Landlocked, arid, and infertile, Nevada is one of the least hospitable regions in the United States. Although it is dominated by its wild landscape, Nevada boasts a colorful human history and a rich architectural heritage. This volume, the newest in the acclaimed Buildings of the United States series, offers a comprehensive tour of Nevada's highly distinctive architecture-from old ghost mining towns to the Las Vegas strip, pioneer forts to mega casinos, the silent majesty of the Hoover Dam to the quirkiness of drive-in wedding chapels. Organized by region, the book is a fascinating survey of more than 200 historic sites, including churches, courthouses, schools, homes, historic railroads, copper mines, forts, hotels, and more. Detailed descriptions set all of these diverse forms of building into social, political, historical, and stylistic context. Featuring 250 original photographs, maps, and drawings, this extraordinary volume is the most complete guide of its kind.
If you think it's all just casinos and tacky wedding chapels, read this book. Who would have thought Nevada, of all places, had such a rich architectural heritage? Nicoletta covers the history of Nevada, from wickiups to atomic test sites to the latest reinvention of the Las Vegas Strip, and everything in between, with clarity, conciseness, and keen observation. Her descriptions, precise without being dry or overly technical, bring to life not only the buildings but the individuals and communities that built them. I can open this book to any random page and be hooked by a fascinating, unexpected tidbit. The book also contains a helpful glossary of architectural terms, a thorough bibliography, and index. My only complaint is I would have liked even more of Bret Morgan's excellent photographs.
Indispensable!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
The one and only book on this subject, BUILDINGS OF NEVADA is thoroughly researched and wittily opinionated. It ventures far beyond the familiar territory of Hoover Dam and Las Vegas, to explore boom towns and ghost towns, courthouses and whorehouses.It will be indispensable for anyone interested in understanding the history and psychology of the Old West. Loaded with helpful maps and photos, it's also a great travel companion for anyone who interested in seeing more of Nevada than the view from I-80.
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