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Books/Publications

The books listed are of interest to preservationists and some are available for purchase at selected events sponsored by Historic Seattle. These books also may be purchased at local area bookstores including Elliott Bay Books in Pioneer Square and Peter Miller Books (206)
441-4114 in Belltown.

Made to Last Preservation in Seattle and King County

This book is an essential for the libraries of preservation and design professionals, students, city and community planners, historic property owners and developers, and local history and architecture buffs. The Seattle and King County experience is a case study with valuable lessons for all Americans concerned about the protection of their metropolitan areas. Its informative and entertaining style and 260 historic photographs make it an outstanding choice to learn about architecture and history in Puget Sound.

The Stimson Legacy: Architecture in the Urban West

Over the course of a century, the Stimson family had a profound impact on the development of the West. By examining the commercial and residential buildings constructed by and for the Stimsons, author Lawrence Kreisman brilliantly evokes changing tastes in American society, and the many ways in which the Stimsons shaped both architecture and culture in the urban West. "They were new here, recently come from foreign lands. . . . Together these people created the character of the growing west by planting here, with pitched roofs, gables, and colored tiles, all that they cherished in memory from their places of origin."
- Priscilla Bullitt Collins

Shaping Seattle Architecture: A Historical Guide to the Architects

Shaping Seattle Architecture, profiles 45 architects and firms, and includes essays on Seattle's architectural history, Native American architecture and vernacular, and popular architectural styles. With over 500 illustrations.

Fabrics for Historic Buildings

Revised and expanded, Fabrics for Historic Buildings explains how to choose, buy, and install the correct fabrics for historic interiors. Included is a unique catalog of more than 600 fabric types and patterns and a new chapter on 20th century fabrics.

The Living City

Roberta Brandez Gratz explores the process she calls "urban husbandry"-- the care, management, and preservation of urban neighborhoods and business districts by the genuinely participatory efforts of government, urban planners, and average citizens. "The best antidote I've read to doom-and-gloom..."--Bill Moyers

What Style Is It?

How many architectural styles can you identify? Are you in the habit of labeling all old buildings either "colonial" or "Victorian"? This award winning book will finally put to rest your questions about American architectural styles, with a concise look at the history and appearance of the twenty-two most important styles.

Culture Vulture: A Guide to Style, Period and Ism

Can you tell pop art from dada? Are baroque and rococo, or existentialism and minimalism, all Greek to you? Would you like to be able to differentiate a Georgian manor from a Tudor mansion, a Meissen cup from a Delft saucer? With this book, you can!

America Restored

Contemporary full-color photographs and historic views of 102 sites--two in every state and the District of Columbia--trace the history of a wide-ranging array of historic restorations, from houses to covered bridges, to ships and theaters, and even an enormous piece of earth-moving equipment. An introduction explains the history of preservation and restoration in America.

Carl F. Gould: A Life in Architecture and the Arts

Carl Gould (1873-1939) was a major shaper of modern Seattle. He was responsible for some of the city's most distinguished homes and public buildings and, with his partner Charles Bebb, developed the University of Washington campus plan and designed and executed many of its finest buildings, including Suzzallo Library. Profusely illustrated, this book explores the full range of Gould's life and work.

Planning to Stay

Beginning as a book about neighborhood planning, Planning to Stay becomes a book about seeing. It offers a practical guide for a community's members to assess the place they live and take control of its development. "William Morrish and Catherine Brown are the most valuable thinkers in American urbanism today." -- New York Times

Respectable Rehabilitation

This "gem of a book" (Chicago Sun-Times) shows how to plan and carry out work on any type of old building in a way that respects its character. More than 150 frequently asked rehabilitation questions are answered with concise, practical advice applicable to buildings of all ages.

Repairing Old and Historic Windows

Written for homeowners, architects, builders, engineers, and preservationists, this book provides detailed information on how to go about refurbishing windows within current preservation standards.

Guide to Architecture in Washington State: An Environmental Perspective

An attractive, well-illustrated survey of the most notable architecture and environmental design in Washington State. Designed as a practical guidebook, it will enable residents and visitors to take interesting, informative tours of the state's cities, towns, and neighborhoods.

Field Guide to American Houses

This guide enables you to identify and place in their historic and architectural contexts the houses you see in your neighborhood or across America --- houses built in city and countryside, from the 17th century to the present.

Paint in America:
The Colors Etc.

This collection of essays draws together the foremost experts on the history and analysis of housepainting in America. A wide-ranging survey of styles, materials, and techniques from colonial America to the 19th century, it includes information on preservation and reproduction.

Lighting for Historic Buildings

Few people want to return to the days when light came mainly from candles, kerosene, gas, or available sunlight. But acceptable ways of recreating old lighting do exist. This invaluable guide provides both a history of lighting in America and a catalog of 481 suitable reproductions available today. Noted historian Roger Moss shows how interiors from the 1620s to the 1930s can be well lighted yet still maintain their character.

Floor Coverings for Historic Buildings

Finding just the right floor covering to furnish an old house or to create a period look has always been a challenge. Floor Coverings for Historic Buildings explains how to choose and buy the correct floor coverings used between 1750 and the 1930s, including where to order 475 reproductions described here in detail. This invaluable catalog, illustrated with 175 photographs, also provides a history of American floors, a glossary, addresses for 82 suppliers, a reading list, and sources of help.

Wallpapers for Historic Buildings

Revised and expanded, this book offers a catalog of over 1000 authentically reproduced wallpaper designs available today. "Must reading for anyone in search of historically accurate wall coverings appropriate for American houses built between 1700 and 1900." Washington Post

Glove Box Guide to Washington's Historic Houses

A list of Historic Washington Homes, suitable for keeping in your glove compartment for ready reference or to plan a trip.

National Trust Guide:
Seattle

From famous landmarks to little-known places, this fascinating guide takes you on an exciting journey through Seattle's cultural, historical, and architectural treasures. Included are walking tours in and around Seattle, maps for each area of the city, 200 vintange and contemporary photographs, lists of landmarks, an index of museums, a calendar of annual events, and much more.

Living Downtown

"The book sheds new light not only on the hotel as housing, but on the nature of urban reform during the twentieth century. No student of the American city or of life in American cities can afford not to read it." --Richard Lonstreth, George Washington University

Maintaining Your Old House (video)

With this video, you'll learn how to care for your old house to maintain its character and it's value. You'll get practical and economical guidance on safety, gutters, roofs, chimneys, windows and doors, heating and cooling systems, and much more. Includes a 30-page homeowner's guide with helpful checklists and other resources.