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Parallel Algorithms for Regular Architectures offers an extensivecollection of optimal and efficient algorithms for solving problems onsets of processors configured as a mesh or a pyramid. In addition, itprovides valuable insights into the parallel algorithm design process.The algorithms can be adapted to multiprocessor machines with varyingdegrees of granularity and a variety of processor configurations. Theycan be utilized inside a single VLSI chip, on special-purpose parallelmachines, on intermediate-size machines, or on large parallel computers,such as the IBM SP2, Cray T3D/T3E, Intel Paragon, or MasPar MP1/MP2,that are routinely used for solving complex scientific and engineeringproblems. Basic algorithms, such as sorting, matrix multiplication, andparallel prefix, are described, as are algorithms to solve fundamentalproblems in image processing, computational geometry, and graph theory.A consistent approach, based on algorithmic techniques, shows how toapply paradigms such as divide-and-conquer and how to exploit the use ofdata movement operations. Since many of the algorithms were originallycreated by the authors using these techniques, the reader can actuallysee how efficient parallel algorithms are developed by following thedesign process. Parallel Algorithms for Regular Architectureswill be useful to researchers as well as practitioners who need toimplement efficient parallel programs. The algorithms and operations canbe incorporated into a variety of applications, and the design andanalysis techniques can be exploited in an even greater range. ErrataRelated information ... Read more

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The author and editor Henri Stierlin has based his presentation of these most remarkable examples of Mayan architecture on the latest findings from excavations in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Belize. Cities have been rediscovered in the depths of the rain forest, along with soaring pyramids, mysterious tombs, palaces with frescoes and steles. Particularly intriguing is the fact that, although this very advanced civilisation evolved completely separately from that of the "Old World", the architectural parallels are astonishing. Only very recently has it been possible to decipher Mayan hieroglyphics to any great extent. This new research is used to full advantage by this volume as a key to unlock the mystery of Mayan architecture. ... Read more

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Through concise text and richly detailed black and white illustrations we come to know the philosophy of life and death in ancient Egypt.Amazon.com Review
When children catch their first glimpse of a pyramid, a sea ofquestionsinevitably tumbles forth. "Why are they shaped like that?" "How were theymade?" "Who made them?" "What were they used for?" Perplexed adults cansigh with relief now that David Macaulay has found a way to thoroughlyanswer all those deserving questions. His exquisitely crosshatchedpen-and-ink illustrations frame the engaging fictional story of an ancientpharaoh who commissions a pyramid to be built for him. With great patienceand respect for minute detail (not unlike the creators of the earlypyramids), Macaulay explains the sometimes backbreaking tasks of planning,hauling, chiseling, digging, and hoisting that went into the constructionof this awe-inspiring monument. Just when the narrative teeters on the edgeof textbook doldrums, Macaulay brings us back to the engaging human dramaof death and superstition. This respectful blending of architecture,history, and mysticism will certainly satiate pyramid-passionate childrenas well as their obliging parents. ALA Notable Book. (Ages 9 andolder) --Gail Hudson ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Great Intro to Pyramid Construction
As with most Macaulay books, the strength is in his detailed designs.Excellent for gaining and keeping the attention of young readers as well as older folks.Illustartes pyramid construction through an engaging story.Highly recommended for shared reading for families.

Pyramid = mystery
`Pyramid` (1975) is Macaulay's third book. It shows the building of a hypothetical pyramid similar in size to Giza. Unfortunately Macaulay took on a difficult subject. There is still controversy about how exactly the pyramids were built. The 4-ramp model shown in the book is just one of many ideas, and not even proven to work. The latest theory is described in Khufu: The Secrets Behind the Building of the Great Pyramid, involving a series of internal and external ramps (see a BBC article about it in the note below). Given this, it's hard to know what else in the book is accurate, or conjecture. Macaulay is at his best when he demystifies the world around us, but in this case the pyramids really are a mystery, and so it leaves the impression of inaccuracy. However we can probably assume some of it is right (the tools for example). Like all Maccaulay books, it's an enjoyable and impressive journey through history. Just don't rely on it as a blueprint for building your own pyramid!

Stories for Children Magazine 5 Star Review
Most everyone is fascinated with the Pyramids of ancient Egypt.The third in David Macaulay's series of books of how things in history were built uses both interesting text and black-and-white illustrations to tell about the process of building an ancient Egyptian pyramid.After explaining a little generally about life and death in ancient Egypt, the author takes us back to 2470 B. C. for the coronation of a new Pharaoh.Within two years, he must begin preparing for the end of his life and instructs his architect and best friend, Mahnud Hotep, to design his tomb.Though the pyramid and complex of surrounding temples and tombs in the story are imaginary, they are based closely on several of the pyramids and remnants of temples that were built in Egypt between 2700 and 2200 B. C. and are still standing.

Patterned after the pyramids of three earlier Pharaohs at Giza, the new pyramid would be built in three parts--the central core, the packing blocks, and the outer casing.All three parts were to be constructed simultaneously, one layer at a time.Most scholars agree that earth ramps were used in the construction process, but they differ as to where the ramps were placed.Macaulay included the two most popular theories in his visualizations.After the construction process is described in detail, the workers are still laying alabaster floor slabs when the Pharaoh dies in 2439, following a rule of 31 years ruling.The book then explains in detail the embalming, funeral, and burial.Any study of ancient Egypt will be greatly aided by the use of this book.
REVIEWED BY: Wayne S. Walker

Interesting, but not Macaulay's best
Visual explanation of how Egyptians living nearly 4500 years ago were able to construct such large and magnificent structures. Shows the construction from conception by the Pharaoh's architect, to clearing and leveling the site, transporting the stones,tediously dragging them up and placing them to create the 124 layers of the pyramid, and finally chipping them down the form the distinctive triangular sides of the pyramid. Of course Macaulay goes further to show construction of the underground tombs, and nearby temples.

This book is not quite as interestsing as Mr. Macaulay's City book, but the subject matter was not as interesting either. Drawing men hauling stones up ramps doesn't compare to the richness of the Roman architecture and bustling city life.

David Macaulay has done it again
Following in the tradition of other terrific books about complex construction projects using simple technology - such as Castle and Cathedral - Macaulay introduces children to the pyramids of ancient Egypt. And once again he hits a homerun, with a storyline that's just informative enough to create context but simple enough for young children to follow. Oh, did I mention the outstanding illustrations? This is a terrific book for kids and children alike. I bought it for my four-year-old son but I ended up learning quite a bit myself. ... Read more

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Step back in time to the land of the Ancient Egyptians to discover how and why pyramids were built, what life was like for the workers, how the Pharaohs lived, what pyramids were used for, and more. The beautiful illustrations and thoroughly researched information will give readers a detailed and intimate look at life in Ancient Egypt. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Kids will like to look at this one up close!
This book has neat step-cut pages that get bigger as the pyramid grows.There is simple text explaining the process of pyramid building for young children, as well as additional facts and information for older or moreexperienced children.I am taking my kindergarten class on a field trip toan Egyptian exhibit, and this will be a good book to introduce them to thepyramids.. we may even make our own!I was surprised when I received thebook -- it is a hardcover with sturdy pages! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A powerful pictorial history of building
Do you know much about the brain? What does it take to stimulate a brain? To fill it? All it takes is new information, but stimulating information. Such books as Usborne's Beginner's Knowledge series. Particularly in this case "Castles, Pyramids, and Palaces" will stimulate thoroughly. Why?

This is the first time I have seen an Usborne Beginner's Knowledge book and I cannot praise it enough!! It will stimulate brain cells through the visual bThis book is "the story of building from the first Stone Age hut to the skyscrapers of today." This is simply a magnificent presentation. For example: the time line of buildings begins with the Roman Colosseum and ends with the Empire State Building. What is special is that they are placed next to each other as if built that way. What we see then is edifaces juxtaposed for size comparison. Nothing could be clearer.

How were early houses built? How was Stonehenge built? Colorful illustrations detail the answers, plus providing a running commentary of On down through historical importance: the Pyramids, the Parthenon, the Colosseum, Fortress Castles, Cathedrals, Himeji Castle in Japan, Neuschwanstein Castle, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, a mosque, Versailles Palace, St. Basil's Cathedral In Moscow, the U.S. Capitol, the Eiffel Tower, and numerous others.

The book concludes with Unusual Buildings, including Sydney's Opera House, the House of Bones in Barcelona, Spain, and a space-age, cubical-based apartment building. On the next two pages is another time line, this time with individual illustrations of the buildings to show architectural design and detail. Two more pages give us the glossary, and lastly, the index.

I found these two additional books available through Amazon sellers:

Ships, Sailors and the Sea (Usborne Beginner's Knowledge)
Railways and Trains (Usborne Beginner's Knowledge)

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A lavish introduction to architecture features die-cut comparisons of igloos, huts, and yurts; a fold-out cross-section spread of the Coliseum; a mini-book that highlights a castle; and a tracing page depicting Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Architecture and Construction
Architecture and Construction is the tenth issue of Scholastic's voyages of discovery. It is excellent for children to learn the different works of architecture around the world. It also shows how the structures were madeand stories about famous architects.

This book shows all kinds ofarchitectural monuments. From Paris pyramids to icy igloos, from Parthenonpillars to building bridges, this book is definetly one you have to buy!

This book covers architecture works from six of the seven worldcontinents. It also shows the different kinds of houses in the world andmany tall skyscrapers. You also get a free 1883 newspaper article markingthe celebrations for the Brooklyn Bridge.

This fabulous book wouldappeal to people in the age group of 6 to 13. You have to buyit!

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Product Description
Chapters: Pyramid of the Magician. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 82. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: The Pyramid of the Magician is a Mesoamerican step pyramid located in the ancient, Pre-Columbian city of Uxmal, Mexico. The structure is also referred to as the Pyramid of the Dwarf, Casa el Adivino, and the Pyramid of the Soothsayer. The pyramid is the tallest and most recognizable structure in Uxmal. The Pyramid of the Magician (El Adivino) is the central structure in the Maya ruin complex of Uxmal. The Pyramid of the Magician is also referred to as the Pyramid of the Soothsayer. Uxmal is located in the Puuc region of Mexico and was one of the largest cities on the Yucatán Peninsula. At its height, Uxmal was home to about 25,000 Maya. Like other Puuc sites, the city flourished from 600-1000 AD, with the great building period taking place between 700 and 1000 AD. The name Uxmal means 'thrice-built' in the Mayan language, referring to the many layers of construction of its most imposing structure. The city of Uxmal was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 as it is considered that the ruins of the ceremonial structures represent the pinnacle of late Maya art and architecture in their design, layout and ornamentation. The Pyramid of the Magician dominates the center of the complex and is located at the tourist entrance to the central court. It is positioned on the eastern side of the city, with its western face overlooking the Nunnery Quadrangle and is situated so that its western stairway faces the setting sun at the summer solstice. Construction of the first pyramid temple began in the 6th century AD and the structure was expanded over the next 400 years. The pyramid fell into disrepair after 1000 A.D. and was thereafter looted during the Spanish Conquest of Yucatán....More: http://booksllc.net/?id=7641579 ... Read more

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Chapters: Maya Architecture, Mesoamerican Architecture, Pyramid of the Magician, Tikal Temple V, Tikal Temple I, Temple of the Inscriptions, Mesoamerican Pyramids, Puuc, El Castillo, Chichen Itza, Corbel Arch, Maya Bridge at Yaxchilan, Talud-Tablero, Tecoatl, E-Group, Río Bec, Akab Dzib, El Caracol, Chichen Itza, Sacbe, Sascab, Chultun, Lamanai Structure N10-9, Roof Comb, Mask Temple, Lamanai, High Temple, Lamanai. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 102. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: The Pyramid of the Magician is a Mesoamerican step pyramid located in the ancient, Pre-Columbian city of Uxmal, Mexico. The structure is also referred to as the Pyramid of the Dwarf, Casa el Adivino, and the Pyramid of the Soothsayer. The pyramid is the tallest and most recognizable structure in Uxmal. The Pyramid of the Magician (El Adivino) is the central structure in the Maya ruin complex of Uxmal. The Pyramid of the Magician is also referred to as the Pyramid of the Soothsayer. Uxmal is located in the Puuc region of Mexico and was one of the largest cities on the Yucatán Peninsula. At its height, Uxmal was home to about 25,000 Maya. Like other Puuc sites, the city flourished from 600-1000 AD, with the great building period taking place between 700 and 1000 AD. The name Uxmal means 'thrice-built' in the Mayan language, referring to the many layers of construction of its most imposing structure. The city of Uxmal was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 as it is considered that the ruins of the ceremonial structures represent the pinnacle of late Maya art and architecture in their design, layout and ornamentation. The Pyramid of the Magician dominates the center of the complex and is located at the tourist entrance to the central court. It is positioned on the eastern side of the city, w...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=7641579 ... Read more

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Purchase includes free access to book updates online and a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Chapters: 27th-Century Bc Architecture, Pyramid of Djoser, Great Sphinx of Giza, Bent Pyramid, Caral, Shunet Ez Zebib, 27th Century Bc in Architecture. Excerpt: The Great Sphinx of Giza (or, commonly, the Sphinx) is a statue of a reclining or couchant sphinx (a mythical creature with a lion's body and a human head) that stands on the Giza Plateau on the west bank of the Nile in Giza, near modern-day Cairo, Egypt. It is the largest monolith statue in the world, standing 73.5 metres (241 ft) long, 6 metres (20 ft) wide, and 20.22 m (66.34 ft) high. It is the oldest known monumental sculpture, and is commonly believed to have been built by ancient Egyptians of the Old Kingdom in the reign of the pharaoh Khafra (c. 2558-2532 BC). The Great Sphinx is one of the world's largest and oldest statues, but basic facts about it, such as who was the model for the face, when it was built, and by whom, are still debated. These questions have resulted in the popular idea of the "Riddle of the Sphinx," although this phrase should not be confused with the original Greek legend of the Riddle of the Sphinx. The Great Sphinx in about 1880, partly under the sand The Great Sphinx partially excavated The Sphinx against Khafras pyramid It is not known by what name the original creators called their statue, as the Great Sphinx does not appear in any known inscription of the Old Kingdom, and there are no inscriptions anywhere describing its construction or its original purpose. In the New Kingdom, the Sphinx was called Hor-em-akhet (Horus of the Horizon) (Hellenized: Harmachis), and the Pharaoh Thutmose IV (14011391 or 13971388 BC) specifically referred to it as such in his Dream Stele. The commonly used name Sphinx was given to it in Classical antiquity, about 2000 years after... More: http://booksllc.net/?id=245173 ... Read more

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Examines the history, building, structure, and purpose of the Egyptian pyramids. ... Read more

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Purchase includes free access to book updates online and a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Chapters: Great Pyramid of Giza, Stonehenge, Mohenjo-Daro, Ring of Brodgar, Pyramid of Menkaure, Pyramid of Khafre, Red Pyramid, Pyramid of Djedefre, Layer Pyramid, 26th Century Bc in Architecture. Excerpt:See also: 27th century BC in architecture, other events of the 26th century BC , 25th century BC in architecture and the architecture timeline . Buildings A hyperlinked version of this chapter is at Coordinates : 29°58 45.03 N 31°08 03.69 E / 29.979175°N 31.1343583°E / 29.979175; 31.1343583 The Great Pyramid of Giza, in 2005. Built c. 2560 BC, it is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis . The Great Pyramid of Giza (also called the Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Cheops ) is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis bordering what is now El Giza, Egypt . It is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World , and the only one to remain largely intact. It is believed the pyramid was built as a tomb for fourth dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops in Greek) and constructed over a 20-year period concluding around 2560 BC. The Great Pyramid was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years. Originally the Great Pyramid was covered by casing stones that formed a smooth outer surface; what is seen today is the underlying core structure. Some of the casing stones that once covered the structure can still be seen around the base. There have been varying scientific and alternative theories about the Great Pyramid's construction techniques. Most accepted construction hypotheses are based on the idea that it was built by moving huge stones from a quarry and dragging and lifting them into place. There are three known chambers inside the Great Pyramid. The lowest chamber is cut into the bedrock upon which the pyram... ... Read more

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Chapters: 26th-Century Bc Architecture, Great Pyramid of Giza, Stonehenge, Mohenjo-Daro, Ring of Brodgar, Pyramid of Menkaure, Pyramid of Khafre, Red Pyramid, Pyramid of Djedefre, Layer Pyramid, 26th Century Bc in Architecture. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 72. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in the English county of Wiltshire, about 3.2 kilometres (2.0 mi) west of Amesbury and 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) north of Salisbury. One of the most famous sites in the world, Stonehenge is composed of earthworks surrounding a circular setting of large standing stones. It is at the centre of the most dense complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments in England, including several hundred burial mounds. Archaeologists had believed that the iconic stone monument was erected around 2500 BC, as described in the chronology below. One recent theory, however, has suggested that the first stones were not erected until 2400-2200 BC, whilst another suggests that bluestones may have been erected at the site as early as 3000 BC (see phase 1 below). The surrounding circular earth bank and ditch, which constitute the earliest phase of the monument, have been dated to about 3100 BC. The site and its surroundings were added to the UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites in 1986 in a co-listing with Avebury Henge monument. It is a national legally protected Scheduled Ancient Monument. Stonehenge is owned by the Crown and managed by English Heritage, while the surrounding land is owned by the National Trust. Archaeological evidence found by the Stonehenge Riverside Project in 2008 indicates that Stonehenge served as a burial ground from its earliest beginnings. The dating of cremated remains found on the site indicate burials from as early as 3000 BC, when the initial...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=27633 ... Read more

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Chapters: Mesoamerican Pyramids, Talud-Tablero, Tecoatl, Sascab, Chultun. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 33. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: Mesoamerican architecture is the set of architectural traditions produced by pre-Columbian cultures and civilizations of Mesoamerica, traditions which are best known in the form of public, ceremonial and urban monumental buildings and structures. The distinctive features of Mesoamerican architecture encompass a number of different regional and historical styles, which however are significantly interrelated. These styles developed throughout the different phases of Mesoamerican history as a result of the intensive cultural exchange between the different cultures of the Mesoamerican culture area through thousands of years. Mesoamerican architecture is mostly noted for its pyramids which are the largest such structures (outside of Ancient Egypt and the Chola Empire). One interesting and widely researched topic is the relation between cosmovision, religion, geography, and architecture in Mesoamerica. Much seems to suggest that many traits of Mesoamerican architecture were governed by religious and mythological ideas. For example, the layout of most Mesoamerican cities seem to be influenced by the cardinal directions and their mythological and symbolic meanings in Mesoamerican culture. Another striking part of Mesoamerican architecture is its iconography. The monumental architecture of Mesoamerica was decorated with images of religious and cultural significance, and also in many cases with writing in some of the Mesoamerican writing systems. Iconographic decorations and texts on buildings are important contributors to the overall current knowledge of pre-Columbian Mesoamerican society, history and religion. Overview of the central plaza of the ...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=6573614 ... Read more

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Arcology, a portmanteau of the words architecture and ecology,is a set of architectural design principles aimed toward the design of enormous habitats of extremely high human population density. These largely hypothetical structures would contain a variety of residential and commercial facilities and minimize individual human environmental impact. They are often portrayed as self-contained or economically self-sufficient. The concept has been primarily popularized by architect Paolo Soleri, and appears commonly in science fiction. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

None of which has any relation to a museum in paris, as depicted on the front cover.
If you google the product description...

Arcology, a portmanteau of the words architecture and ecology,is a set of architectural design principles aimed toward the design of enormous habitats of extremely high human population density. These largely hypothetical structures would contain a variety of residential and commercial facilities and minimize individual human environmental impact. They are often portrayed as self-contained or economically self-sufficient. The concept has been primarily popularized by architect Paolo Soleri, and appears commonly in science fiction.

YOU WILL BE DIRECTED TO THE FIRST OF THE WIKIPEDIA ARTICLES THAT THEY RIPPED TO MAKE THIS ENTIRE BOOK..

SIGH... ... Read more

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Pyramids aren't only found in Egypt, although these are probably the best known. Discover the secrets behind all the pyramids - Egyptian, Sudanese, Aztec and Mayan - through this "Eyewitness Guide". The photography and text combine to reveal the architecture and construction of the various pyramid forms, the treasures they contain, transporting readers through the false passages and traps set to stop tomb robbers in the Great Pyramid, to the Aztec temples of the Sun and Moon, their sacrifice rituals, and how they obtained their endless supply of victims 50,000 in the last years. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Pyramids for young readers
DK Publishing created the "Eyewitness Books" series for young readers. This volume does a fine job presenting information about pyramids for the stated audience.The writing is pitched appropriately for younger readers. As with all entries in the series, the illustrations and photos are wonderful.

Pyramids from a variety of geographical locations are explored here: from Egypt to Mexico (Mayan and Aztec), as well as more contemporary manifestations.The first entry serves to provide context, by asking "What are pyramids?" The focus here is largely the Egyptian and Sudanese pyramids, although onephoto of a Mayan pyramid allows some comparison between Egypt and the Americas. These structures were normally used for tombs of the elite (e.g., the Pharaohs in Egypt) or as temples (in Central America).

The first several sections of the book focus on the Middle East, with special emphasis on Egypt. We see the first pyramid of note, for Pharaoh Djoser about 2680 BC; then, the next stage in the evolution of pyramids under the Pharaoh Sneferu, to celebrate major military victories. Next,we see the famous pyramids at Giza (with the Sphinx as an auxiliary structure) (Pages 16-21).

Many subjects that would interest young readers are presented--from what is inside the pyramids to how they were built to tools used.

The book closes by noting that "The pyramid lives on" (Pages 62-63). The Transamerica Building in San Francisco and I. M. Pei's entrance to the Louvre in Paris illustrate contemporary manifestations of this ancient structure.

Again, another neat entry in the Eyewitness Books series.Young readers interested in the subject will enjoy this a great deal.

Another Great Pyramid Book!
I love Eyewitness books and this the newest in my collection.The book deals a lot with Ancient Egypt so my students will go nuts over that.It also has some Mayan pyramids and Mayan culture.It is a wonderful book.I love the book and my students will love it too. ... Read more