Silent in the Land

An absolute feast for architectural historians, this book is not only beautiful, it's of extraordinary quality. The authors profile about 50 historic sites throughout Alabama, mostly historic plantations, some in an alarming state of neglect and disrepair, with an artist's eye and a preservationist's attention to detail. Each site is captured in stunning, precise, well-composed color photography, while the text tells the often strange stories behind the respective houses. The appendix then gives a more technical, detailed account of each site's history and architectural style. It's the perfect blend of technical architecture guide and browsing picture book. I've never seen one better, and I mean that. Whatever your interest, you can smell the rain and Spanish moss!

This book will make every exiled Southerner want to go home. Now.

A book which delivers its reader into the South, whether or not they've ever truly been here or not. The marvelous photography, shocking in its realism, tell the tales of generations past, and exhibits the departure of Southern Culture since the beginning days of Northern Occupation. The authors use brilliant words to narrate the imagery, and inspire the reader to embrace what is left of the Antebellum South.

The pictures tell the sad story of the decline of the south and Alabama after the War of Northern agression. They also show the imagination and beauty appreciated by the Antebellum culture. A must have for all southern history lovers.