kjscrafts's Full Review: Gerard Martin Moeller - Aia Guide to the Architect...
This book is in a way a guide book, as it is mostly organized in chapters that begin with a map of the sites discussed and each section could easily be done as a walking tour. It is much more than just a walking tour, though, because it just as easily can be read as a way of learning the history of the architecture of the different areas of D.C. The book is easy to understand even if you are not very knowledgeable in architecture terms, although it does sometimes say that building represent some architecture term that is more likely to be known only if you have studied architecture. Not knowing these terms, though, does not effect the ability to understand and enjoy this book.
Each chapter contains short sections on several of the buildings in the chosen neighborhood the chapter describes. The descriptions give information on the history of the buildings from the former occupants to the way the structure has changed over time to the modern use of the buildings. Some of the entries are very brief while others are more in depth, such as when the buildings have a more interesting or longer history. In particular towards the end of the book when it gets into areas with more modern buildings such as the final chapter of random buildings not included in other chapters the descriptions are very brief leaving you wanting more info, but I guess they just do not have as long of a history or any historical importance to yet earn it a longer entry.
This book is appealing for those visiting D.C. and want to learn more about buildings that are not always accessible to the public, as this talks about many buildings that while are not always private residences are buildings that the general public does not typically have access to. It does also include several of the area museums, though, giving a look at the history of the buildings that hold some of our nation's most priceless artifacts such as the National Archives and Smithsonian facilities. As a D.C. resident who has often wandered the streets visiting places, working, and attending lectures around the city in college I found it interesting to read about the history of some buildings I remember noticing before and wondering about the significance of the building. One in particular I was glad to finally learn about the building was he Brewmaster's Castle I used to walk by weekly on the way to my internship in the Dupont Circle area. Now I know it is a museum open to the public and want to visit as soon as I can.
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