Historic Preservation: An Introduction to Its History, Principles, and Practice

by Norman Tyler

"[T]he best published overview of historic preservation... I use it as a course text." --Lauren Sickels-Taves, architectural conservator, Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village Historic Preservation provides a thorough overview of the theory, technique, and procedure for preserving our architectural heritage. The perfect introduction for architecture students, local officials, community leaders, and the interested layperson, it covers preservation philosophy, the history of the movement, the role of national, state, and local government, the designation and documentation of historic structures, establishing a historic district, architectural styles, sensitive architectural design and planning, preservation technology, and the economics of building rehabilitation.

Genres: History, Heritage Preservation, Architecture, Nonfiction, Preservation, Urban Planning, Grad School

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 17, 1999

Reviews

[Lily Keefauver · Rating 3 out of 5]

had to read for class. helpful but dry af

[Dylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An old colleague gave me this book upon hearing of my enchanted south and thought it would be the perfect companion to translate the breadths of my experiences into the language of an urban planner. While I will not concede that the miracle of living in such a place can be adequately explained by this text, it serves as a rough estimation that declares the magnificence of historic locales.

[Jessica Forsee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise and informative text for students in the field and long time practitioners.

[Allegra · Rating 4 out of 5]

(textbook)

[Jennifer Bentley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seminar.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a very solid overview of the historic preservation movement in American. It has chapters on architectural styles, the foundation and history of preservation, the legal process of listing sites, the Register of Historic Sites, the differences between historic districts, landmarks, and areas, and preservation economics and planning. The book covers the long term issues typically associated with preserving historic buildings and it also highlights the uphill battle that has been fought by preservationists through the years. It is full of sketches and images of important historic sites and to show differences in architectural styles. The complex topics of restoration, renovation, and conservation are explained in detail. A great introduction to an important topic.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the guiding text for a class called Preserving the Past Planning for the Future: Historic Preservation and Local History. I have no complaints with this book. It is a concise approach to a handbook for preservationists, and while many of the important aspects of preservation (particularly specific techniques or laws) can be quite dry, the book balances these sections with very interesting and specific case studies in order to illustrate a particular concept. I'm definitely keeping this book handy in the future. I also can't help but drive through town and identify which houses are Richardsonian Romanesque and the like.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

More a smattering than a survey of this weird subject. I liked the pictures.

I was supposed to read this for a course at the University of Arizona. I ended up getting it at the Cleveland State bookstore seven months later and reading it fifteen months after that.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book says that it is an "introduction" but is much too daunting to be something for a non-professional or non-historic preservation student. Let me reassess...it is probably a great book for students that are guided by an instructor.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good introduction to the field and some of the major relevant topics. Good both for people with (or getting) a background in preservation, and those simply interested in the field (whether for practical reasons or from curiosity).

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the ease of this book. It was informative, but not too dense. Great for people just starting out with Historic Preservation. Sometimes the language in the work was a bit flamboyant, but overall it was enjoyable.

[Shoshanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very readable and understandable overview of Historic Preservation principles. Fun!

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is usually required for an Historic Preservation class as it was for mine. Also fabulous for anyone living in an historic house or old architecture.

[April Raine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite a few ignorant statements, this book provides a comprehensive overview of historic preservation. It is a great reference and starting point for those interested in preservation.

[Collette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great resource that covers a lot of components of the history and practice of historic preservation.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to historic preservation.

[Tao · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a comprehensive handbook that introduces all aspects of Historic Preservation practices in the United States.

[Rachel Bayles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clear overview. Detailed coverage of policy and planning. An enjoyable and quick read.

[Morandia · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read. It was a textbook for a class in historic preservation. The book gives a nice overview of the topic from many angles

[Jessica Nelsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative, though a little dry. Occasionally repetitive. Great reference though, for preservation practices etc.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a historic preservation course, full of good information.