Once the center of agricultural prosperity in Alabama; the rich soil of the Black Belt still features beautiful homes that stand as a testimony to the region�s proud heritage. Join author Jennifer Hale as she explores the history of seventeen of the finest plantation homes in Alabama�s Black Belt. This book chronicles the original owners and slaves of the homes; and traces their descendants who continued to call these plantations home throughout the past two centuries. Discover why the families of an Indian chief and a chief justice feuded for over a century about the land on which Belvoir stands. Follow Gaineswood�s progress as it grew from a humble log cabin into an opulent mansion. Learn how the original builder and subsequent owners of the Kirkwood Mansion are linked together by a legacy of exceptional and dedicated reservation. Historic Plantations of Alabama�s Black Belt recounts the elegant past and hopeful future of a well-loved region of the South.
#1027380 in eBooks 2010-08-27 2010-08-27File Name: B00XQK6VRW
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Brian BallVery clear; well written6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Superb; entertaining and informative!By Steve S.This is a superb book! It provides a magnificent overview of the development of the country house in and around Philadelphia. There is an abundance of technical information in the book which provides a real gold mine for those interested in such details; bit it can easily be skimmed over by those not so inclined. The historical;pictures are fascinating; particularly the inclusion of some comparisons with New England trends and those in the "mother country" England itself. My only unfulfilled desire was to see some contemporary colored photographs of how the places appear today----but this is really a minor criticism in the face of the embarrassment of riches this book provides.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Excellent History of Bourgeois Architecture in Colonial AmericaBy Erik M. AndersonAs an amateur student of architecture; I found this book surprisingly accessible; and filled with great information about the rise of the "colonial" architecture used by the bourgeoisie in early America. It starts by giving a great synopsis of the architectural and landscape developments and trends in England that influenced the colonies. If you are looking to study early American architecture; this is a great resource. The reader also shouldnt be discouraged based on the title - the reason for the focus on Philadelphia is elaborated on in the book; but essentially the region saw the widest use of country houses for a variety of reasons. In fact; the entire first two chapters deal with architecture from areas other than Philadelphia. The book also provides extensive end notes useful for further reading.
