Arnt Cobbers

This is primarily a picture/travel & tourism book, which is fine. There are some nice photos of Dresden and environs.

It would have been nice to have at least one map.

Also, I understand that this kind of book doesn't generally have footnotes or a bibliography. But still it would have been nice to have at least a list of books to consult for research reading and information about Augustus, Electoral Saxony, or early 18th century Germany and Poland. For example, the story about Augustus once having pulled apart a horseshoe with his own hands. Okay, I guess I believe the story, but it would have been nice to know where the stories about Augustus and remarkable strength were first recounted.… (mais)

Another fine addition to the Taschen architecture series. Marcel Breuer, originally from Pécs, Hungary, was one of the earliest Bauhaus students. later put in charge of its furniture lab where he invented the classic tubular-steel chair designs. Working under the wing of Gropius, he followed his master to the US but remained in his shadow for too long. After WWII, he became famous and was one of the first with bureaus on multiple continents.

Breuer's architectural portfolio shows a remarkable contrast between his marvelous, cozy private houses and the large concrete fortresses he built for UNESCO, IBM and the Whitney Museum. I wish to visit at least one of the private residences, especially the Saier House in Normandy. It would be helpful if Taschen included any information about the current status (open to the public, websites etc.) to the buildings presented.… (mais)