Customer Reviews

South Beach Deco: Step By Step (Schiffer Books)

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4 star:		(1)
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I am a world-wide traveler and have a large collection of guidebooks that I usually purchase prior to taking trips. I purchased 'South Beach Deco,Step By Step' after I visited Miami Beach because it made me feel good about the times I had there and supplied information that I will use on future trips to South Beach. Ordinarily I skim a book until I find a particular area of interest, but I found myself reading this book straight through. It is fun to read and so informative at the same time. I loved the explanations of what tropical deco is, and I enjoyed gazing at the photos that are quite plentiful and vibrant. There is nothing boring about this book and it just makes me want to return to that part of the world as soon as possible. 'South Beach Deco, Step By Step' leaves the other books I have read on this area in the dust (or perhaps I should say sand). The reason being is that it has an excellent balance of information-- just enough history so that it never becomes boring, a sufficient but not overwhelming amount of recommendations so that it is not confusing, easy to understand definitions,and a smattering of humor which makes one smile. I will take it with me on my next visit.

If you really want a book of color photos, get Iris Chase's new book South Beach Deco: Step By Step. Susan Russell took an amazing amount of great photos of South Beach.

Iris is the resident artist at the Art Deco Welcome Center smack in the middle of Ocean Drive and as she says it is "Miami Beach Art Deco 101."

She's written an easy-to-read good introductory text that lays out all of the areas, describes the fun aspects of hangin' out at The Beach, and has a modest bit of history. It's large size 8 1/2" x 11" makes it a big large to carry around but having it before hand will make it easier to find a hotel and figure out the sights and things you might want to do while there. And after you come home it will have all of the wonderful photos to help jog your memory.

South Beach Deco: Step By Step is for anyone who wants to remember SoBe as it is today (2005).

I visited South Beach recently and was at a loss of what to bring back as gifts for special friends. "South Beach Deco, Step by Step" was perfect. I got one for myself so I didn't have to take a lot of photos because this book has a great variety of pictures, many of the Art Deco Hotels which were a highlight of my trip. Aside from the great visuals, the text gave me all I needed to know to have a great time; it was like a companion who filled me in on everything - - the best things to see, the coolest places to eat and where to just relax and enjoy the scene. The book made me comfortable that I wasn't missing out on something ("what you didn't see..."). There are also some fun maps that are easy to read. All in all, an A+ and something I pick up and look at because its interesting and beautiful, and reminds me I want to go back to South
Beach.

I finally found a good book about South Beach. As a business consultant, living in South Beach, I have been searching for a first-class book on the area to give my clients. This book is perfect because it is interesting to read and has tremendous facts without being boring. The author's humor combined with insightful "insider" information and beautiful photographs make this book an ideal gift as well as a fun read.

A most fabulous and descriptive book about South Beach Art Deco. The photography is beautiful and each page is a treasure and a pleasure to enjoy!

I regularly vacation in Miami Beach and LOVE visiting South Beach with its pastel deco buildings, pristine beaches, beautiful people, trendy restaurants and open-till-dawn night clubs. I just finished reading South Beach Deco: Step by Step, and I have a new appreciation for my favorite vacation spot! The author, Iris Chase, really knows her town from the inside out. And the photos are absolutely beautiful! The next time I travel south, I will definitely have this book in my suitcase! This terrific book is a must! Have fun travelers!