Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsMixed review, overall high marks
Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2010
I'm an Intern Architect. This book is a reference manual, intended to explain the CSI perspective on standards and protocols in industries related to building construction. Points are given for the scope and holistic treatment of the subject, for depth of coverage and insight, and clear and unambiguous language.
This book is intended as the backbone for the CDT certification, which is the prerequisite for more advanced CSI certifications. As such, CSI promotes their products (along with those produced by other professional interest associations) throughout this manual. It should be understood that using a standard method, developed by experts, imparts many advantages. These alone should be sufficient to purchase the book.
Unfortunately, some of the text (apparently breaking the CSI rule of saying something only once) has literally been copied and pasted from one section to another, and wordy exposition is prevalent. Editing out convincing narratives and justifications would greatly reduce the size of the book without affecting the scope. In addition, the inclusion of several pages worth of advice for Product Representatives, including attire and manners, in the center of the section on Design left me with more questions (relating to the ability of the editors) than answers (about the subject of construction standards and protocols).
The approach toward the subject matter also occasionally, maddeningly oscillates between the assumption that the reader has advanced construction knowledge (referring casually to the various sleeves, anchors, bolts and other bits of building) with complete exposition that would suit only the ignorant. It leaves me with the impression of a know-it-all jerk dropping technical terms for his own aggrandizement while patronizing his students, a practice for which I have little patience.
In all, what works with this book has great value, but there's a lot of room for revision. If I were in a position where I didn't need to read this book for the certification, I would do so. Having read it, I feel I have benefited from the information, at a price equal to my annoyance.
