Architecture in the United States (review)

Abstract

As its title suggests, Architecture in the United States is an ambitious work, and there are few scholars as qualified to undertake such a project as Dell Upton, a distinguished scholar of American architectural history who, having a background in American studies, is as knowledgeable in vernacular architecture as high style. The book is structured into five themes: Community, Nature, Technology, Money, and Art. The usefulness of this technique becomes apparent as one progresses through the book and realizes that Upton discusses not only houses and farm and commercial buildings but also landscape architecture, gardens, bridges, public sculpture, and whole cities. His thematic structure is also well coordinated with his intention to examine architecture not primarily as a form of art but as an integral part of social and economic history.