Customer Reviews

Historic Preservation

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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Provides an easy-to-read introduction to the field of historic preservation and the key issues. Bibliography is so-so, but would recommend for students and those interested in a clear and concise overview.

For the past seven years I have worked full time as a historic preservation professional, compiling historic resource surveys, writing nominations for the National Register of Historic Places, and a wide variety of other preservation related projects. I serve on our local historic district commission and have just completed a city-wide survey of Kalamazoo's historic resources. Currently I am also teaching Historic Preservation at Western Michigan University and I was delighted to find Norm Tyler's book. This book is an excellent resource for the beginning preservationist, whether they be a student in a formal academic setting or someone who just likes old buildings. My students find it to be very readable and comprehensive. I am especially pleased to find the variety of real-life examples Tyler presents reflecting the way preservation is practiced and not just idealistic theory. This book was the preferred Christmas gift among preservationists in my area in 2000. I can recommend this book wholeheartedly to anyone interested in preserving our history.

Norm Tyler's new book is a much needed addition to the literature on Historic Preservation. Loaded with fresh examples of the myriad preservation activities taking place across the nation, it also details the context of the movement through analysis of the icons, both human and idealogical, of historic preservation. Clear, concise, and very readable, it will appeal to both the professional and avocationist alike. The inclusion of basic economic, social, and architectural impacts in historic preservation are welcome contributions, and the various charts and lists are extremely useful. I use it at the graduate level as the companion to Fitch's classic: "Historic Preservation."