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American Architecture: A History (Icon Editions)

American Architecture: A History (Icon Editions)
By Leland Roth

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Product Description

In American Architecture, Leland Roth introduces the reader to the major developments that shaped the American-built environment from before the arrival of the Europeans to the present, from ceremonial enclosures and homes to Modernism and its discontents. There is extensive historical coverage of 17th and 18th century architecture and regional styles. On both the high style architecture of aspiration and the everyday vernacular architecture, Roth presents the historical impact of changes in conceptual imagery, style, building technology, landscape design, and town planning theory. He charts the gradual development of towns, cities, and suburbs along with the social, cultural, and political forces that shaped their growth.“Buildings, like politics, are based on the fine art of compromise, and every building represents a judicious balance between the conflicting needs and aspirations of the client, architect, and builder. Americans, especially, it would seem, have been caught between divergent needs and desires, between the impulse, on the one hand, to build pragmatically and efficiently, and the wish, on the other hand, to realize a conceptual ideal,” writes Roth. These ten chapters provide a full, reliable, and up-to-date description, analysis, and interpretation of American buildings and their architects. The 612 illustrations— consisting of photographs, drawings, plans and maps— are integrated throughout the text. Well-written and comprehensive, Roth’s American Architecture is invaluable as a guide, a study, and a reference.

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #1066111 in Books
  • Published on: 2001-12-19
  • Original language: English
  • Number of items: 1
  • Binding: Hardcover
  • 608 pages

Editorial Reviews

Review
"A full, reliable, and up-to-date description, analysis, and interpretation of American buildings and their architects." -- Word Trade

"I need this book....The illustrations are excellent, the author's writing style clear and easily comprehended." -- Jean France, University of Rochester

"The most detailed and current survey in print." -- Richard Longstreth, George Washington University

"This is the best one-volume survey of American architecture on the market today." -- Choice

"Very well presented and well written." -- Jeffery Howe, Boston College

About the Author

Leland M. Roth is Marion Dean Ross Professor of Architectural History at the University of Oregon at Eugene. He is the author of American Architecture: A History; A Concise History of American Architecture; McKim, Mead & White, Architects; and other works. He lives in Eugene, Oregon.

Customer Reviews

great book about American architecture5
I'm taking Leland Roth's American Architecture class. I was worried about having to use his book for the class, but it turns out to be a very well written, interesting look at the history of American Architecture. Chapters are laid out in a well thought out manner and the pictures and drawings make for a more engaging read. I highly recommend this book for anyone who would like to know more about the built environment around them.

Required textbook3
Bought it as a required text for an architectural history class. Ended up keeping it in my library after I graduated.

A well-written, easy to read chronology of American Architecture

Provides chapters packed with analysis and interpretation5
This extensive survey of American architectural history and styles covers works from pre-historic to modern times, covering the major developments which affected American-built cities and towns over a broad period of time. From evolving regional styles to period architecture and the development of urban landscapes, American Architecture: A History provides chapters packed with analysis and interpretation of American buildings and styles.