5 stars (Thorough and engaging) - This book is used as a course text in many design classes across the country. I can see why. Not so much a history as it is a survey of the current state of graphic design, it's quite possibly the best treatment I've ever read on the subject in a single volume. The 3rd edition is significantly expanded in content and reformatted versus the 2nd, and the illustrative examples are abundant and well-chosen. Many of the examples are accompanied by remarks from the designers themselves, which helps shed light on the concepts and thought processes behind the work. The text strikes a good balance between commentary and pedagogy, and as a result the book works for both instructional reference and casual reading. The end of each chapter contains related exercises designed to prod your right brain into action. This book will help you discover -- or rediscover -- what's fun and exciting about graphic design. 3 stars (Good compilation but too many typographical errors) - This book would be wonderful if the editor had done a great job of fixing all the typographical errors. I lost concentration and kept correcting typing mistakes ...very unprofessional...makes you wonder who is teaching me...otherwise a good help 5 stars (Great resource for begining Designer) - I am a design student, and this was our textbook for one of my design foundation classes. The projects that we did in class (and are now in my portfolio) were modified versions of some of the exercises in this book. This book starts with the basics of 2D design and then builds on what you have learned. It is a great overview of other areas of design as well. This is a hands on book that allows you to learn by doing. If you are interested in graphic design go get this book! ... Thomson Delmar Learning :: Business & Economics & Careers :: Publishing :: Language Arts & Disciplines :: Language :: Graphic arts :: Graphic Arts - General :: Commercial art :: Careers - Gen :: Graphic Design Solutions
5 stars (A college text on Welding) - This is the book we used in a college-level welding course I took. It covers virtually every aspect of welding from oxy-fuel, stick, MIG, TIG, SMAW, cutting, basic metallurgy, brazing, welding certification requirements, etc. This text is very detailed and you can directly reference chapters on welding processes you're interested in doing without having to read the entire (very thick) book. It is an excellent reference and covers step-by-step how to safely setup and use all types of welding gear, how to lay correct beads, how to spot defects, proper weld preparation, safety, and lab exercises to test your skills. I own several books on welding and this one blows them all out of the water by a very wide margin. The price is college textbook high, but you get what you pay for with this volume. This is a very professional and well organized reference and should be on every welder's book shelf. The above review is for the fifth edition of this book. Older versions are around but you should purchase the latest edition to keep abreast of new welding practices and techniques. 5 stars (An Excellent, well-written and well organized text) - I have used an earlier edition and this edition in self-study of welding technology and as an aid in the development of my welding skills necessary for certifications. The text is exceptionally well organized and thorough. The material is comprehensive in explaining not only about the various welding technologies, but also in presenting the proper techniques and practices of welding, including great color pictures showing both good and bad practices. Every aspect of the welder's skill set is covered. Additionally, there are comprehensive end-of-chapter review questions, an excellent glossary, and a useful index, which perhaps could be beefed up somewhat. All in all, this was a very readable, worthwhile addition to my metal trades library . My money was well spent. ... Thomson Delmar Learning :: Business & Economics & Careers :: Welding :: Technology & Industrial Arts :: Technology :: Technical & Manufacturing Trades :: Science&Mathematics :: Metallurgy :: :: Welding- Principles and Applications- Fifth Edition