Although humble in their function; these carefully crafted barns have shaped the lives of Mainers for centuries. Built long before the days of plastic and plywood; the barns have survived for generations; each with a story to tell. In Bridgton; one barn offered comfort to a sixteen-year-old boy when his father was injured. Another New Gloucester barn was so important to one family that its likeness was engraved on their headstones. Some owners said they would rather see their houses burn than their barns; and others have dedicated their lives and livelihoods to restoring and preserving these buildings. From modest English to grand Victorian; Don Perkins examines the structures; origins and evolution of Maines barns; demonstrating the vital and precious role they play in peoples lives.
#858011 in eBooks 2011-10-20 2011-10-20File Name: B00XQR230Y
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A heist as mysterious as Mona Lisas smileBy Tami StackelhouseA must read for anyone who has had the good fortune of visiting the Louvre and seeing Mona Lisa in person. A recommended read even if you havent.It was fascinating to me how many things were in play in 1911 when she was stolen; the beginnings of forensics and fingerprinting; who was suspected; the lack of security; etc.Some critiques suggest this would have been a better book if it had been written as a historical fiction novel. It may be true that it might have made a more satisfying story - with nicely tied up ends - that way. I; however; like the way it was done. I like that the author presented the varying facts and theories as we know them. It makes the book and heist as mysterious as Mona Lisas famous smile.Having seen Mona Lisa myself; this was a particularly interesting read!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great story of a great paintingBy GmacR.A. Scotti is a great writer and she really put a great story together in this book. One of the best stories i have read in a while.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Fun ReadBy Christopher AlexanderA few weeks ago; a Picasso was stolen from a gallery in San Francisco. It only took a few days to solve the crime and retrieve the piece intact. While reading peoples comments about the crime; I came across a reference to this book.Like the person who stole the Picasso in San Francisco; the individual who stole the Mona Lisa--as detailed in this book--was a rogue individual with questionable intellect; somewhat delusional motives; and an opportunist.This book is a combination of historical account; coupled with a lot of mystery thrown in. Its not a suspenseful read; by any means; but it does hold your attention. The author jumps to the chase; such that we find out the Mona Lisa is missing within the first few pages. We then learn about the sequence of events that surround the investigation of the crime; as well as the impact it had on French and broader European culture/society.That Picasso was investigated as a suspect (and; we learn; Picassos is the most stolen art in modern day) is an interesting twist; something I had never known; even though Im familiar with much of his art; story; and background.The book flows easily; and though the author delves into a few tangential areas; these are mostly related to the topic at hand. It actually helps to broaden the readers perspective about art; history; and the role that artists and their product played in European society way back when.This book will appeal to those who love art; who understand or want to know about security measures in museums; past and present; anyone who has seen the Mona Lisa and wants to read more on the paintings history; and those with an interest in European art from previous centuries.I read the book on Kindle; and though there are a few pictures in the book; they translated ok to the Kindle format. There are numerous spelling errors; however. I dont know if this is also true in the standard form; or if some of the words got jumbled when it was put in Kindle format.Anyhow; 4 stars from me ****
