Howard Mansfield si addentra nel comune e nel dimenticato per scoprire storie che parlano di chi siamo e del nostro posto nel mondo. La sua scrittura, che abbraccia storia, architettura e conservazione, è sia emotivamente che intellettualmente nutriente. Possedendo una rara miscela di arguzia e intelligenza rigorosa, esplora la natura del tempo e il nostro rapporto con esso. La voce unica di Mansfield crea costantemente frasi mai noiose, offrendo profonde intuizioni sull'esperienza umana.
Delving into the themes of cultural memory and historical preservation, this work questions the nature of the past and its construction. It examines the challenges of retaining the past as a meaningful influence for future generations, prompting readers to reflect on the significance of memory and history in shaping identity and continuity.
Our rock-solid belief in the certainty of property gives way to anguish when competing interests challenge it
Exploring the historical relationship between time and place, the book delves into how local timekeeping was once tied to natural cycles before the advent of Standard Time zones in 1883, spurred by the expansion of railroads. Howard Mansfield examines the profound impact of technological advancements, such as the telegraph, on communities and their perception of time. This interconnectedness reshaped societal norms, creating a universal understanding of time that transformed daily life and interactions across distances.
Exploring the concept of dwelling, the author delves into why some houses feel like homes while others do not. He argues that true dwelling involves a heartfelt connection to a place, highlighting the importance of belonging and possession beyond mere ownership. This investigation reveals the missing qualities that transform structures into nurturing spaces and examines how many homes and communities lack this essential spirit. The book invites readers to rediscover the ordinary elements that create warmth and welcome in our living environments.
Exploring the concept of the ideal city, this book showcases a rich collection of urban design visions ranging from the City Beautiful movement to Italian Futurism and modernist grand plans. It reflects on the ambitious blueprints that aimed to transform urban landscapes and highlights the aspirations behind various utopian projects, including those from science fiction and World's Fairs. Through its illustrations and historical context, it examines the gap between these visionary concepts and the realities of urban development.
The narrative explores the theme of memory and the struggle against collective amnesia in families and society regarding the traumas of war. It delves into the necessity of forgetting for veterans to reintegrate into civilian life and seek peace, highlighting the tension between personal healing and the obligation to remember the past. Through this lens, the book examines the impact of war on individuals and their relationships, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in confronting hidden horrors.
Exploring the significance of various sheds across New England, the author delves into their roles as functional yet meaningful structures in our lives. From covered bridges to barns and worship sheds, each type is examined for its connection to daily existence. The lyrical narrative, complemented by Joanna Eldredge Morrissey's photography, highlights how these ordinary buildings reflect the essence of life. Celebrating simplicity and utility, this work appeals to those who appreciate the beauty found in everyday architecture while traveling America's back roads.
An insightful but droll glimpse inside the life of one New England town