Koncocoo

Best Monument Photography

Autopsy of America: The Death of a Nation
The beautiful apocalyptic landscapes consisting of abandoned schools, factories, shopping malls, amusement parks, theaters, hospitals, sport arenas, homes even entire towns offer a visual diagnostic to some of the county's true ills. SEPH LAWLESS is an American-based artist, political activist, Photojournalist and Huffington Post writer of unverified identity.
Reviews
"An interesting, elegiac art book."
"The book does, however, give an air of hopelessness, leaving the reader/viewer feeling overwhlemed and lost in wondering how to help repair our crumbling nation."
"The photos are large (10" by 10")."
"This book is a stark reminder of the decaying architecture of yesterday."
"In my opinion a book with this quility and pictures in it is worth more than the 25.00 you are paying."
"I purchased this book last month from amazon and after going through this book i really like it ."
"The photos are really substandard, the copy editing needs a LOT of work, and if you look at the photos it looks like some of the text might even be copied word for work from other sources!"
"The photos are amateur at best and the literature matches."
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Abandoned America: Dismantling The Dream
Explore the magnificent remnants of two theaters fighting for survival, the largest privately owned zoo in the United States, a beachfront community left for dead when the bridge to it burned, a massive crumbling asylum with a dark past, a derelict ocean liner that was the fastest passenger ship ever built, a ghost town built around a gold mine that caused unimaginable bloodshed, an eerie relic of the days of the megamalls, a steel foundry destroyed by escalating rivalries between management and labor, a haunting Maryland institution that gained a terrible reputation for killing its residents, a city struggling to cope with 13,000 blighted properties left behind when the industries disappeared, and more. For the last decade, photographer and writer Matthew Christopher embarked on a journey to document the ruins of American infrastructure, including asylums, industry, churches, schools, theaters, hospitals, prisons, resorts and hotels, as realized in his best-selling book, “Abandoned America: The Age of Consequences” and his critically acclaimed website Abandoned America.
Reviews
"The lengths to which Matthew went to in order to photograph these treasures are outlined in the descriptive text included which adds much to understanding of the images."
"If your interests include viewing photos and reading stories about abandoned places around the world, this book is for you."
"This book is so much more than an incite to America's deteriorating structures."
"Not only does one learn about the buildings he photographs but one also learns about what drives this author to capture everything he can before it is just a memory."
"Matthew Christopher is truly a talented individual and I highly recommend this, or any of his books for lovers of photography, architecture or history or anyone for that matter who even has a passing interest in this type of information!"
"As a fan of buildings (I had once dreamt of becoming an architect) this book makes me sad for the fate of abandoned structures, many of them quite beautiful and ornate in their time."
"Great photographs - they show professional photography knowledge, love & knowledge of each location and it's history."
"This book is meant for those who not only love amazing photography, but also for those who appreciate the enormous effort put into the research of this unique topic."
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Building Chicago: The Architectural Masterworks
It features the city’s beloved masterpieces by Wright, including the Robie House, such milestones as the Willis Tower and the John Hancock Building, Gehry’s Pritzker Bandshell, as well as a wealth of little-known treasures from Chicago’s early days culled from the vast collection of the Chicago History Museum. "It’s hard to imagine a better compendium: Building Chicago is an important addition to any serious collection of books about the city." "...if your summer visitors finally get it in the mail at the holidays, they probably won’t look at all the selfies they took in front of Chicago’s landmarks but this well-thumbed book instead and think 'Golly!'". "For those of us who are absorbed in both Chicago’s fascinating history and its astonishing architecture, the images are reason enough to acquire the book."
Reviews
"Good presentation and illustrations."
"Absolutely stunning photos - and history - of some of the most beautiful buildings in America's architectural Capitol- Chicago."
"Beautiful photo gallery of The Masterworks brilliantly curated by John Zukowski."
"Great book if you appreciate Chicago's Architectural Landmarks."
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Best Lighthouse Photography

Lighthouses of America
From Maine’s West Quoddy Head on the easternmost headlands to the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and the West Coast lighthouses from New Point Loma to New Dungeness and Michigan’s Grand Haven Pier Lighthouse, the images here will delight both the armchair traveler and those who have taken the back roads or trekked across sandy beaches to visit these special and often artful buildings. A new book, Lighthouses of America by former Coast Guard rescue pilot Tom Beard in collaboration with the U.S. Lighthouse Society, showcases nearly 150 of what some historians have called 'America’s castles.'. "Of the enduring charm of lighthouses, the book’s editor and former Coast Guard rescue pilot Tom Beard writes, “Open seas in darkness is an eerie, sometimes frightening experience for navigators, but a distant, flashing light to sailors conveys a symbol of hope, tranquility, and comfort.
Reviews
"I bought this as a gift for my Mom and she really likes it."
"Nice book for the coffee table."
"Each pictures are just beautiful and reviewing then gives you hours of enjoyment."
"This book is beautiful."
"I gave it as a gift to someone who loves light houses."
"Lovely pictures."
"I love lighthouses."
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Best Architectural Photography

Cleveland in the Gilded Age: A Stroll Down Millionaires' Row (American Chronicles)
Cleveland storyteller Dan Ruminski discovered that the 6 acres under his home were originally part of a 1,400-acre grand estate known as the Circle W Farm created by Walter White, founding brother of the White Motor Company. Cleveland native Alan Dutka authored "East Fourth Street: The Rise, Decline, and Rebirth of an Urban Cleveland Street," with Cleveland Landmark Press, and four business books.
Reviews
"Gave me valuable information on the beginnings of the Perfection Stove Company."
"Enjoying reading the history of the Giants of industry who made Cleveland great."
"As a Clevelander....I love it!"
"This book was a revelation."
"don't you just adore when your books arrive and there either bigger or smaller then you expected?"
"Such an amazing book, I learned so much."
"I have been wanted to learn more about this time in the Cleveland area."
"I was very disappointed in this book."
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Best Landmarks & Monuments

Abandoned America: The Age of Consequences
Now, broken and ruined, these places are documented in Christopher's book, Abandoned America: The Age of Consequences . Exploring sites like the charred remains of the Hotel Do De, the rusted cells of the Essex County Jail Annex, the sublime majesty of the Church of the Transfiguration, or the eerie and dilapidated remnants of the New Castle Elks Lodge, the work spans architectural treasures left to the elements and then all too often lost forever.
Reviews
"Unfortunately, when I opened the book from the cardboard mailer, it is damaged quite well near the spine."
"As a fan of Matthew Christopher's work, I've been waiting a long time for this book."
"Not only is the hard back cover thick and give you a sense of the detail and concern that only quality things of the past adhere to but inside you get a rich display of Matthew Christopher's mind blowing ability to capture the rustic in all venues before they finally are put to rest forever. Within this book you NEVER get the sensation of images being distorted with photoshop."
"A number of the places photographed were either razed or gutted shortly after the photos were taken, so the photographs themselves have taken on a life as the last reminder of these sometimes hallowed and desperately neglected places."
"There are books and there are books that tell a real story. Consequences, what happens should matter and the pictures in this book paint a picture of what happens when people turn a blind eye to the buildings falling apart around them."
"Paying homage, even as these places fall into disrepair from neglect he manages to honor the paths once chosen and seemingly, easily discarded."
"I read the whole thing in one sitting because the content is THAT great!!"
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Best Mass Transit

Meal Prep: Fast and Easy Recipes for Weight Loss and Clean Eating
If You Don't Have Kindle You Can Still Read This Book On Your Web Browser using Amazon Free Cloud Reader. Yet, we resort to these because they are easier to get and don’t involve us spending hours in the kitchen! • Why it is important to Meal Prep. • How to Change Your Mindset to Lose Weight. • Practical Tips to Make Meal Prepping Easy. • Mistakes to Avoid. • Frequently Asked Questions. • Four Week Meal Plan. • Breakfast Recipes. • Lunch and Dinner Recipes. • Dessert Recipes. • Smoothie Recipes. • Salad Recipes. • Soup Recipes. • Side Dishes Recipes. • Snack Recipes. • How to Stay Motivated. Download your copy NOW!
Reviews
"Very informative."
"This is a great tool to keep my meals interesting and not boring."
"Great, quick read filled with a lot of info."
"Great book that definitely helps with meal prep."
"Very helpful for me being a beginner at this."
"Wouldn't recommend this."
"Instead, it's a couple of chapters of about weight loss and a bunch of recipes, many of which say to serve immediately."
"Definitely needed a few more eyes reviewing it before it was published."
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Best Architectural Criticism

A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction (Center for Environmental Structure)
After a ten-year silence, Christopher Alexander and his colleagues at the Center for Environmental Structure are now publishing a major statement in the form of three books which will, in their words, "lay the basis for an entirely new approach to architecture, building and planning, which will we hope replace existing ideas and practices entirely." At the core of the books, too, is the point that in designing their environments people always rely on certain "languages," which, like the languages we speak, allow them to articulate and communicate an infinite variety of designs within a forma system which gives them coherence. The second of three books published by the Center for Environmental Structure to provide a "working alternative to our present ideas about architecture, building, and planning," A Pattern Language offers a practical language for building and planning based on natural considerations.
Reviews
"I have read this book cover to cover and love it."
"This is one of those classic alternative-design tomes."
"The most important primer on how the built and natural environment can impact human feelings and behavior - and how design can impact these outcomes."
"This book manages to capture all of the details that add up to well designed cities neighborhoods and houses."
"Recommended years ago by a well renowned Central Texas Landscape Designer and Adjunct Lecturer at Austin Community College."
"Brilliant, timeless thoughts of the New Urbanist school of design."
"It's not sorcery, the perfect knowledge in this book."
"Philosophy, human relationships and architecture are always interdependent - this book takes notice of the importance of each."
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Best City Photography

Humans of New York : Stories
Now, Brandon is back with the Humans of New York book that his loyal followers have been waiting for: Humans of New York: Stories .
Reviews
"~~~~~~~~~It appears Amazon posted my review under both books Humans of New York and HONY Stories. If you are deciding on whether or not to buy the book, consider the following, which Brandon posted on the HONY facebook page: "I want to take a quick opportunity to remind everyone that HONY is advertisement free and almost entirely financed by book sales. By purchasing a book, you can help HONY continue to grow in a way that remains focused on telling people’s stories--- and nothing else."
"I've purchased all three Humans of New York books and have loved them all, but in Humans of New York - Stories, it all comes together. Even something went unspeakably wrong and against all odds the book was garbage (it isn't) you STILL should buy it, if for nothing more than to cast a vote of support for the JOY, LOVE, and EMPATHY that HONY provides."
"In 2013, I bought several copies of Brandon Stanton's first Humans of New York book as gifts for family and friends."
"After reading the instagram account of HONY and finding it funny, moving, heart-rending, and educational, when I saw this book on sale for $10, I might have strained something trying to buy it so quickly."
"Everyone has their own story, their own experiences, sadness, happiness, grief, etc... yet somehow we can relate to these people on some level."
"An amazing collection of photos and personal stories."
"I follow the Facebook page but there's something about holding a tangible book and reading through all the stories in 2 nights that make it better."
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Best Bridge Photography

Covered Bridges: A Close-Up Look: A Tour of America's Iconic Architecture Through Historic Photos and Detailed Drawings (Built in America)
Whether you are a casual explorer or a serious history buff, this glimpse into America's architectural past with hands on GPS site coordinates and detailed architectural plans provides a vivid picture of covered bridges. As a symbol of America's rural landscape, covered bridges have inspired the passion of painters and poets, sparked the curiosity of historians, and obliged the logic of structural engineers.
Reviews
"Several years ago my wife and I started visit Oregon's covered bridges as a low impact activity as she recovered from major surgery."
"Lots of construction details."
"Bought for Stepdad, if you like covered bridges, this is a must have."
"This is a very well done book about covered bridges and their detailed structure, complete with blueprint drawings, etc."
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Best House & Hotel Photography

Great Houses of the South
In the tradition of Rizzoli’s Historic Houses of the Hudson Valley and Great Houses of New England , Great Houses of the South features a stunning array of newly photographed homes that range over three centuries and are distinctive examples of the architecture of the region. Laurie Ossman has served as the Deputy Director at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami.
Reviews
"My mother-in-law has always been enamored with the South."
"THis book is of the great homes of the south that are open to the public."
"my buddy loved this gift."
"I gave this book to my sister in law for Christmas and she loved it."
"It's the perfect coffee table book - looks so pretty in our living room and I have received numerous compliments."
"Just exactly what I wanted."
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