A Concise History Of American Architecture

by Leland M. Roth

This is a wide-ranging, substantive account of its elements, history and meaning from pre-historic times to the present. Leland Roth leads us all the way from Ancient Indian mounds to Johnson & Burgee's new "Chippendale" skyscraper in New York. He provides an assessment of each period based on contemporary concerns and conditions, rather than on retrospective criticism. This book is enhanced by over 300 illustrations.

Genres: Architecture, Nonfiction, History

432 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1979

Reviews

[Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent and thorough work on the history, philosophy, psychology and physics of American building practices. Contains brilliant insights on the national psyche, the adaptation of traditional styles to locally-available materials, aesthetics and formalism and, in the latter third, a generous helping of urban planning and social theory. Not all books make you better read, this one does.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent review of America's architectural history to date (at the time of writing, into the late 70s). As concise as such a broad study can be, and rarely dry. Roth offers edifying insight into society, and the various forces that shaped and were shaped by architecture, at the corresponding times.

[Charles Callihan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable and easy(ish) read but there seemed to be a little more focus on the background of architects over buildings.

[Carly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an ok review of the history of American architecture, but it skips over a lot too. I would recommend this supplemented with other American Architecture books.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Certainly good for what it is, but can tend toward the dry.