Water Power approaches the design and creation of water features in a unique and quite inspiring way. Anthony Archer-Wills has structured a lavishly illustrated book along the natural sequence of the water cycle, with sections entitled: Source, Course, Outlet and Destination. The elemental natural beauty of a spring or waterfall is studied and then shown recreated in a domestic setting with the intention of mirroring the natural in the man-made. The book combines an artistic, spiritual and natural history of water with a tone that alternates between the practical and the poetic--at times almost New Age. This works more effectively than it may sound. Those planning a water feature on any scale must acquire an understanding of the nature of water and how it behaves in order to dramatically heighten its impact in the domestic setting. Observing the things that make a waterfall such an awe-inspiring spectacle can be simulated once ideas of landscape, power, lighting, depth and sound have been considered.

The book encompasses an enormous variety of ideas; formal fountains and springs, naturalistic ponds and pools, modern quasi- industrial designs, all beautifully photographed in some very exotic locations. Many are designed for those with unlimited space and finances and preferably a temperate climate but the basic ideas of how to create these can be adapted whatever the scale of your project. Each chapter is ended with technical plans, material and planting advice and practical notes on the styles of water display shown but this book is not going to provide a quick guide to constructing a garden pond. The myriad of ideas that are suggested in this beautiful book makes it a source of inspiration rather than perspiration. --Rachel O'Connor

Product Description

Water is essential to life, and its ability to take on many forms makes it an exciting element to use in garden design. Whether you want a crystal clear pool or wild, winding stream, this manual shows how to capture these qualities in your own garden. The book is structured to mirror the water cycle itself with sections entitled: "The Source"; "The Course"; "The Outlet"; and "The Destination". Each section opens with an inspirational look at the qualities of water at each part in the cycle. The chapters then go on to relate these natural elements to their man-made equivalent: a spring can become a fountain or a jet; waterfalls are reflected in cascades and water stairs. Detailed instructions are provided on the styling, materials and planning of each water feature. Design blueprints are given on the styling, materials and planning of key garden features shown and explain the construction techniques involved.

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3.0 out of 5 stars More graphics than content I'm afraid..., 6 Jan 2001

By A Customer

Archer-Wills is a huge authority on anything aqua in the British Isles. This is snazzy stuff though... The photos good, printing top-notch and the best thing is probably the concept: chapter sequence of source-course-destination. There is a lot in here, but you'll need to read between the lines and make up your own mind about water features.

This endeavour promotes the author's business in quite an aggressive way, even though some of you might find that helpful... When it comes to implementation, well... I think you're better off paying a local plumber than try and decipher the blueprint-type drawings, which look exhibition-like stuff, but are very difficult to read!

The book is a graphic designer's triumphant moment; the images a photographer's lucid achievement - the writing that of an expert. But... It has not gone far enough beyond the conceptual. And if conceptual it is - so be it. The best thing it's going to achieve is more work for Archer-Wills, and perhaps more for many other designers faced with an ecstatic client waving a page at them, screaming: 'I want this... I have to have that...'

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3.0 out of 5 stars More graphics than content I'm affraid..., 6 Jan 2001

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