American ruins have become increasingly prominent; whether in discussions of “urban blight†and home foreclosures; in commemorations of 9/11; or in postapocalyptic movies. In this highly original book; Nick Yablon argues that the association between American cities and ruins dates back to a much earlier period in the nation’s history. Recovering numerous scenes of urban desolation—from failed banks; abandoned towns; and dilapidated tenements to the crumbling skyscrapers and bridges envisioned in science fiction and cartoons—Untimely Ruins challenges the myth that ruins were absent or insignificant objects in nineteenth-century America.The first book to document an American cult of the ruin; Untimely Ruins traces its deviations as well as derivations from European conventions. Unlike classical and Gothic ruins; which decayed gracefully over centuries and inspired philosophical meditations about the fate of civilizations; America’s ruins were often “untimely;†appearing unpredictably and disappearing before they could accrue an aura of age. As modern ruins of steel and iron; they stimulated critical reflections about contemporary cities; and the unfamiliar kinds of experience they enabled. Unearthing evocative sources everywhere from the archives of amateur photographers to the contents of time-capsules; Untimely Ruins exposes crucial debates about the economic; technological; and cultural transformations known as urban modernity. The result is a fascinating cultural history that uncovers fresh perspectives on the American city.
#1638575 in eBooks 2010-06-15 2010-06-15File Name: B003T0G976
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. So much fun!By HeyJudyFashion designer Arnold Scaasi has seen many of the most important American women of the 20th Century in their underwear. In consequence. he knows their secrets. which he shares in his memoir. WOMEN I HAVE DRESSED.This book just is plain old fun. Scaasi drops lots of names. and he tells lots of tales. Whether its sleeping in the Lincoln bedroom or dining with Diana. Princess of Wales. this boy from Montreal has done it all.In the process of designing his gorgeous couture garments. he has learned intimate details about some of the most beautiful women in modern history. such as Elizabeth Taylor. and some of the most famous. such as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.WOMEN I HAVE DRESSED is Scaasis own story. It makes for a wonderful read.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Very Dull.....By Fannys DaddyScaasi has dressed and designed for some of the most fascinating women of the past and present. and this is the best book he can write? Dull from start to finish; only the chapters on Streisand and Laura Bush show a little bit of life. Avoid.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Colorful and EngagingBy Roman DescendantI found the book captivating. even his descriptions of vapid society women and their clothes. but the best of all were revelations about entertainers and politicians wives.Most memorable for me were chapters on Barbra Streisand and Mamie Eisenhower. Arnolds words about two encounters with Joan Crawford should put to rest any doubts regarding the veracity of Christina Crawfords disclosures about her life with her adoptive mother.
