Perhaps Americas best environmental idea was not the national park but the garden cemetery; a use of space that quickly gained popularity in the mid-nineteenth century. Such spaces of repose brought key elements of the countryside into rapidly expanding cities; making nature accessible to all and serving to remind visitors of the natural cycles of life. In this unique interdisciplinary blend of historical narrative; cultural criticism; and poignant memoir; Aaron Sachs argues that American cemeteries embody a forgotten landscape tradition that has much to teach us in our current moment of environmental crisis.
#1652982 in eBooks 2012-10-25 2012-10-25File Name: B00AQCBUUQ
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Wonderful read about Harry Truman and the White house.By Richard ShoreThis is a highly recommended read if you ( and who doesnt ) like Harry Truman. Having recently finished David McCoulloughs "Truman"; and thats a major accomplishment ("Truman"" is thousand pages; 800 would have been enough; Tuchman would said it all in 700) you would think you know Harry Truman. Would like to find time to elaborate on my thoughts on Klaras "Hidden White House";but for now; the beauty of this effort is that you get to know the real Harry Truman. So; if you are keenly interested in this vital period in US history get to know the real Harry Truman.This short; very readable book is a must supplement to "Truman"; and learn some fascinating bits of history about our White House.OK. One more aside; when the job was finally finished Harry Truman anguish about the cost and construction delay. Truman said had he been in charge he you accomplished the job at half the cost in half the time. The author mocked Truman for saying this. But if you really know this complex man would really know that Harry Truman would have done it (despite every effort from a disfunction congress or government in general to drive up the cost and cause delays).0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An exhaustively researched; briskly paced narrative about a historic project most Americans know nothing aboutBy Adam LenhardtThis would really be a 4.5 star review if allowed half stars.Its one of those little known facts about Americas most famous residence: There have really been two White Houses; the one designed by James Hoban and built between 1792 and 1800; and the one designed by President Truman (along with White House Architect Lorenzo Winslow and the Commission on the Renovation of the Executive Mansion) that was built by John McShain between 1949 and 1952. The two structures really only share a general layout and the same four outer walls.This bit of historical trivia has always fascinated me; the construction of a modern building within a centuries-old facade; and I had been eager for a while to learn more about it.Robert Klara weaves his exhaustive research into a peppy narrative that moves along at brisk; engaging pace. He does a terrific job of exploring the scope of the problem and is quite successful at capturing the distinct voices and personalities of the various players involved in solving it. In addition to learning a lot about the White House; I learned a lot about Truman the president and Truman the man. Klara is not awestruck by his subject matter; and his book is as attuned to flaws and shortcomings as it is to triumphs. His citations are staggeringly comprehensive; and provide a great road map for the reader that wants to dig even deeper into any given aspect of the particular historic project.I only have two real complaints: 1) Sometimes; in his attempts to spice up the storytelling of what could have easily been a dry treatise; hes a bit too bold about putting himself into the heads of the participants; declaratively presenting private thoughts that can only be assumptions based on educated conclusions. He also dwells overlong at times on irrelevant bits of color; particularly Lorenzo Winslows fascination with seacute;ances and the occult. 2) The book only includes sixteen pages of photographs in a glossy insert near the center. The photos that we do get are excellent; but the book would have benefited from even more of Abbie Rowes incredible black and white photography; scattered throughout in context within the narrative.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. ... hard to comprehend what this entailed even with the amazing amounts of research and photosBy Loch JIt is hard to comprehend what this entailed even with the amazing amounts of research and photos. For anyone connected with either politics or construction it is a must read. Of course; history buffs have to be included; too.Ill never quite fathom how any government really works. This book helps understand it.