Customer Reviews

Hudson Valley Ruins: Forgotten Landmarks of an American Landscape

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ruins (mainly abandoned buildings): eyesores or "romantic embodiments of a historical past"? The authors, in this superbly written and magnificently illustrated book, argue passionately for the latter, and have chosen 85 sites found in the Hudson Valley between Albany and Yonkers to prove their point. Old mansions, mills, manufacturing plants, railroad stations, even Sing Sing prison are described in historical detail and lovingly photographed; scores of black and white photos and a center section of nearly 20 color prints accompany the text. And it's the text that really makes this a stand-out book in the field of local history: the historical sketches for most of the sites are thorough and elaborate in scope. In tracing these ruins of the Hudson Valley, which are many and varied, the authors also trace the history of "ruin appreciation" itself, from early artistic projections to modern debates over urban renewal vs. preservation. This is local history at its best.

This book is chock full of information about abandonded places(obviously within the Hudson Valley Region). I honestly wish there were some more detailed photographs of some of these places, but i imagine i might be able to find them on the internet somewhere.Dont get me wrtong There are alot of photographs of the locations and places, and a color plate section in the center but they are like brief narriations of places that could be shown in so much more detail. I can honestly recommend this book to anyone interested in urban decay, preservation of old places, or interested in those abandonded places from times past. Urban Explorers might also find this book of some use as well.

This book is well-researched and well-written. A must-have piece of work for anyone interested in or involved in preservation.

For Westchester County history buffs, this is a well documented book that is easy to read and informative. If you've attended Kings College in the early years as I have, you will appreciate the section on the now non-existant Briarcliff Lodge.

If you have a love of the Hudson River Valley and you wonder what happened to structures you've heard about, but can't find, then you'll enjoy this book. I was also fascinated to learn of buildings I never knew existed and what is being done to save some derelict buildings still standing that are near collapse. This is a very well researched book too. I'd call this a savory read if old structures or the Hudson River shoreline is of interest to you.

Ruins may describe some of the buildings covered in this book, but truly the places featured here all tell tales of our legacy life along the Hudson. The book offers the most comprehensive historic documentation of the region's man made heritage around. And what a heritage! The authors cull from the buildings engaging stories of what went before us and why it is worth preserving.

This is especially valuable as some people continue to change our landscapes thoughtlessly. Plus, the authors continue to preserve the "ruins' with an on going website, photo documenting and logging in current beautiful buildings today. [...]

The book is touching and fun.

Those who value the Hudson Valley's unique history and beauty must use this book to fight for restoration, preservation and conservation of the human landscape of our precious River!

The Hudson River Valley is a diverse and historic region that never fails to delight in regard to its vistas and historic buildings alone. Toddle up to just Hyde Park or Poughkeepsie and you can spend days wandering through guided estate tours, historic cemeteries, state parks, etc.

The inherent value in this book is that it celebrates the rapidly eroding underbelly of the rich history of the HRV by looking at its ignored mansions, buildings, factories, and even a prison.

While there are satisfying views of these monuments to history/ urban decay, I wish there were more. I love this stuff and I am interested in architectural preservation and (unfortunately) its downside. If I can get access to these places, I inevitably will visit exercising caution. When I can't , books along this vein prove to be the next best thing.

I found this book to be immensely interesting with its high attention to detail and history as well as its photographs. I'm returning to the HRV soon, and plan to go off the road more traveled and enjoy the less known treasures before they disappear from the American landscape.

Thomas Rinaldi and Robert Yasinsac do an excellent job at illustrating the history and current state of many abandoned and forgotten buildings throughout the Hudson Valley. The collection of buildings and narratives presented do not focus on one architectural or building type, rather, they cover a breath of styles and industries that have, for several centuries, burgeoned throughout the Hudson Valley. Excellent read!