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Cover image of Everyday Architecture of the Mid-Atlantic
Cover image of Everyday Architecture of the Mid-Atlantic
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Everyday Architecture of the Mid-Atlantic

Looking at Buildings and Landscapes

Gabrielle M. Lanier and Bernard L. Herman

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This richly illustrated volume explores the character of pre-1940 domestic and agricultural buildings in the towns and rural landscapes of southern New Jersey, Delaware, and coastal Maryland and Virginia.

Winner of the Fred Kniffen Prize from the Pioneer America Society

From the eighteenth-century single-room "mansions" of Delaware's Cypress Swamp district to the early twentieth-century suburban housing around Philadelphia and Wilmington, the architectural landscape of the mid-Atlantic region is both rich and varied. In this pioneering field guide to the region's historic vernacular...

This richly illustrated volume explores the character of pre-1940 domestic and agricultural buildings in the towns and rural landscapes of southern New Jersey, Delaware, and coastal Maryland and Virginia.

Winner of the Fred Kniffen Prize from the Pioneer America Society

From the eighteenth-century single-room "mansions" of Delaware's Cypress Swamp district to the early twentieth-century suburban housing around Philadelphia and Wilmington, the architectural landscape of the mid-Atlantic region is both rich and varied. In this pioneering field guide to the region's historic vernacular architecture, Gabrielle Lanier and Bernard Herman describe the remarkably diverse building traditions that have overlapped and influenced one another for generations.

With more than 300 illustrations and photographs, Everyday Architecture of the Mid-Atlantic explores the character of pre-1940 domestic and agricultural buildings in the towns and rural landscapes of southern New Jersey, Delaware, and coastal Maryland and Virginia. Approaching their subject "archaeologically," the authors examine the "layers" of a structure's past to show how it has changed over time and to reveal telling details about its occupants and the community in which they lived. The book provides architectural information as well as a working methodology for anyone wanting to explore and learn from traditional architecture and landscapes.

The authors conclude that, as a vital cultural artifact, the distinctive architecture of the mid-Atlantic needs to be identified, recorded, and preserved. Everyday Architecture of the Mid-Atlantic gives proof to the insights architecture offers into who we are culturally as a community, a region, and a nation.

Reviews

Reviews

It won't fit in your glove compartment, but Everyday Architecture in the Mid-Atlanticis a book you ought to have along as you drive... It's a serious book but it is aimed at nonprofessionals who enjoy historic buildings and landscapes.

A first-rate book... Profusely illustrated with an excellent selection of drawings and photographs... It will be of great use to everyone interested in our built environment.

Everyday Architecture of the Mid-Atlantic departs from well-traveled roads to explore the less-celebrated architecture of New Jersey, Deleware, and coastal Maryland and Virginia. The authors use more than 300 illustrations to show readers how to date buildings such as suburban houses that have been through many redesigns and expansions.

Finally, a guidebook of historic architecture that treats whole country, not a particular state, but a natural geographical division—a region.

This book is important new scholarship for those interested in material culture and vernacular architecture.

About

Book Details

Publication Date
Status
Available
Trim Size
8.5
x
10.5
Pages
424
ISBN
9780801853258
Illustration Description
344 b&w illus.
Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. House Forms and House Lots
Chapter 3. Construction: Underpinnings, Walling, and Roofing
Chapter 4. Popular Architectural Styles
Chapter 5. Farm

Acknowledgements
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. House Forms and House Lots
Chapter 3. Construction: Underpinnings, Walling, and Roofing
Chapter 4. Popular Architectural Styles
Chapter 5. Farm Outbuildings and Plans
Chapter 6. Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional Architecture
Chapter 7. Landscape Ensembles: The Example of Port Penn, Delaware
Chapter 8. Recording Historic Buildings
Appendix: Directory of Resources
Notes
Glossary
Bibliography
Index

Author Bios
Featured Contributor

Gabrielle M. Lanier

Gabrielle M. Lanier is an associate professor of history at James Madison University and coauthor, with Bernard L. Herman, of Everyday Architecture of the Mid-Atlantic, also available from Johns Hopkins.