Product Description
This digital document is an article from Film Criticism, published by Allegheny College on September 22, 2009. The length of the article is 1592 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Skyscraper Cinema: Architecture and Gender in American Film.(Lesbianism, Cinema, Space: The Sexual Life of Apartments)(Book review)
Author: Pamela Robertson Wojcik
Publication: Film Criticism (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 22, 2009
Publisher: Allegheny College
Volume: 34Issue: 1Page: 87(5)

Article Type: Book review

Distributed by Gale, a part of Cengage Learning ... Read more

Product Description
You are a child. A really great child. Our future is in your hands. Here is your challenge: Fill a gaping hole in the ground (it takes up a whole street) with a tall, efficient, awesome building -- one that will truly scrape the sky. This is a far-reaching adventure filled with real-life experiences that will cause children's hearts and minds to soar. Ages 7 to 13. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great book
Ideal for 6 - 10 year olds, my son and his friends love the books.

Great Book, Childish Illustrations
I purchased this book as a gift for my nephew, who loves buildings and construction. The information in the book seemed really interesting and solid. It contained both background about famous skyscrapers and information about how they are build, and even tips for building your own model skyscrapers, which was great.

The only problem is that the illustrations seemed designed for a much younger child than the text. The text is quite advanced, but the first thought when I, my mother, and my nephew each looked at the book was that it was more for babies (or at least 5-6 year olds). If they got rid of the primitive, childish cartoons, this book would easily be worth a 5 rating.

Skyscrapers!
My children and I found Skyscrapers to be a wonderful book full of hands-on activities that are meaningful.Book projects and reports are numerous in our school district.My daughter's building project was constructed with information and ideas from this book. The illustrations and directions included in Skyscrapers! are motivating and kid-friendly.Ms. Johmann's writing style is easy to read and understand.My children learn more about the topic because they are interested in this type of non-fiction.

We find this is also true of Ms. Johmann's other books that we have purchased:Going West and The Lewis & Clark Expedition.

We highly recommend all 3 of these books for elementary and intermediate age students!

Carolyn Gershovich from Norris Middle School
The basic purpose of this book is to teach young people the how's and why's of building skyscrapers. Significant information is explained with stunning clarity. For example, "it's not the strength of the steel frame that limits the height of skyscrapers, it's the speed and arrangement of elevators" and "the Empire State Building produces about 100 tons of garbage per month. That is equivalent to the weight of about 20 adult elephants." Who could read that and not want to read more?

This book tells all from taking soil samples before the groundbreaking to maintaining the structure after the building has been completed. All along the way activities are suggested to give emphasis to the topics covered. This is a fun, interesting, and informative book that will keep its value for a long time. It is filled with so much information that children will return to it again and again. ... Read more

Product Description
Prairie Skyscraper traces the history and evolution of Wright's recently restored nineteen-story-skyscraper masterwork, which takes its place beside the S.C. Johnson Wax Research Tower as one of Wright's only two vertical structures-and, at 221 feet tall-his largest. Built as a multi-use skyscraper in 1956, the building is now a luxury hotel and arts center, featuring collections of the works of Bruce Goff and Frank Lloyd Wright, and soon a new museum facility designed by Zaha Hadid. Now, with all-new color photography, we are given access to this extraordinary architectural gem and the Wright-designed furnishings custom made for it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Price Tower: Wright's Prairie Skyscraper
At last, a book about one of Wright's most unique designs, the Price Tower. It is an objective study and history of one of his designs without the philosophical fluff that accompanies so many Wright critiques. One does not need fluff when the architecture speaks for itself. ... Read more

Product Description
To the average Joe, a building is a building; but to an architecture spotter, a building is much more. It's a post-modern masterpiece, an Edwardian edifice, an art deco domain, a prairie-style palace. In the Architecture Styles Spotter's Guide, enthusiasts will discover a wealth of information covering everything from rustic log homes to soaring skyscrapers. Included are the following features.

• Architecture spotters will enjoy navigating the book as they hunt for buildings that epitomize great design, and styles that capture their imagination.

• Notable buildings and architecture styles are discussed in great detail, accompanied by plenty of beautiful photographs.

• An illustrated glossary of architectural terms like cornices, flying buttresses, parapets, and gables is provided.

• Special Spotter's Notes sections highlight key points of interest and stories relating to specific sites. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Packed with essential info & photos
Ambitious in its aims--in places too ambitious--this slim but packed volume still succeeds easily in becoming the most useful, comprehensive and attractive concise guide available. The Asian chapter is too brief, but is nevertheless worth including in providing visual comparisons for the many and various western styles that reference Asian features. Chapters on Byzantine and Islamic architecture are well-presented and again show how later parallels use lines, ornaments and features borrowed from these early sources. From the Middle Ages on, literally hundreds of European and North American styles are outlined here, with ample cross-referencing so that the evolution of a style can be traced with ease. This book is not wordy and sometimes oversimplifies (probably for the sake of economy of space--the book is intended to be carried as a pocket guide) but shows how to identify these distinct styles by outlining simply what defines them, with many beautiful pictures. --Clara Brenger

Great Idea-Execution Bordering on the Absurd
I have been collecting architectural field guides for a number of years.Most of the guidebooks focus on vernacular domestic architecture.This is the first guidebook that I have found that attempts to take on the large challange of categorizing different world styles of architecture. In theory, this is an exciting idea because there must hundreds or maybe even thousands of architectural styles in the world.The idea of categorizing and defining styles is an inherently exciting one.

Unfortunately, this ridiculously superficial book does not deliver on what is promised.As an example, the section on Chinese architecture is only two pages long and has four small photos!How can one hope to learn anything about the rich subject of Chinese architecture in just two pages? This book is crammed with other equally absurd propositions.

If one is interested in learning more about the different style of world architecture, spend the money and purchase Francis D.K. Ching's "History of Global Architecture."If new to this interest, stick with an American classic, "A Field Guide to American Houses" by Virginia and Lee McAlister. ... Read more

Product Description
A lavish introduction to architecture features die-cut comparisons of igloos, huts, and yurts; a fold-out cross-section spread of the Coliseum; a mini-book that highlights a castle; and a tracing page depicting Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Architecture and Construction
Architecture and Construction is the tenth issue of Scholastic's voyages of discovery. It is excellent for children to learn the different works of architecture around the world. It also shows how the structures were madeand stories about famous architects.

This book shows all kinds ofarchitectural monuments. From Paris pyramids to icy igloos, from Parthenonpillars to building bridges, this book is definetly one you have to buy!

This book covers architecture works from six of the seven worldcontinents. It also shows the different kinds of houses in the world andmany tall skyscrapers. You also get a free 1883 newspaper article markingthe celebrations for the Brooklyn Bridge.

This fabulous book wouldappeal to people in the age group of 6 to 13. You have to buyit!

... Read more

Product Description
Trace the history of the skyscraper from its beginnings in Chicago through the splendour of the Art Deco age all the way to the 21st century. ... Read more

Product Description
The world's largest structures are revealed in this book on skyscrapers and towers. One of a series, it describes when the first skyscraper was built, how a skyscraper stays up and why skyscrapers are different in an earthquake zone. It illustrates the structures under ground as well as the steel frame of vertical columns and horizontal beams. Concrete frames are constructed around a central core but cannot reach the heights of steel frame structures. Floors and walls, fixtures and fittings, safety and comfort are all explained as is the full programme of construction from design stage to the "topping out" ceremony when the task is completed. Finally the book postulates on how tall the buildings of the future will be and facts are given about the world's tallest tower and oilrigs, the skyscrapers of the sea. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review
Written by New York Times researcher Eric Nash, this isa pocket-sized gem that serves as an excellent Big Apple companion to those with an eye for the builtenvironment. Nash's evocativedescriptions make this book both informative and fun to read:"Black office buildings are now commonplace, but the AmericanRadiator Building, named for the heating company that owned it, wasthe first one in New York. Raymond Hood's glazed brick office buildingtowered like a dark Gothic knight over the Beaux-Arts public libraryat its foot, a challenge to the chaste, white, and horizontallyoriented styles of the past." Well-researched, snappily written,and enjoyable, New York's 50 Best Skyscrapers is worthwhile forNew York's visitors and natives alike.

This is one in a series ofgreat little books on the ins and outs of New York City, including itsbest small hotels, best places to take kids, and the city's best chocolate. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The pictures do not help to easily identify skyscrapers.
I ordered the book because I thought it would help identifybuildings in the New York skyline.The book lists and describesseveral buildings of interest but the accompanying pictures are sketches and do not allow for easy identification.It was a dissapointment and I am going to request a refund.

a helpful and entertaining overview of NY skyscrapers
This latest in City & Co's useful series of "50 Best" books is one of its most entertaining.It is almost impossible to miss NY's skycrapers, due to their size.But we do not always take the time toconsider them individually.Nash's text is very informative, if at times alittle dry.The real delight of the book is Parker's illustrations.Witha single smooth line he regularly captures not only the appearance but thesoul of these majestic buildings.And his humorous drawing style more thanmakes up for any occasional overseriousness in Nash's prose.Together thetwo men make a fine team, and their book of these big buildings is itself alittle gem.Buy one for a friend, a visitor, an ex-Manhattanite.And keepone for yourself ... Read more

Product Description
The Empire State Building in New York City is probablythe most famous building in America, and not only because of KingKong!When it was being built almost 70 years ago, 3,500 workers wereemployed on its site.One of them was sixteen-year-old JoeCarbonelli, whose job was to carry drinking water up to the otherworkers.Joe's story explains how the world's tallest skyscraper wasbuilt in only 18 months, a tower 1,250 feet high with 102floors. People called it the Eighth Wonder of the World. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Joe and the Skyscraper
A great book!I bought it because my sons name is Joe.The true stor is very moving and I even cried.I have bought this book for two schools ... Read more

Product Description
SeeMore Readers are designed for every young reader. Large, bright pictures instantly engage readers in the subject. Exciting yet simple text provides the information that kids, parents, and teachers want—from key facts to fascinating trivia. Each Reader is a fun invitation to read, observe, and see more! Choose the level that's right for your child:Level 1 - Beginning Readers: Grades PreK–1 - Simple sentences present general information in easily read phrases.Level 2 - Growing Readers: Grades 1–3 - Longer texts explore subjects in greater depth.Level 3 - Independent Readers: Grades 2–4 - Full paragraphs examine more challenging concepts. ... Read more

Product Description
They seem to defy gravity.Forged from concrete and steel, skyscrapers loom over today's urban jungle. For as gracefully as they rise, skyscrapers collapse with unparalleled devastation.Yet, in the face of potential disaster, architects continue to design these superstructures higher and higher. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A skyscraper foldout book!!!
With the turn of each page, the book's illustrations will grow to five feet. On one side of the book, peer into a cutaway of Chicago's John Hancock Center. On the flip side, size up the world's talleststructures--from Ulm Cathedral spire to the CN Tower--all drawn to scale.Climb to the top as the story of skyscrapers unfolds in this unforgettablebook. ... Read more