Architecture of the Shakers

Rating:
Summary: Thorough and discerning
Review: A thorough and discerning book. Nicoletta's matter-of-fact prose is a welcome antidote to the nostalgia and sentiment that creep into more reverential treatments of the Shakers. Like any other history, Shaker history turns out to be complex and messy, not simple and sweet. How interesting to see Shaker buildings of the Victorian era, with floral wallpapers, clunky furniture, and primitive telephones.

Rating:
Summary: The definitive work on Shaker Architecture
Review: Nicoletta's book is intelligently and clearly written and boasts Bret Morgan's gorgeous photographs of Shaker buildings. The only book on Shaker Architecture you will ever need--and the best.

Michael Kucher

Rating:
Summary: Not bad, not great
Review: This book delves inconsistently into shaker architecture, but the style is very pedantic and unfocused. By the way, Kucher, who wrote the first glowing review is Nicolleta's husband. So take that review with a grain of salt.