Invitation to Vernacular Architecture: A Guide to the Study of Ordinary Buildings and Landscapes (Perspect Vernacular Architectu) [Paperback]

Thomas Carter (Author), Elizabeth Collins Cromley (Author)

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Thomas Carter is associate professor of architecture at the University of Utah. He is the editor of Images of an American Land: Studies in the Vernacular Architecture of the Western United States, a past president of the Vernacular Architecture Forum, and co-editor of two volumes in the Perspectives in Vernacular Architecture series. Elizabeth Collins Cromley is professor of architectural history at Northeastern University. She is a past president of the Vernacular Architecture Forum, author of Alone Together: A History of New York’s Early Apartments, and the co-editor of Gender, Class, and Shelter and Shaping Communities, both in the Perspectives in Vernacular Architecture series.

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Univ Tennessee Press; 1 edition (October 24, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572333316
• ISBN-13: 978-1572333314
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #256,713 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Introduction!, October 4, 2011

By 

Ryan "Ryan" (Boston, Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Invitation to Vernacular Architecture: A Guide to the Study of Ordinary Buildings and Landscapes (Perspect Vernacular Architectu) (Paperback)

I ordered this book on the recommendation of a friend. I waited for it, and when it arrived, I was a little concerned at the size of the book (less than 100 pages). Do not be fooled; size is deceiving! The content of this book blooms into a beautiful explanation of how Vernacular Architecture is found everywhere in the United States. Both Carter and Cromley explain how to decipher this often hard to look at and clearly understand "style" per-say. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to easily understand the architecture of the common culture and will be researching buildings now, in the future, or is just interested in expanding their architectural knowledge. Illustrated for your reading pleasure and will lead to plenty of further reading!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pas seulement une invitation_ Not just an invitation., June 11, 2011

By 

Matthieu Deborbe "Matthieu" (Montréal, Qc) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Invitation to Vernacular Architecture: A Guide to the Study of Ordinary Buildings and Landscapes (Perspect Vernacular Architectu) (Paperback)

"Invitation to vernacular architecture" a beau être un livre académique, indiqué dans plusieurs cours, la contrainte qu'il représente parfois vaut les apprentissages qu'il apporte. C'est un changement d'attitude face au patrimoine bâti en particulier et aux bâtiments de tous les jours en général. Son écriture accessible m'a permis de me familiariser à la notion de patrimoine bâti et à son lien avec la culture matérielle et le patrimoine en général. Il apporte un nouveau regard, au sens propre comme au figuré, aux néophytes, et nous fait prendre conscience de l'importance du patrimoine bâti dans nos vies.
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Although "Invitation to vernacular architecture" is a compulsory book for some courses in built heritage, the knowledge and attitude shift it can bring is worth the obligation. It has brought to me a completely new outlook onto built heritage in particular, and everyday buildings in general. Its accessible writing allowed me to familiarize with the notion of built heritage and, moreover, with the relation it has with the notion of heritage and material culture. It brings neophytes to the importance of material culture and built heritage in our lives.