This book reinvents the countertop with a single material: concrete. Concrete Countertops is an essential book for architects, homeowners and contractors who want to learn how to design, form, mix, pour, color, trowel, inlay and finish decorative concrete countertops. Homeowners will be inspired by the 350 color photographs that bring this exciting medium to life.

Twenty-five writers divulge the special books-all 250 of them-occupying the prime real estate next to their beds: how they got there, what makes them stand out, what longings they fulfill. Along the way, the wordsmiths offer insights into their own literary pursuits and why reading is such a critical element of their craft. Many of the lists are humorously written, some including books not allowed by the owner's bed because of their unseemly influence on the author's own writing. All contain humility, and admiration for masters of the word game. Appendices of publications by contributors, as well as all the volumes they write about, round out this voyeuristic book lovers' fest.

This diverse collection of over 200 archive images has been carefully compiled to created a lively visual chronicle of Shaftesbury over the last hundred years.This hilltop Dorset town has gently absorbed the transitions of industry and these old photographs and postcards reflect the effects of recent history on the landscape and architecture, as well as providing a nostalgic look back over the past. The selection covers times of celebration, coronations and carnivals, images of Shaftesbury captured in the snow, and a tour of the famous Shaftesbury pubs. Changing generations of Shastonians are remembered here, preserved in their school photographs. Eric Olsen unites each image with an informative historical commentary. This book is a vivid reminder of times gone by, and a valuable record of Shaftesbury, for residents and visitors alike

Thomas Hardy once described Shaftesbury as 'A city of a dream'. In this collection, local author Eric Olsen attempts to lend substance to the receding past ans ever-changing appearance of this picturesque town with over 200 rare archive photographs and expertly researched captions. Within these covers. the twentieth-century stage of developments stage of development in this town's rich heritage is illustrated with fascinating images. The book shows Shaftesbury as it once was - places such as the High Street, Park Walk, Gold Hill and St James. as well as various churches, schools and public houses. Besides the town's changing landscape, people and events are also featured, including sports teams, class photographs, carnivals in the 1930s and 1950s, the Viking Visit of 1949 and the Coronation celebrations in 1953. Shastonians of all ages will receive a lot of pleasure from this book. Those who have a long-standing acquaintance with the town will have memories who are not as familiar will gain an insight into Shaftesbury's past.