History Of The United States Capitol: A Chronicle Of Design, Construction, And Politics

by William C. Allen

This beautifully illustrated publication describes the architecture and history of the United States Capitol. It measures 12 x 10 in.

Genres: History, Architecture

516 pages, Hardcover

First published December 30, 2001

Reviews

[Meter]

(I'm beginning to find goodreads a bit limiting. And this is an example. I don't have plans on reading this book but did want to note it. I placed it on a shelf called "noted-but-not-read" so that I could reference back to discoveries about the book despite only a cursory look.)

This book caught my eye for two reasons. One as a resource for my ongoing investigation of the nations capitol and two I on occasion interact with the office of the Architect of the Capitol professionally. On the second I'm far better off with government websites.

Unfortunately I found this book boring to my tastes. It contains a great deal of detail about the bureaucracy involved with erecting the different stages of the capitol as well as biography on the makers, especially their troubles in their efforts. It was weak on theory, perspective, and aesthetic evaluation which I believe is what I'd hoped for.

This book has some nice drawings and photographs in it. But reading it was a chore and I felt that I'd mostly come away with a sack full of minute details that didn't cohere well.

As a general overview in the city's development I'm enjoying "Washington in Focus" much more, though admittedly that book is nearly juvenile in comparison. I've yet to find a powerful book that provides the capitol's architecture, statuary, museums, institutions of power, urban planning, with a provoking treatment.

This book is for the "all things DC" total nut, who's probably already explored the avenues I'm seeking and was left wanting for more. Compare it to those who love Roman history so much they'll sit around and read the minutes of a senate session on farming issues.