The heart of every working farm, the barn is an icon of rural America. This book chronicles - and celebrates - all the main types of barn, and looks at how and why these treasures of early American architecture developed as they did. It explains how the wealth of immigrant construction methods and range of environments and climates resulted in a fascinating variety of barn styles in the United States, from the earliest rare Dutch examples to simpler English types to others in more surprising shapes (round or even polygonal) crafted by the Shakers in the 1800s. Arranged by state, it highlights the most notable, famous and historic barns that the reader can visit, and highlights the efforts of conservation groups to preserve America's barns and find innovative ways to repurpose these glorious old structures as homes and studios - and as living monuments of rural heritage.
"Provides an enchanting overview of historic barns in the USA that will grab any reader's heart with its mixture of history, farming traditions, and frank discussions of preservation issues surrounding the country's most iconic building type...Presents a number of beautiful photographs and is the perfect gift for any budding barn enthusiast, young or old. Hot off the presses and full of heart, pick up a copy of this book to entice a family member, friend, or neighbor to join the barn preservation movement and save these rural treasures!" --Danae Peckler, President, National Barn Alliance
"Impressive detail, geographic scope...knowledge and passion for the subject of barns." --Ken Brock, President Legendary Timberworks
"Beautifully photographed and well researched book on an American icon. Those who are interested in historic preservation and the unique and interesting history of the barn will delight in both the detail and depth of Arnett's writing. The beauty of the American barn greatly contributes to the scenic views that all of us enjoy whether on a road trip or in our own backyard. Thanks to American Barns, current and future generations will understand the need to preserve and protect a great American resource." --Scenic Michigan
"Anyone planning a trip across American should read this slim and well illustrated volume -- barn related sites worth visiting, from Alaska to Wyoming, are listed. But this is not just a book for visitors, anyone interested in rural buildings on either side of the Atlantic will find both the similarities and differences in barn culture and architecture fascinating." --Roger Hunt, Society for the Preservation of Ancient Buildings Magazine
"An excellent snapshot of the history of the barn throughout the United States. The photos are outstanding, allowing the reader to understand their value and picture the various barn styles...The book clearly shows that barns are not only agricultural and architectural gems, but uniquely members of the communities and the farms where they reside. For anyone with an interest in agricultural history, this is a must read." --Nancy Finegood, Executive Director Michigan Historic Preservation Network
"...beautifully written... jam-packed with color photographs.... The author succinctly summarizes the various kinds, styles and uses of the barn, providing the best overall introduction to the subject I've seen. For those wanting to dig deeper, she provides a state-by-state list of 'Places to Visit, ' a glossary, and a bibliography. This is an exquisite book to savor and enjoy, time and time again." --Jon Shafer, American Studies Scholar & Barn Activist, WI
