Ghostly ruins : America's forgotten architecture

Review

Haunting photographs set the tone for Harry Skrdla's beautifully written guide to the rise and fall of 30 tragically abandoned American structures. Each chapter explores decomposing edifices by category (industrial, transportation-related, commercial, public, residential and amusement), discussing the historical and sociological factors that have contributed to the ongoing demise of America's architectural legacy. If I was an author, this is the book I'd want to write. It's so engrossing I had to finish it in one sitting.