The result of years of groundbreaking research; Becoming Jane Jacobs is the first intellectual biography to focus on Jacobss early life and writing career leading up to her great book; The Death and Life of Great American Cities. Through an analysis of Jacobss life and work; including many of her previously unknown writings and other original discoveries; Becoming Jane Jacobs offers a new foundation for understanding not only Death and Life; but her subsequent books on cities; economies; and civilizations.Jane Jacobs is universally recognized as one of the most important figures in American urbanism; and The Death and Life of Great American Cities one of the most important books on cities. However; because of her David-versus-Goliath battles with "Power Broker" Robert Moses and the urban-renewal establishment; Jacobs has received more attention for being an activist than a thinker; despite having written a list of influential books on cities; economies; and other subjects. Her intellectual skills have often been reduced to unusually keen powers of observation and common sense.
#3951987 in eBooks 2016-01-26 2016-01-26File Name: B01B3UJEVG
Review
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great reference guide; but not actually "portable"By Gen of North Coast GardeningWhen I read that something is a "portable" guide; I usually think it is an abridged version; possibly spiral bound; small; with tabs for easy reference. This book is none of those things. Its just a regular oversized paperback text; around 7 by 10 inches and 400-some pages.But if you take the claim of portability away; this is an awesome reference text. It gives some common sense advice about issues you may experience in the field; some "cheat sheets" and some more in-depth guides to using different materials in the field. Employee and injury issues are covered; some tips about what may or may not be up to code so that you can do things right the first time; and a hefty amount of material on topics such as using foundry sand in different applications; hydraulic cements; removal and repair; etc.Whether youre new to working as a concrete contractor or experienced and just want to reinforce and fill in the gaps in your knowledge; this is a thorough book that covers a lot of topics with a clear layout and language.It could be tucked in the back of the truck; but just keep in mind when buying that it is not actually portable in any unusual way. I think the publisher was probably referring to having a clear layout and easily-referenced style more than the shape or weight of the book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Reads like a dictionary rather than explaining the conceptsBy D. CoralIm about to start on a concrete project and I thought this book would be more useful; but actually it reads more like a dictionary. I dont feel like I learned much besides what certain terms mean.Im not sure who would benefit from this book. Maybe it would help a general contractor to learn to "speak the language" used by concrete professionals. But it wont help much if youre looking for a book to improve your concrete skills because each topic is covered only on the surface. The book is broad and shallow other than some regulatory data tables.For example on p.125:Judicious NeglectJudicious neglect is a decision not to take any action in the repair of a concrete member. A complete investigation is required before a decision to ignore a problem can be made. Sometimes no action is the best action. This may seem a bit strange; but if existing damage is not likely to escalate and is not causing structural damage; the defect may be monitored instead of being repaired.And then later on p.151:Moving WaterMoving water channeled by concrete structures can contain destructive elements. Abrasion from waterborne sand and rocks can extensively damage a concrete surface. Generally; the water must be moving quickly for this to be a significant problem. This type of defect will be evident by the polished appearance of the concrete surface. When repairs are required; they are usually made with either polymer concrete or silica fume concrete.etc...0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Concrete InformationBy J. SullivanThis is an outstanding reference for the industry. The book targets industry professionals; although anyone seeking insight into the precise details of concrete work could retain some useful facts. Anyone can benefit from the maintenance section; the notes on stain types and treatment might prove useful for an individual who desires to be fully prepared before taking on such a task.The layout of the book is excellent. The books first half consists of main chapter topics; which will appeal as a handy tool for casual concrete knowledge-seekers and as a brush-up reference and checklist for professionals in the industry. The smaller; second half of the book consists of appendices most applicable toward professionals. Topic sections are sensibly organized. Presentation is clean. Though; visually a bit "top-heavy" with blank page-bottoms and soft grey-printed tops; its quite easy on the eyes. I like it.In the next printing; they should reverse the captions for figures 4.4 and 4.5; as they appear misplaced - a simple oversight. Content consists of such topics as materials; repair; safety; terminology; a "How Much Do You Know?" test section and so much more. The "Concrete Portable Handbook" is; as I see it; a well-crafted; thorough text.
