This short book is mostly composed of self righteous lectures about how to improve the world or one's own life. There is very little detail or anecdote. I believe only a die hard fan of the sailing era could derive any value from this.

Anyone who enjoys Patrick O'Brian's novels, the Hornblower series, or the like, will be fascinated by this true-life autobiography that reads like a novel. Leech joined the Royal Navy at age 12, and was in the crew of the Macedonian when she was captured by the frigate United States during the War of 1812; his account of that battle is worth the price of the book all by itself. This book was a best-seller a century and a half ago and ought to be one again today. The fine intros add that much more, and the Naval Institute's "Classics" format makes a solid, handsome volume. (Disclaimer: I edited one of the early volumes in the series myself-- but this is an unsolicited testimonial; the book is a good read.)

Overpriced for what you get and only valuable to the firms designing highrise and industrial complexes. Find a copy and review for yourself before you buy.

The AIA should be embarrased by their publishing this "book". At less than forty pages of information it hardly qualifies as a book. Note that the information it does contain is fine but it certainly does not deliver good value for the money. The price is outrageous especially when you add amazon.com's fair shipping and handling costs. I expected more from an professional organization like the AIA. Note in the above description it doesn't identify how many pages the book contains as do most amazon.com descriptions (I get junk-mail thicker than this one). I understand that books like this have a limited audience and that the costs of production and distribution are correspondingly high. That being understood, a price under $5.00 would be more appropriate. I regret to say I will be weary of any other publications of the AIA Press.

As a CAD instructor and design professional I've been using the Master CAD Layer Guidelines since 1998. I find it to be a very effective tool for teaching beginning and intermediate CAD users the proper way to use layers for industry. In that regard it is invaluable. However, I am embarrassed by the exorbitant cost of the publication. Originally, I purchased this "pamplet"--which would be a more apt classification at a mere 40 pages--for $19. Over the years little information has changed, but the cost has skyrocketed. I can't imagine why. Excellent resource, terrible value for the money. I recommend an office buying one copy and passing it around, rather than supply everyone a copy. That's what I am reduced to do for my students. I thought AIA promoted well-educated, knowledgeable professionals, but is that at a cost that only the elite can afford? Come on, guys, get with the program.

I found the book to be dull and not very informative. It was a waste of money. There are much better books out there. Did not help me prepare for the exam. Answers to questions were simplistic and not complete.

I have read the book and taken the class at George Mason University where he teaches and boy are there a lot of mistakes in the book. He should publish another book (the errata). If you are considering taking this class don't.

So far, my impression of this book is this. First, it's not very well written, and is often hard to understand. Concepts are not very well elaborated on. I'm having to go on the net to get better explanations... Second, I wish they would use more pictures for certain concepts, definately not a book for a visual learner. Honestly, I don't know why we are required to use this book for class, but I guess if I must, I'll use it. Professors should read this rating thing before they get these books... Hope this helps.