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The Structure of Skyscrapers in America, 1871–1900
Their History and Preservation
By Donald Friedman

In this long-awaited book, award-winning author Donald Friedman presents an illustrated history of the development of the structure of skyscrapers during the last quarter of the nineteenth century. In the first 190 pages, he details the context for the emergence of this new building type and thoroughly explains the cutting-edge technology of construction. Preservation problems are examined in depth.

A separate 200-page section provides construction dates and images for every known building taller than nine stories erected in the United States between 1871 and 1900—a total of 443 individual buildings, both extant and demolished, in 36 cities all across the country, from Boston and New York to San Francisco.

This definitive new book is essential reading—and an unrivaled reference—for anyone who is interested in early skyscrapers and in identifying the more than 300 engineers, architects, and contractors who designed and built them.

For a limited time, you can also order an attractive bookplate for your copy of The Structure of Skyscrapers in America. With the author’s signature and the APT logo, your copy is sure to become a collector’s item. The bookplate will be mailed separately.

Donald Friedman, co-founder of Old Structures Engineering, has 30 years of experience as a structural engineer, working on both the construction of new buildings and the renovation of existing structures. He has taught at the Pratt Institute, the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute School of Architecture, and the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. He has written numerous articles for technical publications and five books on construction, renovation, and engineering.

Donald Friedman, The Structure of Skyscrapers in America, 1871–1900: Their History and Preservation. Soft cover, 450 pages, 539 illustrations. ISBN 978-0-9986347-1-5. Oct. 2020 publication date.

$55.00, plus $9.50 s/h

Introduction to Early American Masonry
Harley McKee’s Classic Book on Historic Masonry

In 1973 esteemed preservation architect and educator Harley J. McKee published Introduction to Early American Masonry, which immediately became an indispensable pillar of preservation practice. APT announces the publication of a second edition, which faithfully reproduces the original text and images, supplemented with an expanded index and a new foreword by John G. Waite.

Filled with scores of photographs and McKee's own sketches, along with accounts from primary sources and personal observations, the book is just as useful to preservation practitioners and students today as when it was first issued. It thoroughly covers all aspects of masonry materials and practices, including sources of building stone, quarrying methods, working and finishing stone, brickmaking, brick shapes and sizes, terra cotta, stucco, and plaster. McKee also explains causes of masonry deterioration and describes all types of cements and mortars for building masonry walls and repointing them. This book was the first to document the history and technology of masonry building materials for a preservation audience. It contains a wealth of information still not found elsewhere in a compact and concise format.

Harley J. McKee, an architect who helped to define the field of preservation during its formative years, served as APT's second president. APT is honored to make this essential volume, long out of print, available once again.

$34.50, plus s/h.

Preservation Technology Primer - SOLD OUT!

The Preservation Technology Primer is a guide to preservation practice with articles of cutting-edge technologies, preservation theory, and innovative solutions from leading international practitioners. The Primer brings together 52 of the best articles that have been published over the past 40 years in the APT Bulletin, the leading technical journal for professionals in historic preservation.

This publication is an important ready reference for those entering the field and provides a much-needed text for preservation-technology courses in academic programs and in training and education programs for crafts and trades.

$20.00, plus s/h.

Wild Onions: A Brief Guide to Landmarks and Lesser-Known Structures in Chicago’s Loop - SOLD OUT!

Wild Onions: A Brief Guide to Landmarks and Lesser-Known Structures in Chicago’s Loop offers information about the history and architectural design of more than 175 buildings in downtown Chicago, including iconic structures as well as often-overlooked examples of the city’s distinctive architecture. The guide was originally prepared for attendees at the APT annual conference in Chicago in 1989, and has been updated twice since original publication. The current (2014) edition includes archival images as well as photographs by noted Chicago architectural photographer Leslie Schwartz. Wild Onions is a useful pocket guide to architecture in the central city, and a good overview of Chicago’s history and buildings for reference during a self-guided walking tour (map included), in person or in virtual format.

$5.00, plus s/h.

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