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Friedman Book


The Structure of Skyscrapers in America, 1871–1900 - Their History and Preservation

By Donald Friedman

(Limited Availability)

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 s/h. Add $15.00 for a custom bookplate signed by the author.


 

McKee Book

Introduction to Early American Masonry

Harley McKee’s Classic Book on Historic Masonry

(Limited Availability)


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.

Harley J. McKee, Introduction to Early American Masonry. New foreword by John G. Waite, FAIA. Soft cover, 96 pages. ISBN 978-0-9986347-0-8. July 2017 publication date.

$34.50, plus s/h.


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