Review
-"Choice, June 2004
"There is nothing else comparable on the market.... A sound purchase, especially for college and university libraries with architectural programs, though it's also intended for preservationists, architects, and historians."
-"Booklist/RBB, June 1 & 15, 2004
"an essential reference.... The introduction offers a useful historical context for the contributions of African Americans to the built environment of the United States."
-"College & Research Libraries, September 2004
"Recent scholarly concerns about the gaps and limitations of such a narrative have literally reshaped the study of architectural history. "African AmericanArchitects: A Biographical Dictionary, 1865-1945 is a major force to continue that reshaping, giving much needed presence to a large but essentially invisible group of designers, to innumerable but largely unknown buildings across the land, and to an awesome force of educational initiative, community spirit, and pride... the most comprehensive dictionary of these architects to date... the stories in the dictionary are captivating."
-"CRM: The Journal of Heritage Stewardship, Winter, 2005
"The dictionary makes a significant contribution to the increasing scholarship on African American architects. A must have for aspiring and practicing architects, the book will be useful to anyone desiring to research their community's Black architects, buildings, and history in general. It is auseful reference for every church office/library and an indispensible aid of anyone seeking to nominate a historic building to the National Register of Historic Places."
-"The AME Church Review, January-March, 2005
Product Description
Since the end of the Civil War, African-American architects have been responsible for creating houses, schools, research institutes, and other significant buildings throughout the United States. The Widener Library at Harvard University, the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, and Tuskegee Institute's Butler Chapel are just a few examples of prominent buildings designed by African Americans. But even though many of the structures they helped create survive to this day, most of these architects remain virtually unknown.
This unique reference source brings the lives and work of these pioneers to light for the first time. Written by over 100 experts, ranging from archivists to architectural historians, this book chronicles African-American architects from the era of Emancipation to the end of World War II, filling a key gap in existing scholarship.
The number of architects and the scope of their accomplishments will surprise and fascinate readers. Some 160 illustrated A-Z entries include biographical essays as well as commentary on the work of each architect, offering a wealth of information about their lives, their buildings, and the obstacles many had to overcome. Articles provide insight on the history of architectural education at traditionally black colleges and universities, such as Tuskegee Institute, Howard University, Hampton Institute, Florida A&M, and Prairie View A&M. The book features a helpful introductory overview of African Americans in domestic architecture, and an appendix containing a list of buildings by geographical location and architect makes for a handy reference tool
Practical and accessible, this singular work is essential for any library collection serving scholars and students of African-American history, architectural history, and American history in general.
