The American Porch: An Informal History of an Informal Place

Liberal slant and vulgar language? Well, I guess some people would see even topless statutes of Justice holding her scales in the cool, august halls of federal buildings as vulgar. Michael's book is wonderful, and pretty much partisan-free. It's a very personal view he takes, but his wit and degree of research is what makes this book worth reading. I now have a much better understanding of porches and their history, and thanks to a previous reviewer of this book, I also understand why porches went away in the modern age, and why their return seems threatening to those who want to keep us divided and scared.

Mr. Dolan has captured my attention with a most complete writing of a very favorite place: a porch. I found its history from early Greek to present day country home porches to be most interesting and informative. The photographs and descriptions of porches brings nostalgia. The book can best be read while sitting on a porch swing, sipping hot cocoa when the weather is cool or a glass of iced tea when its warm...

Michael Dolan is an excellent and engaging writer who guides the reader not only on a fascinating tour of the American porch, but also traces its family history back to the Carribean, Italy, Greece, India, and Africa. He provides a wonderful history review of many of the events and people who have the shaped United States while providing a narrative on its politics, music, and movies. This book begins with Colonial days continues into commune days and lastly touches upon current issues such as "Smart Growth" initiatives. I recommend that anyone who wants to learn more about the American porch, U.S. history or ways to meet the neighbors put this book at the top of their, "To Read" list.

Michael Dolan makes fascinating what is essentially just a bit of board and nail by unusual side trips and excursions. History, construction and architecture weaved together with sociology and anecdote make for a wonderful read. Dolan's research is meticulous and a reader feels this was done out of a profound love of the subject and a need to share his enthusiasm with somebody. If you love to sit on your porch -- or hope to have one someday -- you should buy this book.

The American Porch is an excellent book. Very well written and researched. The description, "an informal history of an informal place" describes the book perfectly. Lots of pictures, in color and black and white, help illustrate the variety in porch design going back centuries. If you're a homeowner the book will aid you in clarifying your love/hate relationship with the front of your home. Mr. Dolan obviously did some serious thinking about his front porch before he contracted to have it built. (This portion of the book is priceless, in entertainment and insight, if you've ever hired a contractor!)There is ample history about the origin of porches. Those interested in the history of structures and architecture will be pleased with the detail provided. I enjoyed the tidbits of info that Dolan includes like the inside scoop on the "porch picture" on the Crosby, Stills and Nash album cover. (Would they really be the same if they had been called Nash Stills and Crosby?) He covers the history of "decks" and why he hates them from the poison laced timbers to the private surburban backyards the deck created. You'll learn something about yourself reading the American Porch.