[audiobook] A Practical Approach to 18th-Century Counterpoint; Revised Edition by Robert Gauldin in Arts-Photography

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The Architectural Jewels of Rochester; New Hampshire: A History of the Built EnvironmentBy mglassWhat a thorough and refreshing look at something that could be boring but just isnt. Behrendt is a very personable and well informed writer.. whats next from this guy?3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Review in The Rochester TimesBy Michael BehrendtReview by John Nolan; Editor of the Rochester Times Newspaper.ROCHESTER -- In the fall of 2002; City Planner Michael Behrendt launched an architectural series in the "Rochester Times;" with the assumption that it would extend to four or five parts. Every second week; he came around to the newspaper in his lunch hour; borrowed a camera; and came back a bit later with several photographic examples of architectural styles and building types; which were then tied together with some explanatory prose and captions.One year and 28 episodes later; Behrendt finally rested on his laurels; in the knowledge that his enthusiasm and affection for Rochesters enormously varied architecture had infected thousands of readers; by giving them a renewed sense of appreciation for their city; and a gentle education to boot.Behrendt didnt sit back for too long though. It transpired that he had more passionate feelings to express about Rochesters wealth of building types and styles than the space that was allotted to him every couple of weeks ever permitted. And so; the idea of a groundbreaking book was born. After linking up with a prestigious publisher; The History Press; and an intense spell of research; writing and revising; (in his own time; City Hall watchers should note) Behrendt has produced "The Architectural Jewels of Rochester; New Hampshire: A History of the Built Environment."It runs to 190 pages; divided into 30 easily absorbable chapters that follow the original outline of the Rochester Times series fairly closely; except that the dozens of photographs of the citys building and architectural features are complemented by a warm and friendly writing style that always informs and never intimidates. A preface; introduction and conclusion have also been added; and; most helpfully; an extensive glossary of the architectural terms that sprinkle the chapters.Public officials are full of praise for Behrendts book; which; in its way; records the citys history via the architecture of early settlement in the 1700s; through the residential and industrial styles of the 19th and 20th centuries; right up to the exciting modernism of building like Granite Ford; the new Burger King; Ocean Bank and the Frisbie Conference Center.Rochester Main Street Director Mike Provost said; "Anything that creates a sense of community heritage is wonderful. This book is eminently readable and it develops an awareness and an appreciation of the icons in the community. I am impressed. Rochester is very fortunate to have someone of Michaels knowledge."Chamber of Commerce President Laura Ring agreed. "There is a nice depiction of businesses and different architectural styles in town. Kudos to Michael for a great job;" she said; adding that it will be of interest both to visitors in the city and residents looking for Christmas gifts.City Manager John Scruton said he appreciated Behrendts dedication to Rochester for producing such a labor of love in his own time."This is a good example of his literacy and aesthetic taste being used to benefit Rochester. There is a lot in there. It is a good book for a coffee table or a gift for people who grew up in Rochester;" said Scruton; adding that it is a much better read than "McDuffees History of Rochester;" in that "The Architectural Jewels" s genuinely interesting. "This view is borne out by Rochester Historical Society President Martha Fowler; who; without conceding that "McDuffees History" contains long passages of sawdust; said of "The Architectural Jewels;" "It is so complete. From the historic to the modern he has done a wonderful job. I went to see a lot of the houses when they were in the newspaper. Now they are in the book I will go and see them again. I dont think much about a street until someone points out the architectural features of the houses. He (Behrendt) is to be commended for all that work."2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Architectural Jewels of RochesterBy Naomi KornhauserMANCHESTER UNION LEADER article by Clynton Namuo - December 26; 2009City Planner Michael Behrendt brings this city to life in his new book; "The Architectural Jewels of Rochester;" by adding a smattering of humorous history.The book highlights remarkable architecture; both new and old; across the city; from city hall and the Rochester Opera House to Burger King and Pizza Hut."Rochester traditionally is a blue-collar town and it doesnt have quite the pristine image of places like Portsmouth;" Behrendt said. "But the image in some circles is behind the reality."What sets the book apart from the typical ones found at every Barnes and Noble is the oddball history.For example; Behrendt notes that Colby Footwear; a Gonic manufacturer that has since closed; had an interesting niche of size 14 womens footwear in the 1980s and 90s."Colbys products were popular with a particular underserved clientele: large transvestites;" Behrendt writes.This information is juxtaposed with a picture of Rochesters recent outdoor art project of giant shoes around town."I tend to be a little outrageous; so I wanted to include anything I could;" Behrendt said; noting that he toned down his sarcasm in some parts at the request of his publisher.The humor continues throughout; even in unexpected places.Behrendt writes of the citys colonial revival; noting the best example was the Sumner Wallace House; built in 1901; which served as the New Hampshire headquarters of the Ku Klux Klan from 1924 to 1927."The burning cross; which the Klan maintained on the roof; must have been a shocking site;" he writes."I wonder if the wizards of the KKK knew that they were neighbors to a former station on the Underground Railroad; located diagonally across the street."Behrendts book is an assemblage of articles he wrote for The Rochester times from Thanksgiving 2002 to Thanksgiving 2003.He said he always wanted to turn the articles into a book; but never got around to it.Then; earlier this year; he got lucky. An agent with Charleston; S.C.-based History Press contacted the Rochester Opera House about a possible book on that building and someone there referred Behrendt to the agent."I just feel so lucky. I know how hard it is to get published;" he said.Behrendt said he rewrote some of the articles and shot all the photos himself.While most of the book shows buildings that Behrendt finds attractive; at least one; the community center; is there for the opposite reason. Behrendt describes the building as "rendered in what we may call the Soviet Brutalist style."Behrendts favorite buildings are City Hall; which houses the Rochester Opera House; and Spaulding High School."The Architectural Jewels of Rochester" was published in October and is available at local bookstores and on .com.