Product Description

The first and only full-scale technical and stylistic analysis of 200 years of architectural evolution in northern New England.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #107336 in Books
• Published on: 2002-05-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 211 pages

Review
"A Building History of Northern New England . . . is high on Norm Abram's reading list . . . Though the book focuses on Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont houses built after the 17th century, its emphasis on preservation will appeal to homeowners in any region." --This Old House Magazine

From the Publisher
8 1/2 x 11 trim. 150 illus. 45 figs. LC 00-010536

From the Inside Flap
From the book —

“Whether you love or merely tolerate your old house, it is well to approach the building with one truth firmly in mind. Human life is short. The life of a house is potentially limitless. Even in the youthful US, we have houses that have been sheltering families for three hundred years or more.

“Barring disaster or imprudent neglect, your house is destined to outlive you. You are but one in a long line of custodians of the property—a line that extends backward through the decades or centuries and forward to an indefinite future.

“That being the case, let the changes you make to your property be additive rather than subtractive in nature. If you need a new kitchen or bathroom or furnace, install it. But wherever possible, install it in such a way as to preserve original features or fabric . . . Try to make your work add to the legacy of the past so that you can pass a dwelling of even greater value and comfort to the future. Remember that the number of old houses is finite, and diminishes each year. It is a privilege and responsiblity to own a piece of the past.”

Customer Reviews

Top Notch
Finally, a book that focuses on New England building history. This book should be read cover to cover for a complete understanding of the evolution of construction and to understand the important details often overlooked. I thought I had a pretty good knowledge of old house construction, but I learned something on every page. Excellent photos demonstrating the point discussed in the text. Should be on the bookshelf of every old house person.

Chester, Vermont

A Building History of Northern New England
Tremendous amount of scholarly work by Mr Garvin detailing construction of buildings in an important area of New England history and culture. Highly recommended.

Great resource
This book is an invaluable resource for understanding and dating early buildings in all of New England.