably remains the world's railroad capital), but it's a minor flaw. This is a superb book about a great city and its architectural past.

The well written story and photos of Chicago are great. It was amazing the number of outstanding architectural building that were built and torn down in such a short number of years.
Having grown up in Chicagoland during the 40' & 50's, I found myself depressed to see such destruction - only to be replaced by glass and aluminum boxes. Even efforts to save the outstanding and much beloved main lobby at the Chicago and Northwestern station failed in the name of the almighty dollar!

First of all...Mr. Lowe obviously has a deep rooted love for our wonderful city of Chicago. Most importantly...he is ensuring future generations and historians the ability to reference so many facts. This simply said...is an incredible work of love and a dedicated effort.
Thank You Mr. Lowe...my children's children will know what an important part that Chicago has played as our nation grew and prospered.

L. Curt Erler Author of "Southside Kid"

Stunning photos of a beautiful city. This book is truly a step back to a time when buildings were built to withstand centuries, although tragically these examples did not. Chicago has some of the most impressive examples of architecture in the country and this book is a powerful archive of not only what the city was, but what it is today. I wish there was a similar book on the buildings of Detroit, many of which are sadly slipping into oblivion.

There is much to enjoy here even if one does not have a special interest in architecture. As a lifelong Chicagoan, I especially liked the photo of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church (p. 79) which occurs in the formerly Polish neighborhood that I grew up in. I also enjoyed the old maps of the Chicago area from the 1600's.