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"For those who are explorers and are curious to know more about the culture of the Caribbean, this book is a useful guide to the significant structures on each island."--Thomas S. Marvel, architect, Puerto Rico

"A comprehensive, panoramic vision of architecture in this important geographic region."--Efrain E. Pérez-Chanis, architect and former dean, School of Architecture, University of Puerto Rico

In this abundantly illustrated book, Edward Crain records the rich architectural heritage of the sixteen Caribbean islands.nbsp; Hundreds of black-and-white and color photographs, most taken by the author, show in detail structures with arresting visual appeal and lasting historic value.
nbsp;Crain explores the physical, cultural, and political factors that influenced design evolution in the region, including climate, geography, the cultures of early occupants, colonial exploration, military control, immigration, and slavery.nbsp; He observes that colonial influence dominated architectural development and concludes that designs from the mother countries (Spain, England, France, Denmark, and the Netherlands), while often elegant or delightful, were just as often inappropriate for the tropics.
nbsp;The Schoelcher Museum in Guadeloupe, for example, embodies the values of French classicism; the Catholic church in Kingston, Jamaica, recalls the Byzantine revival style; the Fox Delicias Theater in Ponce, Puerto Rico, is an example of Art Deco design.nbsp; Urban design in the Spanish colonies reflects the dictates of the Law of the Indies, which mandated a grid pattern for all streets (even those through hilly terrain) and a central plaza in each town.nbsp; With its gabled, red-tiled roofs, the capital of Curacao--named Willemstad for Dutch King Willem--is nicknamed "Amsterdam in Miniature."
nbsp;"Architecture succeeded when nostalgia was replaced by logic, when a recognition of tropical demands was reflected in the buildings," Crain writes.nbsp; When designers realized that the basic function of a Caribbean structure was to offer protection from rain and sun, they introduced such elements as verandas, porches, fretwork, and louvered shutters.nbsp;
nbsp;Following architectural development from the time of early Amerindian habitation of the islands up to World War II, Crain groups buildings by type: large and small residences, military facilities, public and institutional structures, and places of worship.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;

Edward E. Crain works as an architectural educator.nbsp; When he retired as professor of architecture at the University of Florida, he served as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Jamaica, where he helped set up the Caribbean School of Architecture.nbsp; He is a member of the American Institute of Architects.

Tabla de contenidos provista por Syndetics

• Preface(p. ix)
• Introduction(p. 1)
• Chapter 1 the Early Caribbean(p. 6)
• Chapter 2 Historical Background and Urbanization(p. 12)
• Chapter 3 the Sugar Plantation(p. 51)
• Chapter 4 the Small Residence(p. 58)
• Chapter 5 the Medium-Sized Residence(p. 74)
• Chapter 6 the Large Residence(p. 98)
• Chapter 7 Military Facilities(p. 132)
• Chapter 8 Public and Institutional Buildings(p. 156)
• Chapter 9 Religious Buildings(p. 182)
• Chapter 10 Miscellaneous Buildings(p. 218)
• Glossary of Architectural Terms(p. 243)
• Bibliography(p. 249)
• Index(p. 251)

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Library Journal Review

Combining two popular subjects-architecture and the Caribbean-this book would seem to attract a healthy audience. But Crain's attempt at a panoramic study of a wildly diverse area is only partially successful. Until now, there have been books about the architecture of specific islands (Historic Buildings of St. Thomas and St. John, Macmillan, 1987) but never a fully illustrated work on the historic architecture of the entire Caribbean. However, what Crain gains in illustration he loses in text. Only a few representative examples are covered on each island, sometimes solely those from the major town and none built after World War II. Chapters are not organized by location but by building type, and within chapters islands are grouped by European power, e.g., English islands, Spanish island, etc. This arrangement won't work for everyone, since a reader interested in the architecture of St. Kitts must piece together information from at least seven chapters. Recommended only for general collections with little else on the subject.-Daniel J. Lombardo, Jones Lib., Amherst, Mass. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

CHOICE Review

This is the most attractive and comprehensive book on Caribbean architecture to date. Crain includes 16 islands from the English, Spanish, French, and other areas of influence. Scope is from the Early Amerindian period to WW II. Chapters--arranged by type of residence, subdivided by area and individual island--provide historical background and discuss the factors that influenced architectural development. Architectural examples represent the general architecture of each island; maps, prints, plans, and black-and-white photographs are used to illustrate. The author (formerly, architecture, Univ. of Florida) helped to set up the Caribbean School of Architecture in Jamaica. For this work, he consulted--and included in the bibliography--most of the significant books in English on this subject. He provides a glossary of architectural terms and a 32-page section of excellent color photographs. Well-written and accurate, this work supplements Pamela Gosner's scholarly but less inclusive Caribbean Georgian (1982). It will be useful in both architectural courses and in area studies; it is also of general interest. Recommended for all academic libraries. P. Brauch; CUNY Brooklyn College