Historic Architecture in Alabama: A Guide to Styles and Types, 1810-1930

by Robert Gamble

Richly illustrated and concisely organized, this architectural guide provides an invaluable resource for those interested in the study, appreciation, and preservation of the state's architecture. Robert Gamble outlines in detail the primary architectural currents and styles that have surfaced in Alabama over the years and defined thestate's built landscape. The structures and styles, all well-illustrated,range from folk houses and early settlement buildings to railway terminals,churches, libraries, municipal and university buildings, palatial private mansions, and modest homes. Structures from every period and every major stylistic era--Federal, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Romanesque and Mission Revival, and the Richardsonian—are documented meticulously, along with examples of early--Modern buildings, including Alabama's only Frank Lloyd Wright structure and skyscrapers from the Chicago school. More than 200 photographs, supplemented by sketches, plans, and etchings, provide the general reader and the design professional with images of Alabama architecture in all its variety and range. Many illustrations offer rare views of buildings long since demolished. A substantial glossary of architectural terms and a thorough bibliography enhance this standard sure to be welcomed anew by any lover of old buildings, whether weekend rambler or serious student.


   

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 30, 1990

Reviews

[Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an architectural historian with an interest in US domestic architecture, but not particularly familiar with Alabama, I found the introductory essay to be excellent. It contains a broad brush overview of many of the factors and trends that informed architectural development in Alabama, and points out the various things that are specific to the state that scholars in other geographic areas might not know. References and connections to larger national trends are made with ease and contextualized the content well.

I haven't completed reading all of the style sections, but read a few and found them to be accessible, well-illustrated, and detailed in regard to relevant architectural details without getting lost in people/events, etc.; which is often a trap that these overview books on a region can fall into (and alienate the 'outsider').