Buildings of Nevada (Buildings of the United States) [Hardcover]

Julie Nicoletta (Author), Bret Morgan (Photographer)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0195141393 | ISBN-13: 978-0195141399 | Publication Date: October 19, 2000

Landlocked, arid, and infertile, Nevada is one of the least hospitable regions in the United States. Although it is dominated by its wild landscape, Nevada boasts a colorful human history and a rich architectural heritage. This volume, the newest in the acclaimed Buildings of the United States series, offers a comprehensive tour of Nevada's highly distinctive architecture-from old ghost mining towns to the Las Vegas strip, pioneer forts to mega casinos, the silent majesty of the Hoover Dam to the quirkiness of drive-in wedding chapels. Organized by region, the book is a fascinating survey of more than 200 historic sites, including churches, courthouses, schools, homes, historic railroads, copper mines, forts, hotels, and more. Detailed descriptions set all of these diverse forms of building into social, political, historical, and stylistic context. Featuring 250 original photographs, maps, and drawings, this extraordinary volume is the most complete guide of its kind.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Buildings of Nevada, the latest volume in the Society of Architectural Historian's Buildings of the United States series, demonstrates how rich and interesting the subject state's built environment actually is when approached from a serious, scholarly perspective. This volume is indispensable for anyone with an interest in the built environment who lives in or visits the state. But it is also an important reference work. Together with other volumes in the series, Buildings of Nevada gives an unparalleled, in-depth view of the complex multifacted nature of what we have put on the land."--American Studies International

"...the most complete guide of its kind for Nevada. Highly recommended as a monograph and series, this will become a classic."--Library Journal

"A significant contribution....endeavoring to provide a more balanced and comprehensive view of Sin City and the Silver State."--Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians"

About the Author

Julie Nicoletta teaches architectural history at the University of Washington, and is the co-author, with photographer Bret Morgan, of the acclaimed Architecture of the Shakers. Morgan is based in Marin County, California.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (October 19, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195141393
• ISBN-13: 978-0195141399
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,886,083 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensable!, October 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Buildings of Nevada (Buildings of the United States) (Hardcover)

The one and only book on this subject, BUILDINGS OF NEVADA is thoroughly researched and wittily opinionated. It ventures far beyond the familiar territory of Hoover Dam and Las Vegas, to explore boom towns and ghost towns, courthouses and whorehouses.

It will be indispensable for anyone interested in understanding the history and psychology of the Old West. Loaded with helpful maps and photos, it's also a great travel companion for anyone who interested in seeing more of Nevada than the view from I-80.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive, Fascinating, Revealing, May 21, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Buildings of Nevada (Buildings of the United States) (Hardcover)

If you think it's all just casinos and tacky wedding chapels, read this book. Who would have thought Nevada, of all places, had such a rich architectural heritage? Nicoletta covers the history of Nevada, from wickiups to atomic test sites to the latest reinvention of the Las Vegas Strip, and everything in between, with clarity, conciseness, and keen observation. Her descriptions, precise without being dry or overly technical, bring to life not only the buildings but the individuals and communities that built them. I can open this book to any random page and be hooked by a fascinating, unexpected tidbit. The book also contains a helpful glossary of architectural terms, a thorough bibliography, and index. My only complaint is I would have liked even more of Bret Morgan's excellent photographs.

3.0 out of 5 stars Buildings of Nevada- Caveats, May 14, 2007

By 

Portia Belmont "Lady Jade" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Buildings of Nevada (Buildings of the United States) (Hardcover)

This book, while rich in its coverage of buildings throughout the Sagebrush State, does have its drawbacks. Some of the quotations regarding the architects list incorrect names that were taken from other sources that were incorrect. (Example: There is no John M. Curtis, architect in Nevada. John M. Curtis was a California architect! The name is taken from another book that incorrectly quotes his name as the Nevada Architect. Morrill Joseph CURTIS is the actual architect that designed buildings in Nevada.) Also, there is a dearth of pictures and coverage of private homes and mansions. (Space may be the issue here). In some cases, the designation for certain architectural buildings such as certain blocks within the towns is unclear: a map would have helped. Overall, the book is worthwhile, but do not trust its content 100%!