New England Icons: Shaker Villages, Saltboxes, Stone Walls and Steeples by Bruce Irving

A longtime producer of This Old House and a frequent contributor to Yankee, Bruce Irving celebrates the form and function of New England’s built and natural landscapes in this wonderful 2011 book. His deep knowledge of history and craftsmanship touches on everything from stone walls to sugarhouses, grand hotels to center-chimney Colonials, and village greens to lobster boats.

In his chapter on Shaker villages, Irving tells us that the Shakers’ motto was “Beauty rests on utility.” It’s a philosophy that feels central to the whole New England character: For much of my adult life, for instance, I’ve made my home in a simple Cape Cod house (most recently one with wooden shingles)—and I feel very lucky to have done so.

Simply put, this book is a thoughtful gift for anyone who appreciates the New England aesthetic and offers a fun bonus guide to visiting some of our region’s architectural icons in person. —Heather Marcus, Yankee senior photo editor

• Publisher:‎ Countryman Press
• Hardcover
• Print length:‎ 112 pages
• Item Weight:‎ 14.7 ounces
• Dimensions:‎ 8.2 x 0.5 x 8.3 inches