George Walker Libri

“By Hand & Eye” is a deep dive into the world of history, architecture and design. And the authors have emerged with armloads of pearls for readers.Instead of serving up a list of formulas with magical names (i.e. the Golden Section, the Rule of Thirds) that will transform the mundane into perfection, George R. Walker and Jim Tolpin show how much of the world is governed by simple proportions, noting how ratios such as 1:2; 3:5 and 4:5 were ubiquitous in the designs of pre-industrial artisans. And the tool that helps us explore this world, then as now, are dividers.The key to good design is to master these basic “notes” – much like learning to sing “do, re, mi.” How to do this is the subject of the first three-quarters of the book. It offers exercises, examples and encouragement in opening your inner eye, propping it up with toothpicks and learning the simple geometry that will help you improve your design.The last quarter of “By Hand & Eye” takes these principles and puts them into practice by designing nine projects that are decidedly contemporary – proof positive that design isn’t reserved for highboys and 18th-century Philadelphia side chairs. The projects show all of the book’s design principles in full flower, and yet the projects are small enough and simple enough (for the most part) that you can use them as a way to explore the book’s concepts without risking a lot of wood or time in the process.

This classic book on chess contains a collection of annotated games from the world's top players, as well as discussions on strategy, tactics, and opening theory. Written by George Walker, a renowned chess player of the 19th century, this book provides valuable insights into the game and its history. Chess enthusiasts of all levels will find something of value in this book.

Designed for players of all levels, this guide simplifies the rules and strategies of chess with clear language and numerous diagrams. It serves as an accessible resource for both beginners and experienced players, making the complexities of the game easier to grasp and master.

George Walker was director general of the International Baccalaureate and visiting professor in the University of Bath. In this collection of autobiographical essays he describes some defining moments in his distinguished career in education. In schools, of course, but also in the harvest fields of Essex and the Paleolithic cave at Lascaux; behind the Iron Curtain in Czechoslovakia; on the alpine ski slopes; in the concert hall and in the footsteps of Cecil Rhodes in southern Africa; in Baghdad and in Bosnia, there have been many unexpected lessons to learn.