sitelights
07-28-2002, 05:36 PM
No, that is not a typo; these books are about candles (candelaria) which are, of course, a different type of incandescence. Why review books about candles on this site? The titles will explain: "Creative Lighting for Outdoor Living" and "Garden Lighting for Outdoor Entertaining". The first is hardcover; the second is softcover. They are both the same book except for the change in title and cover and are copyright 2001 by Lark Books a division of Sterling Publishing Company NYC. The ISBN for the hardcover is 1-57990-213-8 and for the paperback 1-57990-319-3. It is common for a publisher to follow up a hardcover edition with a paperback edition but Lark Books chose to change the title and the cover knowing that the unsuspecting purchaser might wind up buying both. Shame on you Lark! I will refer to just "the book" not "books" written by Chris Rankin who probably had no say in the matter of this subterfuge.
An Introduction in three parts totaling 13 pages outlines "Creating an Outdoor Light Plan", "Creative Lighting Techniques" and "Avoiding Outdoor Lighting Pitfalls". A brief survey of electrical lighting barely touches on both line and low voltage. Four photographs are credited to Nightscaping and constitute the only reference to an actual low voltage lighting manufacturer. No real information here about low voltage outdoor lighting for the amateur or the pro.
There are 40 DIY projects using fire as the source of illumination so rather than feeling ripped-off (except in buying both books) I see this as a modern update of the original outdoor lighting: bonfires, torches, candles and lanterns. The projects range from the sublime (Ikebana-like glowsticks in a clear glass vase) to the ridiculous (silver tea service Tiki lights). A bit too Martha Stewart for my taste but actually quite charming effects can be achieved using very simple techniques, tools and materials. These temporary outdoor effects would be a perfect way to introduce lighting into a small garden and make good sense for renters or people not interested in permanent installations.
Chris Rankin gets a high five and Lark Books gets a Bronx cheer.
An Introduction in three parts totaling 13 pages outlines "Creating an Outdoor Light Plan", "Creative Lighting Techniques" and "Avoiding Outdoor Lighting Pitfalls". A brief survey of electrical lighting barely touches on both line and low voltage. Four photographs are credited to Nightscaping and constitute the only reference to an actual low voltage lighting manufacturer. No real information here about low voltage outdoor lighting for the amateur or the pro.
There are 40 DIY projects using fire as the source of illumination so rather than feeling ripped-off (except in buying both books) I see this as a modern update of the original outdoor lighting: bonfires, torches, candles and lanterns. The projects range from the sublime (Ikebana-like glowsticks in a clear glass vase) to the ridiculous (silver tea service Tiki lights). A bit too Martha Stewart for my taste but actually quite charming effects can be achieved using very simple techniques, tools and materials. These temporary outdoor effects would be a perfect way to introduce lighting into a small garden and make good sense for renters or people not interested in permanent installations.
Chris Rankin gets a high five and Lark Books gets a Bronx cheer.