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GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture => Topic started by: Joshua Pettit on August 30, 2020, 03:48:51 AM

Title: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Joshua Pettit on August 30, 2020, 03:48:51 AM
I’m pleased to announce beginning today, August 30th, my new (and first) book The MacKenzie Reader (http://alistermackenzie.org/store/mackenziereader) will be available for pre-sale.

The culmination of 15 years of research stemming from my involvement with various MacKenzie restoration projects, The MacKenzie Reader is a compendium of Dr. MacKenzie’s lost writings accompanied by photographs and routing maps.  Included are 29 articles and essays written by MacKenzie, originally published in disparate publications between 1915 and 1935, as well as ten foldout page routing diagrams, and eleven additional essays by noted MacKenzie experts from around the world.

NOTE: This is not a coffee table book.  At 5.5” x 8.25” it is a fair balance of portability and legibility.

The first printing is a commemorative edition, limited to 150 copies, and will be shipped before the holiday season (hopefully by the unseasonable Masters, but the printer can not ensure it).  A larger second printing is tentatively planned for late 2021.

The publication of the book had been planned in conjunction with the presentation of the “MacKenzie at 150” historical exhibition — in commemoration of Dr. MacKenzie’s 150th birthday (b. 30 August 1870).  Unfortunately the exhibition has been postponed due to the pandemic, but I am hoping that a rescheduled debut for late 2020 or early 2021 will be possible.

The exhibition, to be on display here in the San Francisco Bay Area, is a series of framed plans, photos, correspondence and other historical materials that thoroughly showcase the career of golf’s preeminent architect.

For more information and to pre-order a copy of The MacKenzie Reader see the MacKenzie Institute website:

www.AlisterMacKenzie.org (http://www.AlisterMacKenzie.org)

Cheers,

Josh
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Matthew Mollica on August 30, 2020, 05:50:42 AM
Fantastic. Thanks Josh! Looking forward to seeing it!
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Anthony Gholz on August 30, 2020, 11:29:54 AM
preorder button doesn't connect for me. R we sold out or are my computer skills showing?
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Thomas Dai on August 30, 2020, 01:38:01 PM
Fantastic. Thanks Josh! Looking forward to seeing it!
+1
Atb
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Mark Mammel on August 30, 2020, 01:51:19 PM
I'm having the same problem. The "Read more" link doesn't work, and the "order now" link takes me back to the main page.thanks
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Joshua Pettit on August 30, 2020, 04:26:16 PM
I'm having the same problem. The "Read more" link doesn't work, and the "order now" link takes me back to the main page.thanks
Thanks for the heads up.  Sorry for the confusion.  I meant to say click on the "Store" tab, but now all the links are working.  Also you can click here (http://alistermackenzie.org/store/mackenziereader) to go directly to the store.

Right now the web-hosting commerce function only supports payments through PayPal and Venmo, but I'm working on providing a pay by credit card option that I hope will be up and running in the near future.
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Niall C on February 21, 2021, 07:04:07 AM
Has anyone received the book yet ? I emailed Joshua about a week ago for an update but have had no reply.


Niall
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Jeff Schley on February 21, 2021, 07:26:51 AM
Good reminder. Just ordered as I meant to when I saw this thread last year.  No rush and looking forward to seeing Josh's compilation.
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Jeff Schley on February 21, 2021, 07:28:52 AM
BTW it says I'm order #160, so I assume I won't be part of the original 150 commemorative edition run.
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Matthew Mollica on February 21, 2021, 02:59:25 PM
My copy has not yet arrive in Australia. No rush...
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Drew Harvie on February 21, 2021, 05:00:46 PM
I haven't heard if it's shipped yet or not. I was told I'd get an email when it has, so I'm assuming it has not?
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Joshua Pettit on February 21, 2021, 07:18:07 PM
BTW it says I'm order #160, so I assume I won't be part of the original 150 commemorative edition run.
Hi All,

The book hasn't shipped yet.  Apologies for the wait.  I was forced to change printing companies midway through the process due to some technicalities with the customized format and their staffing problems related to Covid.

---

Jeff,

Your copy is actually among the first edition (the order number doesn't directly correspond to the copy number).

There are still a handful of copies left for anyone else interested:

AlisterMacKenzie.org (http://alistermackenzie.org/)

Cheers,

Josh
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Tim_Weiman on February 22, 2021, 12:10:53 AM
Josh,


Thanks for bringing this thread forward. I just placed my order. Look forward to seeing the book.


Regards,


Tim Weiman
Houston, TX
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Niall C on March 20, 2021, 03:43:56 PM
Any news ?


Niall
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Niall C on April 10, 2021, 04:14:26 AM
Not that I'm getting anxious or anything but worth pointing out I ordered the Fowler book 4 months after the MacKenzie book and the Fowler book has already arrived  ;D


Josh


Any update that you can give us ?


Niall
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Joshua Pettit on April 11, 2021, 12:10:12 PM
Not that I'm getting anxious or anything but worth pointing out I ordered the Fowler book 4 months after the MacKenzie book and the Fowler book has already arrived  ;D

Josh

Any update that you can give us ?

Niall
Hi Niall & All,

Sorry for the slow update, haven't been on GCA in a while.  Printing process has been frustrating to say the least but the new printing company is wrapping up soon, should be shipping by end of the month.  Thanks for your patience.
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Niall C on April 11, 2021, 01:29:36 PM
Josh


Thanks for the update, much appreciated.


Niall
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Drew Harvie on May 18, 2021, 08:05:02 PM
So did this ship or am I out $250 American
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Joshua Pettit on May 18, 2021, 09:23:47 PM
So did this ship or am I out $250 American
Drew,

I'm expecting to receive them by the 29th, then will take 2-3 days turnaround time to get them shipped out to everyone.  Thanks for your patience.

Cheers,

Josh
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Joshua Pettit on May 18, 2021, 09:27:52 PM
NOTE:

Each copy will be individually numbered and addressed to the buyer unless otherwise requested.  If anyone ordered a copy that's meant to be a gift for someone else, send me an email if you'd like it addressed to them instead of you.

Info@AlisterMacKenzie.org
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Drew Harvie on May 19, 2021, 09:04:14 AM
So did this ship or am I out $250 American
Drew,

I'm expecting to receive them by the 29th, then will take 2-3 days turnaround time to get them shipped out to everyone.  Thanks for your patience.

Cheers,

Josh


Thanks Josh for the update! Looking forward to reading.
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Niall C on July 19, 2021, 06:23:15 AM
Josh


I assume I'll be one of the last to get a copy as I'm overseas but it would be good to know whether the books have been delivered to you and are now in the post. Any update would be appreciated.


Thanks


Niall
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Anthony Gholz on July 19, 2021, 12:29:36 PM
site says "sold out"  already a best seller
true?
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Michael Wolf on August 09, 2021, 08:51:48 AM
Josh,


Covid has of course interrupted everyones lives. In many cases to a magnitude that makes delays to a golf book's distribution trivial. But, at least to me, it does seem reasonable to expect more proactive updates from you on your project's status. Particularly since you used this forum to solicit customers for advanced funding of the book.


Michael Wolf
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Drew Harvie on August 11, 2021, 05:25:37 PM
I would like an update
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Dave Maberry on August 12, 2021, 08:26:45 PM
Received this in email today:


Hi All,


Thank you for your continued patience.


After a very frustrating experience with the printing company, plagued with multiple setbacks from supply chain issues, they have informed me the books will finally be shipped to me by August 20th.  It will then take me a few days turnaround time to get them individually shipped out to each of you.


Thanks again for ordering  The MacKenzie Reader and I hope you enjoy the book.


Wishing you all the best,


Josh
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Michael Wolf on September 21, 2021, 10:10:25 PM
I'm starting to feel like a sucker for asking, but does anyone have an update from Josh?


Michael
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Jeff Schley on September 22, 2021, 12:56:46 AM
Coincidentally I just got an email a few hours ago from Josh saying the quality of the books he received from his printer is not up to quality standards and he is now getting another printer to do them. Says about a month until that rush job is done.
I hope in the end we get an acceptable product.
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Niall C on September 22, 2021, 08:37:19 AM
Jeff


I'm pleased you got an update. Presumably you had enquired directly ? It would be good if Josh could keep the rest of us updated also.


Niall
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Michael Moore on September 22, 2021, 12:02:25 PM
Maybe some late-breaking news from the Scores Hotel?
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Jeff Schley on September 22, 2021, 12:08:22 PM
Jeff


I'm pleased you got an update. Presumably you had enquired directly ? It would be good if Josh could keep the rest of us updated also.


Niall
Niall,
Actually I didn't inquire. It was unprompted, but he also had sent an email the beginning of August I think to all those who ordered saying he was getting delivery Aug. 20th and then ship onwards to us and asking if any addresses had changed.

I hope Josh learned alot, via this exercise as it wasn't seamless.
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Niall C on October 30, 2021, 09:50:58 AM
I suspect I know the answer to this before I've asked the question but has anyone had an update from Josh or, dare I say it, received the book ?


Niall
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: James Reader on October 30, 2021, 12:23:49 PM
I suspect I know the answer to this before I've asked the question but has anyone had an update from Josh or, dare I say it, received the book ?


Niall


I received this in an email at the end of September Niall.  Not sure why this wouldn’t be going to everyone who’s ordered, but I feel for Josh.  The book looks like it’ll be worth the wait from what i can see from the photos.

[/size]The books were finally finished last month, but there were some serious defects with the craftsmanship that I’ve been trying to get resolved (see attached photos) — the printing company used the wrong kind of paper (too thin) and there are a lot of problems with the margins being off-center, and the cover not produced correctly.  I’m extremely disappointed with the quality, and they have repeatedly lied to me and violated the terms of my contract per the specs that were agreed upon. 


I have now hired a new printing company based locally here in the San Francisco Bay Area who has agreed to rearrange some of their projects so as to accommodate a 3-4 week rush order to produce my book.  It’s been a very difficult decision because I am out a lot of money, but I do not feel the quality and craftsmanship is acceptable and I want to make sure it’s done right.


My sincerest of apologies to you — I’m terribly frustrated and embarrassed this has taken so long, but I figure another few weeks is worth it to get them done correctly.


I’ll be sure to keep you posted in the next couple of weeks.





Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Niall C on October 30, 2021, 07:43:38 PM
Thanks James


Niall
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Shane Derby on February 02, 2022, 08:05:11 AM
Hi Guys


I received this email from Josh recently (22/1/22), I suspect it's contents might be of interest to some of you:


I just met with the printer today and got an update.  They’re almost finished with all the printing and will start the binding next week.  There was another setback with with sourcing the paper because the paper industry is having terrible supply chain problems right now (at least here in the States it’s nearly impossible to get good paper) — so they were in limbo for 3 months waiting on the paper supplier.  It all should be ready in the next 10 days to 2 weeks.
[/size][/color]
[/size]Sounds like there's some progress which is welcome I guess.[/color]

[/size]S[/color]
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Erik J. Barzeski on February 02, 2022, 08:18:05 AM
This reads like a poorly run Kickstarter project.
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Niall C on February 02, 2022, 11:05:42 AM
This reads like a poorly run Kickstarter project.


My impression is that Josh is self-publishing this and given the issues of COVID and supply chains that everyone is facing right now it is perhaps not surprising that he is experiencing these problems. What is a bit frustrating though is the lack of update other than the odd person getting an email. Why not update everyone on a more frequent basis ?


Niall
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Tim_Cronin on February 02, 2022, 11:43:06 PM
The paper supply issue is actually a thing in the printing industry right now, all part of the supply chain jumble thanks to COVID.
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Jeff Schley on February 03, 2022, 10:47:06 PM
I had totally forgotten I ordered such a book a couple years ago.  Is this the sequel?  :)


Mackenzie at 151 or 152?
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Tim_Weiman on February 04, 2022, 10:44:25 PM
This reads like a poorly run Kickstarter project.


My impression is that Josh is self-publishing this and given the issues of COVID and supply chains that everyone is facing right now it is perhaps not surprising that he is experiencing these problems. What is a bit frustrating though is the lack of update other than the odd person getting an email. Why not update everyone on a more frequent basis ?


Niall
Niall,


I agree. Joshua would have done better to provide more frequent updates. Most GCA book collectors know these projects can take time, but not keeping folks informed doesn’t engender good will.
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Matthew Mollica on March 21, 2022, 04:03:06 AM
I'm hearing positive news on Josh's project with The MacKenzie reader, in that some have already been shipped, and a friend in California now actually received his copy. Anyone else with news to add? I must admit - I'm excited and hope I get to see a copy soon.
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: CJames on March 21, 2022, 11:55:44 AM
I was told by a close friend at Meadow Club that he received his copy of Josh’s book just last week.  He was extremely pleased with both the quality of both the content and the physical properties/paper stock.  I ran into Josh later that evening and verbally placed my order; I am looking forward to its addition to my GCA library.  Sounds like the resolution of the production issues that delayed will prove well worth the wait. 
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Tim_Weiman on March 21, 2022, 04:59:58 PM
I exchanged emails with Joshua today. He confirmed the book is ready for shipment and that my order will go out shortly.


Really look forward to it.
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Jeff Schley on March 26, 2022, 03:54:43 AM
Glad this is happening. Will wait for mine and by early reports seems it was worth the wait.  Josh what is next for you? More books or?
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: CJames on March 27, 2022, 11:10:23 PM
I received my copy of ‘The Mackenzie Reader’ today, hand-delivered by Josh.  The book is very impressive, and anyone who ordered the tome should be quite pleased with the final product.  The delays in publication that arose by Josh’s insistence upon delivering nothing short of an extremely high-quality book were, IMO, easily well worth the wait.  The roster of essayists is august, not to mention an introduction by none other than Ben Crenshaw.  I can’t wait to dig in.  Thank you Josh!
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Stephen Britton on April 06, 2022, 10:25:57 AM
Just ordered, looking forward to this.
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Tim_Weiman on April 12, 2022, 12:06:49 AM
Just want to echo the post of CJames regarding the Mackenzie Reader book. Long awaited, the book arrived and I just started to dig into it.


Have to credit Josh Pettit for the very classy way the book was put together. Feels old in a good way as if Mackenzie himself put it together.


While there are many beautiful illustrations, this is a book to read, not a coffee table picture book. Really makes you wish the Good Doctor was still with us.


Thanks very much to all that contributed to the book and to Josh for seeing the project through to completion. Well done times a million!
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Stephen Britton on May 13, 2022, 02:09:57 PM
I’m pleased to announce beginning today, August 30th, my new (and first) book The MacKenzie Reader (http://alistermackenzie.org/store/mackenziereader) will be available for pre-sale.

The culmination of 15 years of research stemming from my involvement with various MacKenzie restoration projects, The MacKenzie Reader is a compendium of Dr. MacKenzie’s lost writings accompanied by photographs and routing maps.  Included are 29 articles and essays written by MacKenzie, originally published in disparate publications between 1915 and 1935, as well as ten foldout page routing diagrams, and eleven additional essays by noted MacKenzie experts from around the world.

NOTE: This is not a coffee table book.  At 5.5” x 8.25” it is a fair balance of portability and legibility.

The first printing is a commemorative edition, limited to 150 copies, and will be shipped before the holiday season (hopefully by the unseasonable Masters, but the printer can not ensure it).  A larger second printing is tentatively planned for late 2021.

The publication of the book had been planned in conjunction with the presentation of the “MacKenzie at 150” historical exhibition — in commemoration of Dr. MacKenzie’s 150th birthday (b. 30 August 1870).  Unfortunately the exhibition has been postponed due to the pandemic, but I am hoping that a rescheduled debut for late 2020 or early 2021 will be possible.

The exhibition, to be on display here in the San Francisco Bay Area, is a series of framed plans, photos, correspondence and other historical materials that thoroughly showcase the career of golf’s preeminent architect.

For more information and to pre-order a copy of The MacKenzie Reader see the MacKenzie Institute website:

www.AlisterMacKenzie.org (http://www.AlisterMacKenzie.org)

Cheers,

Josh


Josh any updates on when books will be shipped out?


Thanks.
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Pete Lavallee on June 28, 2022, 12:24:40 PM
I received mine in the mail yesterday! Looks like a great read read. Can’t wait to delve into one of the first chapters on his application of military camouflage.
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Joe Hancock on June 28, 2022, 09:51:44 PM
I received mine in the mail yesterday! Looks like a great read read. Can’t wait to delve into one of the first chapters on his application of military camouflage.


I was looking for that chapter as well, but couldn’t find it….
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Sean_A on June 29, 2022, 02:44:09 AM
Mine didn't make it on time for a friend to bring the book to England. Heavy sigh.

Ciao
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: John Mayhugh on June 29, 2022, 07:45:40 AM
Communication on this project has been really poor. Last thing I heard was an email on September 28 last year - 39 weeks ago. Nice that some people seem to be getting the book.
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Thomas Dai on June 29, 2022, 06:15:57 PM
I had an email on 6th June advising my copy was to be shipped by USPS. When I check the tracking reference it shows the package to be in Los Angeles on 22nd June. There has been updated tracking entry since the 22nd and nothing has arrived at my door yet either. Shame. Fingers crossed for arrival soonest.
Atb
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Tim_Weiman on June 29, 2022, 08:00:23 PM
Communication on this project has been really poor. Last thing I heard was an email on September 28 last year - 39 weeks ago. Nice that some people seem to be getting the book.
As stated above, my copy was received a few months ago. Sure, Josh could have handled communications better, but it is obvious he put a lot of effort into the book itself. I can’t imagine how he must have felt about the first printing. The final version, however, is really well done IMO.
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Thomas Dai on July 05, 2022, 09:36:08 AM
My copy arrived today. Very impressive.
As someone not adverse to the colourising of old b&w photos the inclusion of such is appreciated.  ;) :)
Atb
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Andrew Slane on October 04, 2022, 05:05:22 AM
This is my first post on GCA so please be gentle ...
I received my copy yesterday after a long wait however am very pleased with the product, not least the quality. Undoubtedly a work of dedication and passion, a worthy addition to my little library. Some fun hours ahead as I read through.


Delighted to meet you all!
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Tim_Weiman on October 04, 2022, 02:05:42 PM
This is my first post on GCA so please be gentle ...
I received my copy yesterday after a long wait however am very pleased with the product, not least the quality. Undoubtedly a work of dedication and passion, a worthy addition to my little library. Some fun hours ahead as I read through.


Delighted to meet you all!
Andrew,


Welcome to GolfClubAtlas! There is no question that The Mackenzie Reader is a worthy addition to anyone’s golf architecture library. It certainly has material I haven’t seen before. Love the essay on municipal golf and found the essay on camouflage very interesting.


Again, welcome to GCA!
Title: Re: MacKenzie at 150 & The MacKenzie Reader (new book)
Post by: Andrew Slane on October 08, 2022, 12:09:26 PM
This is my first post on GCA so please be gentle ...
I received my copy yesterday after a long wait however am very pleased with the product, not least the quality. Undoubtedly a work of dedication and passion, a worthy addition to my little library. Some fun hours ahead as I read through.


Delighted to meet you all!
Andrew,


Welcome to GolfClubAtlas! There is no question that The Mackenzie Reader is a worthy addition to anyone’s golf architecture library. It certainly has material I haven’t seen before. Love the essay on municipal golf and found the essay on camouflage very interesting.


Again, welcome to GCA!


Many thanks Tim, I appreciate that. I'm looking forward to learning and contributing where I can.