Book Description

Through concise text and richly detailed black and white illustrations we come to know the philosophy of life and death in ancient Egypt. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

good introduction
Though this was written nearly thirty years ago, this is still one of the best introductions to the building of the pyramids out there, as he distills the basics down to the bare minimum without sacrificing much detail. The drawings, too, are superb, though the one page showing the various bald-headed workers made me think of Blue Man Group.

I do have some minor reservations, however, which are not necessarily Macaulay's fault (I am not going to go into alternative theories about how the pyramids were built, or speculation about the "real" purpose of the pyramids). One, to have built a pyramid of 2 million blocks in 30 years (working 5 months of the year) would have required that over 400 blocks be cut, finished, transported, and set into place EVERY DAY. Two, he doesn't state how the ramps were built so they could withstand the weight of so many tons of blocks day in and day out. And third, how was this enormous operation made to run so smoothly despite accidents and other problems that had to have occurred?

Despite my reservations, this is still a wonderful book to teach people, especially children, how such a massive undertaking was accomplished.

A GREAT, FUN READ
My friend checked this book out from the library and lent it to me, and I really enjoyed it. Communicating through words and drawings, Mr. Macaulay makes us feel like we're there in Egypt watching the pyramids being built through the decades. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a book they can really sink their teeth into.

How did this guy learn to draw?
Who hasn't wondered how the Great Pyramids came to be? In this stunningly illustrated, richly detailed book, David Macaulay skillfully shows one way they could have built. I had ordered the book for our family's study of ancient Egypt, based on a recommendation in The Greenleaf Guide to Ancient Egypt, which raved about it. I was not disappointed. In fact, I was stunned at the detail and care of the drawings and fascinated by the accounts. Although the long descriptions were daunting for my then-first grader, the illustrations caught her eye, and her older siblings dug into it with enthusiasm.

Egyptian Pyramids
David MacAulty's book discusses and illustrates "one method" by which the pyramids of Egypt may have been built, and follows the construction step by step. His pen and ink drawings are excellent. The book may have been written for children (ages 9 and older) but, I enjoyed the book. I highly recommend it for adults and children with an interest in the pyramids. My eight year old son was fascinated by the book. Hopefully, his interest in Egyptology has been sparked by this fine book. I tend to disagree with the author when he refers to the pyramids as tombs. No bodies have been found within the pyramids. Its more likely the pyramids were used as structures for initiation ceremonies. Although, not specifically stated the entire book, except for a brief discussion of the Queen's pyramid and the mummification process, is devoted to the Great Pyramid of Khufu. The brief discussion of the mummification process is just the right amount of information for a child's book.

Pyramid
David MacAulay's book illustrartes "one" method by which the pyramids of Egypt may have been built, and follows the construction step by step with text and drawings. His pen and ink drawings are excellent! The book may have been written for children, ages 9 and older, but I enjoyed the book! My eight year old son was fascinated by the book. Hopefully, his interest in Egyptology has been sparked by this fine book. I tend to disagree with the author when he refers to the pyramid as a tomb. Although, not specifically stated, the entire book except a brief discussion of the Queen's Pyramid and mumification are devoted to the building of the Great Pyramid of Khufu. The brief discussion of the mummification process is just the right amount of information for a child. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

The Greatest Drawing Book.
I can easily remember the dozens of times I took this book out from the library when I was a kid. I would draw for hours. There wasn't anything that this book didn't tell you how to draw. Cars, boats, houses, people, bridges, and hundreds of other objects. And the best part about the book is how easy everything is. Any kid who has the ability to draw lines, curves and circles can draw everything in this book. From chairs and desks to fancy boats with many sails, from bicycles and tricycles to tractors and tractor trailers, this book had it all. I would recommend this book to people of all ages. It is guaranteed to keep any young artist occupied for hours on end. The best book of its kind.

Another great one, for all ages.
I'm a fan of all the Emberly books and if you have any interest in drawing or if you have kids, I can't recommend them strongly enough.

This one spans a wide range of ages, maybe the widest in the series. It perhaps won't reach as young as the thumbprint book, but because the drawings are designed to be small parts of a larger world, they're even simpler than those found in other books, and that can be very appealing to the young ones.

Older kids can exercise their imagination and skills by, as the books says, making a world. They'll be able to explore other things like composition and theme (however unconsciously) because the drawings they're using for their picture will be easy for them to render.

If I had a wish, it's that there would be more example landscapes in this book. The book is quite short, and the only example of combining pictures is on the last page. But the last page is inspirational and I would've liked more.

Nonetheless, this is a five-starrer.

Making a world
As a child I spent hours drawing complex worlds and maps from what I learned in this book.

Look back at fun and terrific drawing book
"Ed Emberly's Drawing Book: Make a World" really takes me back. From my earliest days in elementary school (early 80's), I remember this book. I did not then, nor do I know, have any appreciable artistic talent. Yet, this book made very common objects, people, and places very easy to draw with a fundamental step-by-step instruction. It gave even the least talented wanna-be artist an outlet for creative production. I simply loved this book. I had it checked out of the school library (with constant renewals) for almost an entire school year until the librarians put their foot down. My parents were kind enough to buy me my own copy, and I carried it with me every day. Even when I wasn't drawing, the setup of the book is creative enough so that a reader can almost come up with their own stories based on the drawings. I have no idea where my old copy of this book is, but you can be sure that I am psyched to buy it again.

wonderful tiny drawings
I have always enjoyed making tiny drawings in the borders of my notebooks at school. And as an adult I still doodle during meetings. This book is for those who love to doodle. It shows you how to make the coolest little doodles and drawings of everything! There are hundreds of people, buildings, vehicles, boats, and animals to draw. An as always no one teaches you an easier way than Ed Emberly! This is the best series of books for learning to draw, and when you want to thinkl about drawing for more than just fun you can move up the the Jack Hamm books, the logical next step after you finsih all of these. As an adult, I still love this book. I love it more now that it makes my 5 year old so happy that he can draw such neat things as castles, with dragons and knights in 2 minutes! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Fun with Faces
I love all of Emerbeley's books but this one was a particular favorite of mine. It goes into how to draw all sorts of faces from regular people to clowns, movie monsters, and animals.

Another classic!
If your child likes to draw, you can't beat Ed Emberley for his fun, creative, and best of all EASY drawing instructions. He provides simple, step-by-step pictorial guidelines which even young children can follow: if they can recognize and reproduce basic shapes, then they can draw the faces in this book. For each step of a particular drawing, there is a basic instruction such as "make a green triangle" or "add two squiggly lines." These instructions are accompanied by two sketches: a drawing of whatever it is to be added and a drawing of the face-in-progress as a whole, so children can easily see how the parts fit together. Not only does this book provide a fun play activity, but also it's great for helping school-aged kids to enhance book reports and other school projects. Even adults will appreciate both the ease at which this book helps them to produce a wide variety of silly faces and the author's humorous style. A great gift for pre-school and elementary school aged children.

WONDERFUL AND FUN!
Even tho these books are rated for ages 4-8 i think that is really a judgement call... My son is 10 and LOVES them. There is no set age for when a child learns to draw and anytime you can make a child feel good about something he creates... it is a good thing. I have found that even adults who didnt think they could draw are amazed at what they can do using the books... this is one of the easier drawing books but it is also fun because as kids get more comfortable they can use their imagination and make up their own faces!

Watch your children learn to draw!
The Ed Emberley series of books are excellent for teaching that drawing things can be easy when you look for the basic shapes that appear in the subject you are drawing. I use this book together with my preschoolers and my 7 year old, and their drawing abilities have noticably advanced. The pictures are rather small for the preschoolers to use on their own, but when we do it together they love it.

Great drawing book for kids!
My kids age 8 and 10 loved all the tricks for drawing fun little characters. Very easy tips!! ... Read more

Book Description

Through the lively verse and striking photographs of this large-format book, young readers learn the ABCs of architecture, including arches, gargoyles, hinges, I-beams, urns, and zigzags. Questions stimulate young readers to think about the structural world around them in a creative, thought-provoking way.

28 illustrations in full color, 91/4 x 103/4" ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great introduction to architecture
My husband is an architect, so I bought this book for our (future) children. The photography is wonderful. We think it is an excellent introduction to architecture, and I love how it asks a question of the reader after each alphabet. For example, it asks if you think a keystone looks like a tooth.

Architecture for the young and young at heart
A delightful book of engaging interactive text and glorious photographic images which will appeal to both children and adults. Compared to other architecture alphabet books, "Archibet" and "An Architectural Alphabet" for instance, this book not only delights the eye but asks the reader to "read" the image and engage with the text. An appendix offers details regarding the specific location of the element in each photograph as well as the full definition of the term associated with each letter of the alphabet. Put it on your Christmas list.

Architecture is for kids too
By now you've probably plowed your way through lots of those children's books that are about impossible for grownups to enjoy. I won't mention any names, but I've tried lots of them and the kids don't seem to like them much either! Here's a book that children enjoy, and that also offers something to us parents. The photos are lively and pretty (and there's a handy list in the back that tells us where they were taken). The verse is clever and fresh and informative. And you walk away from the book understanding a bit more about architecture, a subject that's endlessly fascinating. I'll have to check my son's latest Lego structure to see if he's incorporated any arches, corbels, gargoyles, or other architectural features into his creations. Then I'll know for sure that this book has been as successful with him as it has been with me! Incidentally, this is a good gift book for the school. I'm giving one to my daughter's 2nd grade classroom. ... Read more

Book Description

The word itself conjures up mystery, romance, intrigue, and grandeur. What could be more perfect for an author/illustrator who has continually stripped away the mystique of architectural structures that have long fascinated modern man? With typical zest and wry sense of humor punctuating his drawings, David Macaulay traces the step-by-step planning and construction of both castle and town. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

They capture the castle
In this book, text and detailed drawings follow the planning and construction of a "typical" castle and adjoining town in thirteenth-century Wales. Macaulay recently added the title "Mosque" to his series of large constructions such as "Castle" or "Pyramid". It is nice to see the man being so prolific. This book would appeal to the child who likes to know exactly how things are created. Going step by step, Macaulay explains each leg in the process of creating a castle. More importantly, with each construction the author goes even further, explaining the purpose of that piece. The reader never looses sight of the fact that castles were both antagonistic and defensive. Children today that have seen the Lord of the Rings movies might be very interested in knowing more about the construction of these structures and how difficult they were to defeat. Macaulay's drawings are just as interesting as his text. Pencil drawings label and list every tool, brick, and worker. Undoubtedly, this is not a book for everyone and it would not be much use beyond serving as a reference guide for interested students. However, should a teacher wish to bring it up, they might wish to show the video Macaulay narrated of this book. Also, it might go well with Avi's "Crispin: The Cross of Lead", as a look at a castle from a peasant's point of view.

Great book for all ages
This is a simple yet fascinating book that explores in words and in drawings the construction of an English castle. The book follows a castle's construction from the initial ground work to the finishing touches and includes fascinating details about the inner workings of castle-building and the life in and around a castle.

MacAuley is a gifted author, capable of explaining basic engineering and building techniques in language accessible to young readers. Even adults will learn something new about how castles were built and the day-to-day living experiences within the environs of a castle. What makes this book so special are, of course, MacAuley's superb drawings. Every page is richly decorated with MacAuley's detailed, hand-drawn, black-and-white sketches. Even as an adult, I find it amazing to look at these drawings and it is no surprise that children find these drawings simply riveting.

A wonderufl book for all ages
I highly recommend any book by David Macaulay. Both children and adults will be captivated by the wonderful drawings.

History in bricks and mortar
David MacAuley's fine drawings provide children as young as six with opportunities to explore engineering and architecture in an historical setting. The laws of gravity have not changed yet technology has and the ingenuity of generations passed is illustrated with considerable care. There is much for an adult to learn in partnership with the child reader. My son has kept this book on his own shelves for the last ten years and I have to get permission to borrow it! "City" and "Cathedral" are equally compelling and each provides a link into related literature e.g. "Castle" takes you to Tintagel.

An informative paperback book for a kid.
This book covers the planning, construction, & defending of a 'typical' castle of England in the middle ages. The author chose to write/draw about an immaginary castle for 'Lord Kevin'. It also tells a little about life in a castle.

It is all black & white hand drawings/sketches. Nicely done. At times you can almost tell the artist has a sense of humor. It is obviously written for children, but adults can learn from it as well. It is a good study for castles by showing cross-sections. ... Read more

Book Description

An author and artist who has continually stripped away the
mystique of architectural structures that have long fascinated
modern people, David Macaulay here reveals the methods and
materials used to design and construct a mosque in late-sixteenth-
century Turkey. Through the fictional story and Macaulay"s distinctive full-color illustrations, readers will learn not only how such monumental structures were built but also how they functioned in relation to the society they served.
As always, Macaulay has given a great deal of attention to the
relationship between pictures and text, creating another brilliant
celebration of an architectural wonder. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Macaulay tops himself
A very informative book about the building of a mosque in the Middle Ages that can be appreciated by anyone from teenagers on up (anyone younger might not get the full benefit of the text, unless they are intellectually gifted). Macaulay focuses on the architectural and social aspects surrounding these holy structures, so that even those with no knowledge of Islam can appreciate the significance that these buildings have in Muslim culture. Not only that, the author's drawing style has improved greatly from his books of the mid-70s, bringing more vividness to the subject and doing justice to the intricacies and beauty of the artwork within the mosque. As always with Macaulay's books, a treat for the eye and the mind.

Richie's Picks: MOSQUE
When I take such pleasure in reading about Paul Edward Logan's accomplished woodworking skills in THE LAND, when I become so attached to Alex and Morris Rose's old house and unique towers in THE OUTCASTS OF 19 SCHUYLER PLACE, and when I delight in telling middle school audiences about Duncan's toilet-stealing scene in ACCELERATION, it is within the context of those beloved childhood memories: Days breathing sawdust and trying to keep my hands warm through a gray autumn Saturday as I did a man's work on my dad's construction jobs and created something lasting.

Thus, I can imagine being one of Huseyin Bey's nine sons. Huseyin is hired to serve as the superintendent of building for the fictitious, late-1500s construction feat that is chronicled in David Macaulay's MOSQUE. To read David's dedication, "For my children and their children's children" is to get but an inkling of the temporal scale we must learn to think in when discussing the subject matter. This is a book which can quite handily serve as the front step for a comprehensive study of the Islamic religion, or of the Ottoman empire, or of what is going on today. And while the impeccable work of David Macaulay is no secret to any of us, this focus on the magnificent vision, the mathematical beauty, and detailed craftsmanship inherent in these structures sacred to a large part of the world, is a wonderful way to begin educating children (and their parents) about that which most of the West is so ignorant. (I am sad to say that as I read MOSQUE during half-time at a freshman basketball game yesterday, someone's parent leaned over and muttered, "Yeah, mosques, that's where they hide the weapons of mass destruction.")

Throughout the book we're treated to those illustrations for which David Macaulay is so well known and loved: from large overviews of the overall project as it rises from the ground, down to detailed views of creating stained glass windows, bricks, forged iron grilles, perfectly rounded arches, and the Muezzins' balcony.

The what?

Yes, that's another great thing about MOSQUE. We are provided with a whole series of new "languages," involving architecture and the Islamic culture. And not only do we see how the project is laid out so that the worshippers are facing Mecca when they pray, but we also get to see the balconies, the bakeries, the bathrooms and the bath house.

Not a picture book for little kids, MOSQUE is an entertaining and info-packed illustrated introduction to a world different from our own--temporally, geographically, and culturally--which we learn is not all so different as some would want us to think.

Yet Another Fine David Macaulay Book
* I'm something of a fan of David Macaulay -- author of THE WAY THINGS WORK,
CASTLE, CATHEDRAL, BUILDING BIG, and other books for adolescents -- who
always does a very neat job of describing how various constructions are put
together. (BUILDING BIG was also a PBS TV series, and showed that Mr.
Macaulay is also an articulate and enthusiastic lecturer.) Anyway, when I
ran across his latest work, MOSQUE, I had to pick it up and go through it.

MOSQUE details the construction of a mosque in Istambul at the end of the
16th century, when the Ottoman Empire was at its peak. The story of the
construction of this particular mosque was fictional, but the building's
design follows principles established by Sinan, the chief architect of the
Ottoman court for fifty years during the 16th century, and the details of
actual construction were carefully researched. No doubt Mr. Macauley did not
want to have to go through the extremely difficult job of trying to
authenticate the personnel and chronology of a specific construction project,
which would have greatly increased his effort without any real benefit to the
reader.

In any case, the story begins in 1595, when a wealthy and powerful Ottoman
admiral decided to create a charitable foundation to establish a mosque in
Istambul as his legacy. Actually, the admiral wanted to build more than just
a mosque; he wanted to establish a "kulliye", a complex of buildings centered
around the mosque but including a seminary (madrese), a bathhouse (hamam), a
soup kitched (imaret), a public fountain (cesme), and his tomb (turbe).

Construction began in the spring of 1596 on a burned out section of the city.
Planning details of the effort were pretty much what they are for a big
construction project today, involving estimating materials and costs, lining
up suppliers and subcontractors, and keeping work on a prearranged schedule.
Some of the considerations were surprisingly elaborate, such as ordering the
fabrication of stained-glass panels from Venice.

The buildings were constructed of stone and brick. The mosque itself was a
two-story stone box with a brick dome and a minaret, with the building laid
out so the faithful would face Mecca, and with a front courtyard with a
fountain for washing (a "sadirvan") before prayers. The other buildings were
single-floor structures, with a set of rooms, each with its own small brick
dome, ringing a courtyard. The complex was completed in 1600 and dedicated
in July of that year.

The admiral died soon after and was laid to rest in the turbe. However, his
favorite wife then funded the construction of two more buildings for the
kulliye: a combination office / shop and hotel building (han) and an
overnight lodge for caravans (caravanserai). They followed similar design
principles to the other buildings in the kulliye and were completed in 1602.

MOSQUE maintains the same standards of quality as Mr. Macaulay has set in
books like PYRAMID and CATHEDRAL, and in fact MOSQUE follows the exact same
format, with very tidy drawings of even small details of construction and Mr.
Macaulay's friendly, clear prose. Although targeted at adolescents, this
book meets the standard that any good book for young people should meet: a
adult can read it and find it perfectly entertaining and informative.
Recommended, if you can get into construction projects.

Good book... for adults
Macaulay draws as well as any architect, and his lengthy explanations of the architectural intricacies of a mosque's construction are clear. Unfortunately, it would be a rare child who would possibly interested in any such thing, and this verbose, detailed picture book is not likely to draw them in. His books are more popular with the New York Times set who thinks children's books ought to be aimed at adults. However, this book may prove useful for kids in the 4th grade and up who need to do a report on mosques.

Fascinating Fictional History
As the author has shown in numerous award-winning books-Cathedral, Pyramid and City, to name a few-his unique gift is the ability to show how monumental historical creations have been fabricated through wonderfully complex sequences of logical steps. This book fits neatly into that lineage, which could seem formulaic by now if each book were anything less than fascinating. Though the mosque, architect and patron in his story are all fictional, the book is set in Istanbul between 1540 and 1580, during the life-time of Sinan, the most renowned architect of the Ottoman Empire. The author remains faithful to that history, and imparts genuine awe at the resulting beauty. DD ... Read more

Book Description

Text and detailed drawings follow the planning and construction of a magnificent Gothic cathedral in the imaginary French town of Chutreaux during the thirteenth century. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

A fascinating way to learn more about architecture
I began reading David Macaulay's books when I was about eight or nine years old. But his style is so addictive, it's really ideal for all ages. In addition to "Cathedral," he has similar books entitled "Castle," "Pyramid," "City" and more.

"Cathedral" introduces a fictional 12th century French village named Chutreaux, whose church was destroyed when it was struck by lightning. The citizens decide to have a new one built, which will be the largest, tallest and widest in the world. And this is where the story begins.

Like Macaulay's other books, it describes in great detail the process involved in the planning and construction of such a structure. In addition to the informative, entertaining text, nearly every page is filled with massive, detailed illustrations. Although the town and cathedral of Chutreaux is fictional, it is typical of its respective time.

Reading this book, you will find yourself immersed in the lives of Chutreaux's citizens, not to mention trying to grasp the enormity of the construction project (since it takes nearly a century to complete, those who started the project will not live to see it finished).

All of Macaulay's books in this series are fascinating. But this is my favorite.

Chapeau Monsieur David Macaulay!
We bought two copies of this book. One for us, and one as a present for appreciation month of our pastor. We may even buy one more for a Christmas present! The author did not bind the book to the Catholic religion. It can be read an enjoyed by everybody. I read this book for the first time in 1988 and I always felt it was very detailed and as close to the truth as possible. Being (born) French and raised in France I lived by this type of cathedrals all my life. The writer was able to keep the mood of the medieval times as well as keeping it enjoyable and modern enough that even our American children (11 and 13 year old) love this book. People who have visited European (French) cathedrals can feel even more in this book the effort accomplished during the construction of a cathedral by medieval people. This book is good for children and for adults. This book is better understood if you traveled in France. From Provence in the South of France to the beaches of Bretagne you will find cathedrals that can fit the description of the building process described in this book. Great family entertainment but it is also a very good introduction to medieval buildings! Chapeau Monsieur David Macaulay! from A French expatriated now American citizen :O) living in Gurley Alabama Webmaster of the Gurley Community & Town History web site

A wonderful introduction to architecture and the Middle Ages
Having just finished a great book called "Great Cathedrals", filled with 400 pages of jaw-dropping photographs, I kept wondering how in the world they could have built such marvelous edifices with rudimentary implements over 800 years ago. David Macaulay's "Cathedral" is a book ostensibly written for children but which will fascinate readers of all ages. In scarcely 80 pages, Macaulay takes us back in time to the year 1252 in the fictional French village of Chutreaux where the people decide to build the "longest, widest, highest and most beautiful cathedral in all of France" for the glory of God. Macaulay's text is minimal, but his exquisite black and white line drawings say it all: the step-by-step stages in the building's construction, the craftsmen and the tools they used, and the dedication that kept this project going for 80 years until its completion. We feel a sense of awe at the dedication of the original architects and craftsmen and builders who knew that they would be long dead before the cathedral was finally finished. Macaulay's glossary at the end of the book helps us to understand the major elements of the Gothic cathedral, and his cross-sections and diagrams provide clear illustration of just how the cathedral rose from its foundations. At the end of this volume, we share the awe and pride the townspeople felt at having shared a goal for over 80 years and making it a reality. Macaulay's "Cathedral" is a marvelous creation in more ways than one.

not only for children
It is indeed a book that can be read easily in a couple of hours. However, if you read "between the drawings", if I may say so, you will discover a very deep knowledge of structural design. In fact, I had the chance to read first John Fitchen's The Construction of Gothic Cathedrals, and I can assure that I enjoyed Mr. Macaulay's work much more. Perhaps "Cathedral. The Story of Its Construction" falls short in words and should have been beefed up with more text. Still, I recommend this book. It is hard to find another book with drawings so detailed showing perhaps the most accurate construction means used by the medieval builders, from the very beginning of the construction of these espiritual and community gothic buildings to the end.

Great introduction to how cathedrals were built
Having seen a number of European cathedrals, it is mind boggling to try to imagine how they were constructed by medieval people. This book uses beautifully detailed pen and ink drawings to show how it was done. The book goes step-by-step through the over 80 year process by which successive generations of the local citizens built a fictious French cathedral. All of the key aspects of the procedure are depicted, including designing the structure, obtaining materials, digging the foundation, building walls and flying buttresses for a ceiling over 100 feet high, casting and hoisting bells, and creating huge stained glass windows. This book is really not for children under about 10 years old--although people assume it is because it is illustrated and has text which can be read in under one hour. Given the complexity of the topic, it was just much easier to describe the process using drawings. If you are interested in how cathedrals were built, this is a great introduction. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Best way to spend a rainy afternoon
I spent hours creating entire worlds based on these books. They are a wonderful introduction to basic drawing skills and are FUN!!!

You can draw!!
These books are the greatest. I own all of the Emberly books. They are fun for adults and kids alike. You are never too old or young to learn to draw. This book will make you the most hip doodler in school or at work. Ed makes it really easy!
This book is from a series of 4 books from Emberly are the easiest books on drawing there are, period. Anyone young or old can learn to draw some great critters and vehicles from these books. ANYONE! All of his Big Color books are great, (They are a series, each named after a color). This one is famous for the easy way it shows you how to draw step by step a great big green dragon, but it is simple when you do it his way. This book includes a number of fun ideas including Frankenstein, sailboat and trees. He even shows you how to make yours unique rather than a copy of his drawings. You can be the doodle hero of your classroom or office after using this book. He does it simply using very simple steps, lines, and basic shapes to start you off. My favorite in the series would be the Purple Book, but they are all good.
If you want to move up from here and learn the terminology of what you are doing, and really become an accomplished artist, the next step after these are the terrific books by "Jack Hamm". If you just want to have some fun, get this book!

Kids love this series
My students love these books. The drawings are simple and easy to follow. Teachers will find it easy to use this book for short directed drawing lessons. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

An impressive woman, a bittersweet life
I've been somewhat familiar with Julia Morgan's architecture for many years, so it was interesting to read about her life. This is a nice quick read for an adult, but would really be wonderful as a gift to that niece or nephew who aspires to be an architect. The book does a good job of demonstrating how important Miss Morgan's determination and leadership skills were to her success, in addition to her obvious artistic giftedness.

As a Berkeley grad I was disappointed to learn that one of my heros, John Galen Howard, who was chief campus architect in the early 20th century (and designer of the Campanile, among many other of the granite buildings), acted in such a petty way towards Miss Morgan, blocking any campus building contracts from going to her because she had the audacity to leave his office to go solo. On the other hand, Bernard Maybeck sounds as though he was as delightful as the Berkeley brown shingles he designed.

A touching aspect of the book is how it illustrates Miss Morgan's kindness to everyone she came in contact with. She designed a playhouse for the children of the man who chauferred her to and from the Hearst Castle site. When her own mother was getting old and fearful she built an exact replica in San Francisco of the bedroom her mother had lived in for many years in Oakland.

Outstanding
I read this book when it first came out to review for our library collection. It has always been one of the books that has stood out in my mind as an unforgettable. It is terrific not just for the youth but also adults. It is an exemplary biography for an exemplary woman. Julia Morgan was one of our countries first women architects. It is an excellent biography for girls and the general public. An excellent comprehensive read of one of our countries finest architects. I highly recommend it for someone looking for an oustanding, informative, inspiring fun read for our youth. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Purple Pirates!
Another great Emberley book teaching how to draw by using simple geometric shapes to build anything from pandas, poodles, robots or even intricately detailed pirate ships.

You can do it, not just for kids Too!
This series of books from Emberly are the easiest books on drawing there are, period. Anyone young or old can learn to draw some great critters and vehicles from these books. All of his Big Color books are great, as is his "Make A World" book. This one is famous for the easy way it shows you how to draw step by step, what appears to be a complex pirate ship. He even shows you how to make yours unique rather than a copy of his drawings. You can be the doodle hero of your class or office after using this book. He does it simply using very simple steps, lines, and basic shapes to start you off. If you want to learn the terminology of what you are doing, and really become an accomplished artist, the next step after these are the terrific Jack Hamm books. If you just want to have some fun, get this book!

Great book! It entertains children of any age for hours.
This book is incredibly entertaining. From a complex pirate ship to a simple bunch of grapes, these books teach you how to draw a complicated picture in a series of easy steps. It will keep children of every age occupied for hours, as well as adults.

Ed Emberley's Big Purple Drawing Book
What a wonderful book! I bought this for my four year old daughter who loves to draw and it is a big hit. What is most appealing is the range in level of drawings. From a simple panda to a much more complex pirate ship, I can see my daughter using this book for years to come. Each picture is broken down into easy to follow step by step instructions/illustrations. This technique really built my daughter's confidence in her ability to draw a wide range of things. She is now able to look at an illustration and see that although it may appear difficult, it is really a grouping of shapes and lines. Many of these shapes and lines she could already draw, but was unaware that by putting them together in certain ways she could draw wonderful pictures. I highly recommend this book for children and adults who want to learn to draw!

Amazing Drawing
Ed Emberly shows a wounderful way to draw all sorts of objects from imaginary robots to small animals. I didn't think I could draw robots this well until I started drawing with this book! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Real West Wing
This is a great book for children and adults alike. It is filled with fascinating details and beautiful illustrations about our nation's most important residence. The book artfully covers the long history of the White House and offers behind-the-scenes insights into how it lives, breathes, and operates today. I particularly appreciate the Epilogue, which features vignettes about the influence of each President (and First Lady) and gives readers a real sense of the house's evolution. Also enjoyable are the interviews with White House staff, such as the director of student correspondence and the pastry chef. After reading Catherine Grace's delightful volume, I can appreciate John Adams' benediction, now carved in the State Dining Room mantlepiece: "I pray Heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house and on all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof." ... Read more

Book Description

A unique collection of amazing views of the world by Stephen Biesty.

Machines, ships, buildings, and the human body as you've never seen. This unique collection of extraordinary illustrations by artist Stephen Biesty explores machines, building, ships, and even the human body from the inside out. From the Grand Canyon to the Space Shuttle, Biesty's amazingly detailed cross-section views take you right inside to reveal how things work or how things are made. See how a 14th-century castle holds up against a siege, and what life would have been like inside a World War II submarine. Learn how 18th-century warships battled on the high seas and what life is like on a space station. Discover how everyday things are made, from false teeth to Formula 1 racing cars and what holds up to the Empire State Building.

Author and illustrator team Richard Platt and Stephen Biesty's first collaboration Incredible Cross-Sections went straight to the top of the best-seller list. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

It REALLY IS the Coolest Cross-Sections Ever!
We absolutely love this book and so glad it is in our home library. It is on our coffee table and continually poured over. I think this book will be timeless in this family. We love the detail, the layout, the insight and depth it gives on a topic in such an approachable way. Beautifully illustrated and presented. I think it deserves more than just 5 points. It is a winner.

One in a Great Series
Illustrator Stephen Biesty carved out his own niche in books by grabbing a concept and doing it well, over and over again. The concept was to take well-known but complex things, like ships, machines, geological formations, and the human body, and make them more understandable by giving a series of drawings, for each object, showing what that object would look like if it were sliced in sections. Kind of sounds like an MRI in medicine! The drawings are bright, colorful, and extremely detailed. With each, there is a short, clearly-written description of the object and some of its aspects. These books make great gifts for older kids, who will get a kick out of the fact that most items show the bathrooms in use, and don't be surprised if an adult or two peeks at the book several times. ... Read more

Book Description

Why this shape and not that? Why steel instead of concrete or stone? Why put it here and not over there? These are the kinds of questions that David Macaulay asks himself when he observes an architectural wonder. These questions take him back to the basic process of design from which all structures begin, from the realization of a need for the structure to the struggles of the engineers and designers to map out and create the final construction.As only he can, David Macaulay engages readers" imaginations and gets them thinking about structures they see and use every day — bridges, tunnels, skyscrapers, domes, and dams. In Building Big he focuses on the connections between the planning and design problems and the solutions that are finally reached. Whether a structure is imposing or inspiring, he shows us that common sense and logic play just as important a part in architecture as imagination and technology do. As always, Macaulay inspires readers of all ages to look at their world in a new way. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A Great Gift for Someone Who Loves Architecture
I gave this book as a gift to someone who loves and understands architecture. He found it most interesting. It contains many facts that are not generally know about large, historical structures.

A BIG success
David Macaulay takes the reader on a tour of some of the really big civil engineering structures of our time. Building Big has sections on Bridges, Tunnels, Dams, Domes, and Skyscrapers. Each part of the book describes the design and construction of from four to ten outstanding examples of the structure highlighted. The examples in each category are described in chronological order with some going back to the time of ancient Rome. The drawings that accompany the text are excellent at focusing on the details and techniques described. The integration of text and graphics is wonderful. In each case, Macaulay describes the design objectives, the interplay between the structure and the environment, and the engineering solutions used to bring the structures into being. This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in structural engineering and design. I have not seen the related PBS video series, but I can say that the book stands on its own very well. Highly recommended.

Awesome
Macaulay fans are going to be amazed and impressed by this, his best book yet. It's a companion to the PBS series that's better than the films! A must see and better yet, must buy.

Brilliance and accessibility
Once again, David Macaulay provides artistry and specialized knowledge in a medium that readers of all ages can appreciate. He explains complicated architectural structures with striking clarity, and his illustrations perfectly complement his engaging narrative tone. Macaulay joins fact and story beautifully -- rather than "lobotomized Sendak," I see conversational Da Vinci.

Big if you read at a 5th Grade level
Building Big reminds me of a book I owned as a boy called "How do they build it?" Slick pictures of giraffes and elephants building dams and skyscrapers. This book isn't much different. Skinny on the details, full of colorful pictures you might get from Maurice Sendak with a lobotomy. In other words, I'm dissapointed that a subject of such scope has been slighted here. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Beautiful book
This book is truly marvelous. It provides an easy and accessible way to introduce young children to the world of art, while leaving room to develop their own ideas and concepts concerning "classical art". I think as children grow they will continue to appreciate the beauty of the works they first met in this book and will have a point of reference that helps them relate to the works in the book.

What a Wonderful Idea!
When I first looked through this book, I thought maybe they could have added some explanations to the artwork. Then, I realized that if they had, they would not be allowing the child to make up creative ideas about the art themselves.

Each piece is simply accompanied by a word or sentence. "Young and Old" is next to Dignity and Impudence by Edwin Landseer. A picture of a large and small dog.

Children Playing on the Beach by Mary Cassatt is explained by: "playing in the sand."

The simplicity of this book then becomes the beauty. Children will want to know more about the pictures and you can answer their questions and have a conversation about art.

There are over 100 paintings reproduced in gorgeous colors. You can teach colors and words as well as art appreciation. It might also be amusing to try to teach them the names of the paintings.

The art is divided up into sections. There is a note to parents and teachers. Then you can view art that focuses on:

The Family
At Home
In the Garden
Pets
Animals on the Farm
Wild Animals
Birds
Fruit
Things we Do
Action Words
Counting
Colors
Shapes
Opposites
The Seasons
The Weather
By the Sea
Faces
The Five Senses
Six Way to Travel
Let's Go by Boat
A Time to Work, Play, Eat, Sleep
A Time for Peace

The picture of fall is especially beautiful. While viewing this book, you might also want to play some classical music in the background.

This book is just delightful. You might also enjoy "A Child's Book of Lullabies" featuring art by Mary Cassatt.

I love this book!
It is my experience that one must sneak up on children with the love of great art. This book is the perfect resource for just that pleasure. It is my favorite baby gift for new parents and grandparents. Everyone loves it, even those who are not already "into" art.

Terrific educational book for many ages of kids!
This beautiful book teaches the basics (colors, animals) to little kids, and is a great intro to many styles of art through history for older kids. I love it! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Wonderful!
A great book with wonderful illustrations and great projects. Very useful in both the classroom and at home. A real find!!

Wonderful writing and alot of fun!
This is a great book for kids. It very clearly, but very simply shows kids how bridges works. It also walks them through creating bridges in their homes to showcase how these concepts work. Oh, and there is even a recipe for how to make cement!

This is a must buy if you or your kids are even slightly interested in bridges!

Don't wait 'til it's too late!
Was THIS book a relief to parents when it came out! One of the few real "How to" learning books about bridges. It explains how & why different types of bridges don't fall down (which is why kids learn about em in the first place) & offers fun instructions on each major kind: arches, beams, trusses, cantilevers, and suspension bridges, you know the deal. Of course, "Bridges: Amazing Structure..."also shows why some bridges fail, like the Tacoma Narrows Bridge (you've seen this one go on disaster TV shows). Don't wait until your kid says, "Mom, I have to build a bridge by tomorrow." Do it now & put it into storage if necessary.

Bridges: Amazing Structures to Design, Build & Test
Fantastic Book! Educational & Lots of Fun! My son built one of the bridges out of household items and "plays" with it constantly. It is obvious that a lot of time, research and thought went into this book. Keeps children of all ages interested. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Fortune of Fun for $10
This model has been an absolute kick to make. I am an overstressed financial executive and mother of an almost-four-year-old and this book has become my evening therapy. Although my daughter can't help with the building (it's fairly complicated and requires careful cutting), she loves watching me put it together while she plays with the tiny cut-out characters. She has spent hours making up versions of fairy tales while she watches me put the castle together. A great value for someone who likes making things and is looking for a pick-up project that doesn't require a workshop or special equipment. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Halloween Fun
All of Emberley's books are wonderful. The Big Orange Drawing book specializes in things that are orange so a lot of it is Halloween themed. I loved working through these books as a child and still have some of the Halloween decorations I made from this book.

learn to draw the easy way
This book is from a series of 4 books from Emberly are the easiest books on drawing there are, period. Anyone young or old can learn to draw some great critters and vehicles from these books. ANYONE! These are a great first step. All of his Big Color books are great, (They are a series, each named after a color). Famous for the easy way it shows you how to draw step by step, what appears to be a complex Haunted House, but it is simple when you do it his way. This book includes a number of fun ideas including robots, tiger, military ships, Halloween holiday drawings, and more. He even shows you how to make yours unique rather than a copy of his drawings. You can be the doodle hero of your classroom or office after using this book. He does it simply using very simple steps, lines, and basic shapes to start you off. My favorite in the series would be the Purple Book, because I am partial to the pirate ship instructions.

If you want to move up from here and learn the terminology of what you are doing, and really become an accomplished artist, the next step after these are the terrific books by "Jack Hamm".

If you just want to have some fun, get this book!

~*~ Ed Emberley is the man ~*~
I am a 21 year-old artist. I forgot all about Ed Emberley until a couple of weeks ago. Emberley was my first artistic inspiration and I developed an interest in art through the direction of his variety of juvenile instructional books. I highly recommend these books to any children who express an interest in art. His series of books are EXTREMELY simply to understand and children at any age can grasp his artistic expertise.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND ALL OF ED EMBERLEY'S DRAWING BOOKS!
Believe it or not children's drawings end up looking much like Ed Emberley's. Line by line and shape by shape the Halloween related objects take form. Our other family favorite was Emberley's "Big Red Drawing Book". Absolutely love these books! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

My twins Love this book
The book shows basic shapes through line drawings and on the facing page different architectural elements of that shape, mainly photos of windows. My twins are 13 months old and they choose this book as one of their favorites. The photographs are crisp and reality based (no cartoons), the typeface is large and clear, and the shapes are bold and basic. The twins like it read to them as well as flipping the pages themselves. We may soon need another copy as it is getting a lot of use. I would recommend this book to any small child, beginning reader, or even a little older.

My twins LOVE this book!
The book shows basic shapes through line drawings and on the facing page different architectural elements of that shape, mainly photos of windows. My twins are 13 months old and they choose this book as one of their favorites. The photographs are crisp and reality based (no cartoons), the typeface is large and clear, and the shapes are bold and basic. The twins like it read to them as well as flipping the pages themselves. We may soon need another copy as it is getting a lot of use. I would recommend this book to any small child, beginning reader, or even a little older. ... Read more

From the Publisher

When the Sears Tower was commissioned in the 1960's, it seemed natural that the world's largest retailer should be headquartered in the world's tallest building. Like most American businesses at the time, Sears projected growth based on the historic success of the company and an optimistic view of the future. With that in mind, they set out to tackle the many design and engineering obstacles that faced them in building a 110-floor structure that soared 1,454 feet into the air.Today, the Sears Tower is still the tallest building in the world and stands as one of the most notable achievements in American architecture, design, and engineering.

Our nation's unique identity has been formed, in large part, by the monuments and landmarks we have erected. Structures such as the famous Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., stand today as permanent reminders of the people and events that have built a strong America. Many of these structures made history even as they were created; most integrated the latest in design and technology and required the skills of thousands of workers. For the first time, the Building America series chronicles the massive undertakings that mark some of the greatest triumphs of human engineering. The fact that these projects were even attempted, and then completed successfully, is a testament to the boldness of human ingenuity and a tribute to the brave spirit of the American people. It is that special spirit that is now captured in the pages of the Building America series.

Grades 3-7; 7 1/2 x 9; 48 pages; 40-45 photos; Chronology; Glossary; Further Reading; Source; Notes; Index ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A great simple Book
This book is great for kids and has many exciting pictures and facts about the largest building in America ... Read more