. . . once engaged, researchers will appreciate the thoroughness of the information and will find the stories compelling and satisfying. As with other selections in the Icons series, this offers a unique way to introduce the popular history of the U.S. to students and is recommended for most secondary collections. Collections supporting architectural programs will also want to consider it.

Booklist

This two-volume encyclopedia of 'iconic' examples of American architecture, part of the Greenwood Icons series, discusses 24 of the most memorable structures such as Alcatraz Prison, the Empire State Building and the Washington Monument. Langmead (architecture and design, U. of South Australia) explains the historical significance of each icon by
exploring the reasons why it was built and how it became an icon. He provides an architect's view of the unique features of each structure and even provides details on the costs and challenges of construction. He provides plenty of illustrations and photographs of these icons—the images of the Golden Gate Bridge while under construction are particularly striking—and he includes a glossary that makes this reference equally accessible to architectural students and general readers.'

Reference & Research Book News

His guide is suitable for public and academic libraries.

Lawrence Looks at Books