Architectural Follies in America

More than mere curiosities, all of the architectural folliesdescribed in this illustrated guide are masterpieces in their ownright. Each is the incarnation of its creator's singular passion,vanity, or idee fixe, from the home of the future to the storybookcastle, the palace of love to the monument of spite, the house ofdevotion to the pleasure garden.

Architectural Follies in America offers readers an unparalleledopportunity to become acquainted with some of the most outstandingexamples of this class of architectural marvel. With Gwyn Headleyas our guide, we travel the length and breadth of the UnitedStates--from the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Niles, Illinois, to ahouse made of glass bottles in Death Valley; from the floating TajMahal in Sausalito, to the grotto of Lourdes in Emmitsburg,Maryland. In a narrative rich with historical erudition, choicetidbits of gossip, and no small measure of sparkling wit, Headleydescribes more than 130 structures in loving detail. He tells thefull story behind each folly, what is known about its creator, thecircumstances surrounding its construction, and its prospects forthe future.

"Follies stem from passion, obsession, and suspicion. They alsocome from happiness, grief, and confusion. They can take any form,any style. A folly is a state of mind, not an architectural style.Follies can even have a use or purpose, whether that was in thecreator's mind or not." -- Gwyn Headley