The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 85, July 1981 - April, 1982 Page: 459
497 p. : ill. (some col.), maps, ports. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Book Reviews
sippi to the Pacific, edited by Constance M. Greiff almost half a cen-
tury later, Robinson directs his readers' attention to those Texas
examples now gone from the historic scene or denatured into insig-
nificance.
Buildings are cultural symbols, tangible monuments to the pro-
gression of mankind. They link the generations as common partici-
pants in various roles of life. Ten generations of Texans have erected
buildings, formed unique types of tradition, and established signifi-
cant cultural history.
Within a broad range of text accompanied by many illustrations,
Robinson describes and illustrates the demise of important archi-
tectural examples significant to Texas history. Beginning with chap-
ters that reveal aspects of prehistoric and Hispanic heritages, then
ranging through various eras of cultural accomplishment, he laments
losses during these as well as the most recent period.
Howell's Lost Examples considers the "Colonial" period as an
Anglo-influenced culture associated solely with the eastern seaboard.
(And he even extends the Colonial period into the nineteeth centuryl)
Greiff's Lost America concentrates on economic growth and social
change. While Robinson also responds to economic advancement,
technical evolution, and changes therein associated, he is at his best as
a teacher of architectural history-emphasizing lessons within defined
historic canons of taste. These lessons should be well received, and a
comprehensive architectural glossary is included to assist the reader
and researcher.
The illustrations, over 250 in all, are good: historic architecture in
Texas is well illustrated with old as well as recent photographs. Photos
include examples from the Historic American Buildings surveys of the
thirties and sixties, various state, county, and city collections, and
those made by the author.
If the purpose of the book has been to identify the architectural
heritage of Texas and to share the loss of important examples, the
author has been successful.
One wishes, however, that at least four subjects had been more
fully covered: military architecture, important to the development of
the state (many Texas towns grew from those establishments), receives
but cursory treatment. The discussion of buildings associated with
agriculture (a subject in which the author has no peer) should have
been expanded in scope. Though the loss of grand mansions was la-
mented and well documented, vast numbers of rank-and-file small-
town residences of the last century passed with little notice. And what459
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 85, July 1981 - April, 1982, periodical, 1981/1982; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101208/m1/517/?rotate=90: accessed May 4, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.