James Fitch shows how American architecture displays qualities which can safely be described as typically American. There are many areas in which our architecture is distinguishable from that of the rest of the world. The single family house, for example, shares with its foreign contemporaries the basic elements of plan, and yet the way in which these elements are organized into a whole gives our houses certain qualities which we can call uniquely American.

First published in 1947, American Building argues that the task of architecture is to mediate between the often-unpredicatble forces of nature and the needs of human beings. Buildings that are `beautiful and good', the author states, `wrest the objective conditions for our optimal development and well-being from a Nature which only seldom provides them'.

This is a new release of the original 1960 edition.

This is a new release of the original 1960 edition.

Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone!

Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone!

Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone!

Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone!

This book outlines a complete programme for the restoration and preservation of historic structures and historic sites throughout the world. It is a basic text for both the novice entering the field and the specialist. Dr Fitch covers the many disciplines, concepts and technologies needed by the preservationist. He also includes discussions of the economic, legal and legislative forces acting upon historic district planning. He provides useful information on how old buildings can be moved (either intact or disassembled) to new sites via truck, rail or barge; how to heat, cool and light old buildings and still maintain the aesthetic integrity of their interiors; and how a country can develop a comprehensive policy for the care of its artistic and historic heritage.