Customer Reviews

Historic Preservation: An Introduction to Its History, Principles, and Practice (Second Edition)

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Anyone who seeks knowledge from a text book expects a structured course of solid detail. But sometimes the organization of a course can begin as a meandering stream only to become an untamable river. Given how broad historic preservation can be, thankfully the 2009 edition of Historic Preservation by Norman Tyler flows so simply in presentation and is a pleasure to swim through.

Mr. Tyler's introduction to historic preservation is a quick review of the earliest motivations to preserve. Presenting the classically conflicted ideas of John Ruskin and Viollet le Duc prepares the reader to digest some of the more nonchalant approaches to preservation. Once surveyed, Tyler quickly turns to equipping us with all the content and contextual knowledge to recognize the depths of the built environment. A chronological explanation of the major architectural styles along with simple line illustrations helps to focus the reader's interest in a concise way. This historic architectural reference is integrated directly into the ethical basis of why and the legal backbone of how preservation legislation has evolved. Thus, the important emphasis on an asset's significance and integrity is well examined and driven home

Once past the shallows of basic knowledge Mr. Tyler circles back to examine the intricate sees of historic individual and district designations. This expands into the reasoning behind municipal land use law and it's application. It is now time to load up on the tools and techniques of modern preservation. Simplifying the different approaches in rehabilitation, restoration conservation and reconstruction leads seamlessly to all of the fun parts of research and documentation of assets. The author's detail on basic building systems is masterful. Throughout these sections is a careful balance struck between such diverse areas as describing a Historic Structure Reports and addressing life / safety issues.

But without an economically secure future how can a structure survive the rapids of change? Mr. Tyler's answer begins with a fresh look at Donovan Rypkema's landmark report on the benefits of preservation. Realistic considerations of a structure's financial viability lead into the surprisingly clear waters of easements, tax considerations, and financial analysis. Even the pro forma spread sheet example invites a try.

Since a reader has come this far, the next step is advocacy, fundraising and assistance with local government and municipal planning integration. Preservation planning through Downtown Management, Master Plan review and zoning are explained in a general way so to invite a local conception. This 2009 edition also reflects an up to date, smart discussion on sustainability, greenability and active heritage tourism.

Historic Preservation is one of the finest guides to the dynamic study of modern preservation. It should be considered for any course work or library collection on the subject.

Billy Neumann author of Rutherford: A Brief History

Libraries strong in architecture and historic preservation will find the second updated edition of HISTORIC PRESERVATION a winner. It traces what began as a grassroots movement and evolved into a 'green' architecture and sustainability movement today, using layman's language to trace the philosophy of preservation and introducing the ideas for students, preservationists and community leaders alike. College-level libraries will find it a winner.

This was essentially my 101 textbook back as an undergrad Cultural/Historic Preservation freshman. I highly recommend it for its ability to remain clear and manageable when addressing a field as famously broad as preservation. The book focused primarily on tangible heritage (architecture), which it presented with explanatory diagrams and stylistic case studies. I do think that professors using this book need to make the point that focusing on tangible heritage is strictly a Western perspective. This perspective obviously needs to be taught, considering almost all national and international heritage law is based on principles derived from Western philosophy. But students should be aware that preservation involves a lot of compromise. This book shows preservation as the majority of Euro-American practitioners would say it should be done. As anyone active in the field knows, however, real-life conditions don't always allow for that (for better or for worse), whether it's shortage of money, labor, technology, specific craft skills, or protest from owners and/or community members. Still I do not hesitate to recommend this book for all the reasons stated by other reviewers, but add that it should be supplemented by literature on preservation's less cut-and-dried aspects.

Preservation is always a difficult field to get into; there is a lot to learn and so many sources to turn to. Look no further. This book is a great starter introduction to the preservation field. It covers the basics like: How did preservation get started? What is the legal basis? What tools are available to me today? Once it lays the groundwork, it dives into things like Section 106 reviews and Historic Districts, Commercial Main Street Programs and much much more! A great book for both students and advocates alike! I will reccomend to everyone.

This is a great book to begin the study of historical preservation in America. My only criticism is there could be more color photography to help the authors illustrate their examples, the different architectural styles and preservation sites. Well written and pragmatic, good starter book for the would-be preservationist with many, many suggestions on further reading. I highly recommend this book.

THis book was missing several pages in one chapter. Fortunately the school where I teach supplied another copy. I don't believe this was intentional on the part of the seller