Montana's State Capitol: The People's House [Paperback]

Patricia Burnham (Author), Kirby Lambert (Author), Susan Near (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2002

An imposing symbol, Montana's capitol reflects the values and aspirations of the Treasure State's founders. Its neoclassical design echoes the architecture of early Greece and Rome, while the murals and statues that embellish the building's grand interior spaces commemorate important events and people in the state's history.
In honor of the Capitol's centennial, the building's history is described--starting with its predecessors in Virginia City and Bannack and tracing the move of the capital to Helena and the building's construction one hundred years ago. A lively essay explains why the Capitol looks the way it does today and the significance of the building to Montana's self-representation.
The artwork of the Capitol is placed into the context of American art and provides an interpretation of the murals will enrich any visitor's experience.
Capitol's statuary is discussed, giving readers the background they need to understand who these people were Montanans memorialized there in bronze and marble.
Lavishly illustrated, this book provides a long overdue tribute to this crown jewel of Montana architecture and gives readers a fresh appreciation for this "Temple of Democracy."

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Montana's State Capitol: The People's House brings to life the colorful
history and incredible beauty of our Capitol. After reading these
pages, you will know why Montanans treasure this building."
--Mike Cooney, former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Capitol Restoration Commission

"How fortunate we are that our forefathers created for us one of the most
beautiful capitols in the United States. And how fortunate we are also to be
able to read about this grand building in Montana's State Capitol. This is a
magnificent and beautiful book. Congratulations and thank you to all who
contributed to its creation."
--Betty Babcock, former First Lady of Montana and Chairwoman of the Montana Capitol Restoration Foundation

From the Back Cover

An imposing symbol, Montana's Capitol reflects the values and aspirations of the Treasure State's founders. Its neoclassical design echoes the architecture of early Greece and Rome, while the murals and statues that embellish the building's grand interior spaces commemorate important events and people in the state's history.Lavishly illustrated with both historic and modern photographs, Montana's State Capitol: The People's House provides a long overdue tribute to the crown jewel of Montana architecture. Essays explore the building of the Capitol and the creation of the sculpture and murals that adorn its halls - murals that include one of artist Charles M. Russel's most admired works. Published to honor the building on its centennial anniversary, Montana's State Capitol will provide readers with a fresh appreciation for this "Temple of Democracy." (8 1/2 x 11, 112 pages, color photos, b&w photos)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Montana Historical Society Press; 1st edition (July 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0917298837
• ISBN-13: 978-0917298837
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,472,124 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Classical artworks, and freeze-frame moments of history, September 8, 2002

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Montana's State Capitol: The People's House (Paperback)

Collaboratively compiled and written by Kirby Lambert, Patricia M. Burnham, and Susan R. Near, Montana's State Capitol: The People's House is a truly stunning presentation of the majesty of Montana's State Capitol building. Both black-and-white and color photographs of the interior and exterior architecture, classical artworks, and freeze-frame moments of history enhance an informative text in this visually masterful book. The reader is provided with an informed and informative text discussing the construction of the capitol, as well as the paintings and sculpture within. Browsing through the pages of Montana's State Capitol is an experience that is the next best thing to actually being within the Montana Capitol building itself.