Stone houses Colonial to contemporary

Noted architectural photographer Rocheleau collaborates with historic preservationist Goff in a visually captivating homage to the American stone house (their previous collaboration was Tudor Style). Goff, who first explored the subject in Stone Built: Contemporary American Houses, here offers a far broader historical sweep, from Native American cliff dwellings through a progression of familiar historic styles, culminating in a 21st-century postmodern villa. Goff's enthusiasm for her favorite building material imbues every page. Unfortunately, her text will disappoint readers interested in construction techniques as well as anyone seeking historical perspective or critical insight. Reading like little more than a succession of tourist brochures, the book fails to persuade that the houses presented here have anything more meaningful in common than "the charisma of stone." Rocheleau's photos are stunning essays in composition and lighting. The very elements that make for a striking two-dimensional image, however, here often work against conveying a sense of the spatial qualities unique to architecture. More floor plans could have helped. An enticing gift book but, ironically, considering the topic, too lightweight for most library collections.-David Soltesz, Cuyahoga Cty. P.L., Parma, OH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.