Vernacular Architecture

by Henry Glassie

Based on 35 years of fieldwork, Vernacular Architecture synthesizes a career of concern with traditional building. Henry Glassie articulates the key principles of architectural analysis; then, centering his argument in the United States but drawing comparative examples from many locations in Europe and Asia, he shows how architecture can be a prime resource for someone writing a democratic and comprehensive history.

Genres: Architecture, Folklore, History, Nonfiction

197 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Hunter Dux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glassie explains how people transform the materials around them to create homes.

[Wyatt strawbridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glassie is a really good writer, and he expands this idea about architecture to so much more than aesthetic choices, making meaning by tying the subject to everything that surrounds it. I read this thinking about degrowth, and I think it is be quite relevant. More than that, Glassie ties architecture into history and politics and the most basic assumptions and basis of America, making it important and illuminating for any citizen

[Theeng · Rating 3 out of 5]

Henry Glassie is considered the father of the study of vernacular architecture. Having heard that his early books are tedious, detailed examinations of buildings, I am surprised at how casually written (no footnotes!) and broad this is. He argues that the definition of vernacular architecture should be expanded beyond "folk" housing, but the examples he includes hardly support his assertion. At one point he notes that industrial production exaggerates the characteristics of vernacular architecture. I hoped he would expand upon this observation, but ultimately he did not. Strangely, Glassie also attempts to formulate three historical periods of architecture in America in the second part of the book. It sounds like I didn't like reading this much, but what makes it a worthwhile read is the first half, in which he shares personal stories that demonstrate the ways in which houses have lived histories.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with the historical account of how we progressed from community to individual life, which seemingly does pair with the move from sacred to secular. And I agree that the lack of community, which is still prevalent in say Italy, is a detriment to our lives today. However, I would argue that what we have lost in community we have made up for many times over with other gains. And so I would argue that Glassie is to opposed to the path we have taken out of principal, without truly weighting all of the added benefits our individualistic innovative society has produced.

[Isaac Timm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glasse sometime wonders a bit, but his book has a lot of good solid information.