American Architecture: A History - Hardcover

Roth, Leland

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9780813336619: American Architecture: A History

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0813336619 ISBN 13: 9780813336619

Publisher: Westview Press, 2001

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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.

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From the Back Cover:

More than fifteen years after the success of the first edition, this sweeping introduction to the history of architecture in the United States is now a fully revised guide to the major developments that shaped the environment from the first Americans to the present, from the everyday vernacular to the high style of aspiration. Eleven chronologically organized chapters chart the social, cultural, and political forces that shaped the growth and development of American towns, cities, and suburbs, while providing full description, analysis, and interpretation of buildings and their architects.

The second edition features an entirely new chapter detailing the green architecture movement and architectural trends in the 21st century. Further updates include an expanded section on Native American architecture and contemporary design by Native American architects, new discussions on architectural education and training, more examples of women architects and designers, and a thoroughly expanded glossary to help today’s readers. The art program is expanded, including 640 black and white images and 62 new color images. Accessible and engaging, American Architecture continues to set the standard as a guide, study, and reference for those seeking to better understand the rich history of architecture in the United States.

Leland M. Roth is Marion Dean Ross Professor of Architectural History Emeritus at the University of Oregon at Eugene. Dr. Roth is the author ofUnderstanding Architecture (Westview Press, 2013), McKim, Mead & White, Architects(Harper & Row, 1983), America Builds (Harper & Row, 1983), A Concise History of American Architecture (Harper & Row, 1979), and other works.

Amanda C. Roth Clark is Assistant Professor of Art History and Library Director at Whitworth University. She is the daughter of Leland M. Roth, and the co-author ofUnderstanding Architecture, 3rd Edition.

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.

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