5 comments about An Architectural Guidebook to Portland.

1. While there is much helpful information in this book, I'm afraid the delivery is awkward and colorless and it was an effort to complete this read. If you're working on a specific project related to architectural issues in Portland, then you'll find some relevant data. Otherwise, don't put yourself through it.



2. [Review of the second edition]
   
   When I accepted the offer to receive and review a copy of the book An Architectural Guidebook To Portland, Second Edition by Bart King, I'll admit I wasn't waiting with anticipation for it to show up. In fact, had his request not had the line "No pressure! The book is particularly helpful as a cure for insomnia, however.", I probably would have let it pass. But much to my surprise, this was far more fun to read than I expected, and I'm glad I had the chance to see it.
   
   Contents:
   Introduction; Downtown; Cultural District, Government Center; Yamhill; Old Town - Chinatown; The Pearl; Northwest; Southwest; Southeast; Northeast; Downtown Bridges; Glossary; Photo Credits; Bibliography; Index
   
   Portland has a very rich and colorful history from the early days as "Stumptown" to the present. And going into old historic sites fascinate me, as I can often "feel the past" when I imagine what things must have been like back then. But reading a book where someone waxes eloquent about the finer points of Romanesque versus Richardsonian Romanesque doesn't do a thing for me. Fortunately, this book is *far* from that. King divides up the city into some basic areas, and then covers approximately 20 to 30 buildings of note in each, ranging from the late 1800's to buildings that are due to start in the upcoming year. The first difference I noticed is that his choices are not all "excellent" examples of some style or architect. In fact, a number of his choices were voted "ugliest building in Portland" by various panels. You may not necessarily agree with the opinions, but he's not afraid to point out both thoroughbreds and nags. And he does it with a sharp and cutting sense of humor. Each selection usually has a short inset or sidebar that contains an interesting factoid that brings the building's history to life. Even the glossary is worth reading (yes, I was *that* hooked!). My favorite was probably the definition of portico... "A covered porch. There are many different styles. You do not care." It's not often I laugh out loud when reading. Especially so when architecture is the subject matter. This was a definite exception.
   
   "Serious" students of architecture might feel that King doesn't treat the subject matter with the reverence that it deserves. To that I say, get a life. But for the average person who goes to work in downtown Portland every day without noticing the rich history around them, this book is a true gem.



3. The book contains a brief history of Portland architecture, and a building by building look at the best, and some of the worst, buildings in downtown and surrounding areas. Anyone who has been to Portland and actually looked at the buildings knows that Portland's architecture is pretty special. There are only a few of the original turn of the century cast-iron frame buildings left, unfortunately, because they were torn down to build a freeway in the 1940s. The freeway is now gone (moved 14 blocks west, away from the Willamette waterfront), but only 10% of the buildings near the waterfront survived. The area around Skidmore fountain shows what Portland looked like then.
   
   The book doesn't limit itself to just old buildings, though. There's a description and photo of the Henry building, the condo development completed in 2004 directly behind Powell's books. And the new Park Towers building, occupying the space across the street from the old Hamburger Mary's, is present as well.
   
   This is a really excellent and detailed look at Portland's unique architecture. It would make an excellent guidebook for walking tours in downtown.



4. Now in an updated and expanded second edition reflecting Portland's growth in the twenty-first century, An Architectural Guidebook to Portland is teacher Bart King's guide to the amazing buildings that distinguish Portland, Oregon as a place worthy of sightseeing. From 19th-century cast-iron front buildings to the Old Town and Chinatown to the breathtaking downtown bridges and much more, An Architectural Guidebook to Portland is sure to intrigue architecture enthusiasts, Portland tourists, and armchair travelers alike. Black-and-white photographs illustrate this blend of historic preservation and history vignettes, which features over 250 separate entries.



5. This is an outstanding architectural guide, written for architecture enthusiasts and serious cultural travelers. Why did I give it only a 4 (instead of a 5)? Because it is not entirely inclusive of entries from the 2001 edition. The author, for some odd reason, has removed (or condensed) many of the entries from the 2001 edition to make room for mostly modern structures from the past six years. My simple complaint (and recommendation): In any new edition, add, but do not subtract.
   
   Otherwise, it's nearly perfect. The small building selection (about 250 sites) is wonderful, and is a perfect balance between historic and modern landmarks. The author wrote the text with a fun, tongue-in-cheek style that is both insightful and entertaining. It really works well. The photographs are all monochrome, and there are very few, perhaps one per page, or about one for every other entry. There are a few interior shots of important public spaces. I would say that the photography meets minimum standards of a book like this, but that's about all. For those of you familiar with the Dorsey and Dilts guide to Baltimore, this book is similar in feel and format. There's a very brief introductory essay to establish the historical context, and short architect biographies inserted into the text. Mostly the author chooses to let us interpret the history of the city through the buildings.
   
   As for the architecture, I'll leave that for you to discover. Suffice to say that Portland is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful cities in the country. Surrounding suburbs and towns are not discussed, but that's fine since there's more than enough to keep one interested within the Portland city limit. And if you think Portland is just a smaller version of Seattle, you should take a look at this book and reconsider that conclusion.

2 comments about Let's Go Pacific Northwest Adventure Guide, 1st Edition.

1. I found this book to be relatively helpful in my travels. It covers a wide area, including Washington, Oregon, and western Canada. It also touches a little bit on pretty much anywhere you might want to visit. The downside I found was that it isn't very detailed. Because it covers such a wide area it doesn't get into too much detail on any one place. In light of this I was surprised to see it go into information on most cities... because it's an Adventure guide, I was expecting it to be much more focused on outdoor sports and to be sacrificing coverage of cities in an effort to spend more time discussing where to fit in good backpacking, kayaking, etc. So, in short I would say that it's a guide overview book for the Pacific Northwest but that if you know you're going to focus your travels in a more specific area than just the Pacific Northwest then go ahead and get a more specific book to that area.



2. Lets Go guides are great! I love the side notes. This is strictly Oregon, Washington and Northwestern parts of Canada. I didn't have this guide when I went to the Pacific Northwest. Now I have and I look forward to sharing it with others and keeping it to use when I go back to explore again on a budget. A side note I'd love to write is the BEST cookie bakery in Pioneer Square on 1st Ave - Cow Chip Cookies. Go and enjoy an original drop cookie.

2 comments about Hidden Pacific Northwest: Including Oregon, Washington, Vancouver, Victoria, and Coastal British Columbia (Hidden Travel).

1. I have the 5th Edition of this book, but, this can only be better I hope.

   It is a very personal review of the states and what they have to offer and as opposed to other books that are just boring and incomprehensible listings of attractions and dining and lodging .
   I actually went to some of the dining and hidden attraction recommendations from this book and it didn't fail me. All those places were certainly what the book said they would be or maybe more than that.

   The only drawback i can see is that there wasnt any mention of good campgrounds that car-campers could easily refer to. But for that, you can look up "the best in tent camping".

   Good Luck with your trips. I know mine was a great success.




2. This book covers three main regions including Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia and therefore does not go into too much detail on each region. I would recommend using this book as a good starting point for travel planning, but not if you are looking for lots of details. The book includes items that it describes as being "hidden" or off the beaten path, which could prove interesting for many travelers. The sections on lodging could be enhanced more to include additional suggestions. The book does include some useful maps that are very helpful. For more detailed travel information, you may want to read a guide book that covers one state.

No comments about Frommer's Comprehensive Travel Guide: Northwest (Frommer's Washington and Oregon).

2 comments about The Thomas Guide 2006 Portland, Oregon: Street Guide (Thomas Guide Portland Oregon (Bk & CD)).

1. I have purchased the Thomas Guides for Portland for the last several years and have found them to be an absolutely indespensible navigational aid. Every street in the metro area and surrounding suburbs is detailed within this guide. Its comprehensive detail and ease of use make it a real help. If you have to drive in Portland even occassionally I cannot recommend strongly enough that you buy this guide.



2. I have absolutely zero natural sense of direction so this guide is perfect in its level of detail. It seems to cover every inch of Portland, including a full street index in the back that makes it easy to locate an address.

3 comments about The Discovery of the Oregon Trail: Robert Stuart's Narratives of His Overland Trip Eastward from Astoria in 1812-13.

1. Robert Stuart, a partner of John Jacob Astor, was sent by ship to Oregon on company business, and returned cross country by horseback, canoe and foot. Along the way he kept a journal, written in berry juice, which is reprinted here. Washington Irving also wrote "Astoria" based on this journal.

   Our whole country should be grateful to Robert Stuart for his discovery of the Oregon Trail and his courage against unbelievable odds in making such a tortuous journey. This book was first printed in 1935 and the original copies are scarce and valuable. So I was thrilled to discover that Amazon not only sold it but that it was now in paperback! When the word gets around to the rest of his descendants, we will have this book on the best seller list, where it belongs. So take that, Lewis & Clark!




2. This is an excellent first hand account of the original discovery of what was to be the Oregon Trail (in reverse). Robert Stuart originally left New York on the ship the Tonquin, funded by John Jacob Astor, and sailed around the tip of South America and then eventually up to the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon to establish a trading post. Stuart then proceeded to head back east to report to Astor about the state of affairs of the trading fort. With only a handful of men, they went by canoe, horseback and mostly by foot, from the mouth of the Columbia to St. Louis, then eventually to New York. This historical narrative is beyond words. They faced the hardships of hunger, fatigue, Indians, weather, and about everything else one can think of. It is truly a fascinating portrayal of day to day survival in the 1812 wilderness written from the hand of the man who was there. What I also enjoyed about the book was the Appendix on Wilson Price Hunt who, also working for Astor, took an expedition by land from St. Louis to Oregon at about the same time. His written account is also mind-blowing and puts the whole book into perspective. There is also an excellent forward by Rollins which gives you a background on what you are about to read.



3. 
   This book represents a major achievement in the annals of western exploration, and deserves a prominent spot on anyone's American history shelf. In 1810, Robert Stuart, a partner with John Jacob Astor, shipped to the mouth of the Columbia River, where he helped establish Astoria. But troubles at the post with the British during the War of 1812 impelled Stuart with six other men to make an overland winter journey over the Rockies to St. Louis. Throughout the journey Stuart kept a journal, in which he recorded everything encountered along the way: the precise route taken, various Indian tribes, flora and fauna, perspective trapping grounds - and their own personal hardships, which included, near starvation, freezing weather, and hostile Indians. He gave the journal to Astor, who sent it to President James Madison. Stuart then wrote a more formal version of the journey, which was published in France. The original journal made its way back to the Stuart family, where it remained forgotten until it was discovered in a cupboard and finally published in 1935.
   
   This book publishes both the original journal and the French rewrite, known as the "Traveling Memoranda." Both are meticulously edited by Philip Ashton Rollins, which is the key that makes this edition not only definitive but a masterwork. With Rollin's notes it's possible to follow Stuart's route precisely. He is especially detailed where the men crossed South Pass, the first known whites to do so, though their "discovery" would go unrecognized (Jedediah Smith is credited with making the first "recorded" crossing of the Pass in 1824.) In addition to these works, there is a 70-page Forward that summarizes events and puts the Narratives into perspective and a detailed Biographical Note on Stuart's family history.
   
   The book indeed is a major accomplishment. Anyone interested in the early exploration of the West must read this book. Highly recommended.

2 comments about The Thomas Guide 2006 Snohomish County Street Guide (King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties Street Guide and Directory).

1. I purchased this map because we were moving to the Seattle area. Since I had never been to Seattle before, it was a much needed resource.
   
   The map is spiral bound which helps prevent the pages from tearing out, especially when they get a lot of use.
   
   The guide is separated by county, which at first can be confusing if you don't know which county you are in. Still, it has been a wonderful resource and has prevented me from getting lost more than once.
   
   I highly recommend this street guide/directory.



2. These Thomas Guides are the absolute benchmark in major city navigational tools. The next best thing to GPS. The King, Pierce, Snohomish edition is no exception. A must for anyone living in or traveling often to the Seattle area. This book is over 45 dollars at Barnes & Nobels, and at Border's bookstores. The book is very sturdy and extremely detailed. It also comes with a CD-rom so you can access all of the maps and look up addresses on your computer. Amazon.com is definitely the only place you need to look if you're shopping for a Thomas Guide (or anything else for that matter). I live in the state of Washington so the standard (free!) shipping was virtually next day guaranteed.

3 comments about California's Nude Beaches/Plus Hawaii, Oregon, & Washington.

1. Another popular regional guide to nude beaches recommended by Dr. Leisure is Dave Patricks' California's Nude Beaches. A hundred and fifty pages of good information and some very fine black and white photography of nude beach inhabitants. Dave even has a section called Naturist Photography in the '90s. It is obvious from the photographs that Dave knows what he is talking about. Highly recommended by the number one source of information on nude recreation on the net. DrLeisure.com.



2. Since nude sunbathing is illegal in Hawaii, this book is a work of fiction.



3. nudism in hawaii may not be so called "legal", but a lot of people do and just find there own private or group area of like minded people and ignore the rest. tourists who happen upon one of these areas usually just walk on by and will let you be, or they sometimes will ask questions respectfully and leave(which my wife and female friend found out to be true on our last visit to the kona coast)

2 comments about Saddles east;: Horseback over the Old Oregon Trail.

1. This book is indeed a classic. Beard's conversational narratives and word pictures are a fast read with unparalleled clarity and excitement. A student of Western history, Beard adds numerous, historical accounts of other writers and conversations with locals met along the way that either lived or knew about the "old days." Hardship and triumph defined the Oregon Trail in the mid-19th century, and the Beards tasted both. Who better to appreciate these extremes than a Chaplain assigned to a U.S. Army unit in France during World War One and the long-time pastor of Mount Tabor Presbyterian Church in Portland, Oregon. Ride with the Beards through rivers, deserts, mountains and plains sprinkled with sunshine, rain, snow, sleet, wind and sand storms. The Beards were friends of three generations of my family. The last time I saw them was in 1947, the year before they took their saddles East. Readers will not be disappointed with this riveting, first-hand account of a trip first dreamed of when Chaplain Beard was a boy.



2. It has been a long while since I followed up on my childhood obsession with pioneer stories, but while reading this I was back in the covered wagon facing the hardships: massacres, thirst, insects, snakes, wayward and stubborn pack animals, terrain that seemed more like a blockade than a "trail." The Beards were an indomitable pair who travelled the route from their home on the West Coast (the end of the Oregon Trail) to its origin in Independence, MO. And they did it after 40 years of a marriage during which they had dreamed and planned for this near-pilgrimmage. It isn't just the great descriptions of the land and people they encountered along the way, but their awe and reverence. I don't think that "respect" is a bad way to put it: the reader here is in the presence of a mensch (if one can get away with calling a Presbyterian minister that). I saw every landmark filtered through the clear light of Beard's mind, philosophy and sensitivity.

5 comments about Two Wheels North: Bicycling the West Coast in 1909.

1. This book is an amazingly well-written story of the adventures of two young men bicycling from Santa Rosa, California to the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in Seattle in 1909. You are drawn into the narrative until, before you know it, you find yourself riding along with them on their trip, tasting the dust, feeling their occasional pain, and even enjoying a piece of pie with them... and then you realize that, like an Ansel Adams photograph, you have been drawn into an illusion of a reality long past. And, smiling, you dive back into the book and continue pedaling.



2. I first bought the book because of its Vashon Island connection, being a lifelong islander myself. But I quickly decided it's one of the best bicycle touring stories in my library -- the boys come alive in the writing, no dreary list of statistics and mileposts, just two boys becoming men on their ride north to Seattle. Puts a whole new perspective on that ride for anyone who has cycled the Pacific Coast route in modern times.



3. If you enjoy reading about cycling and living this is a great book. I've read every touring and cycling book you can imagine, but this is the best! It really gives you a new perspective on how we ride today when you look at what these two boys had to endure at the turn of the century when roads did not exists as we know today. A truly well written adventure, great venacular dialogue, credible and yet an incredible story.



4. I bought this book thinking it would be an interesting adventure tale. It is that but so much more. The writing is poetic and heart warming. An absolutely wonderful little book!!



5. For anybody going on bike tours this is a humbling book to read, and hard to put down. You can't help but root for two 18 year old boys who don't know enough not to make the trip. It also has special meaning for anyone who has ever driven all or parts of I-5 from San Francisco to Seattle. In 1909 it was possible to stay on the best road between California and Washington, and still get lost. Finally you get a feel for what life was like when my grandfather was alive. The postcards the two boys sent to their parents show buildings still standing today, but life was so much different. A good read.