Greek Revival America

Originally published in 1989, this provocative work is much more than a look at an architectural style--specifically the Greek temple-form buildings that began to be built in this country beginning in the 1820s. The revival died down after the Civil War and then reappeared in a more grandiose manner in the 1890s, and later. Kennedy (former director the National Park Service, and director emeritus of the National Museum of American History) writes with inimitable style and an unconventional point of view, discussing what he views as the "myth of classical emulation" and setting the style in the context of US history, culture, and political economy. His text is accompanied by abundant photos and illustrations (190 color and 60 b&w). Appendices include a speculation on power and sex in Greek Revival America, questions about columns, and a gazetteer of important Greek revival buildings in the United States today. This reissue offers a new preface (other updates are not specified). The format is oversize: 9.25x11.5". Annotation c2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Roger G. Kennedy is the former director of the National Park Service and director emeritus of the National Museum of American History. He has written numerous books and articles on the history and architecture of the United States. When Art Worked: The New Deal, Art, and Democracy was published by Rizzoli in Fall 2009.