The Architecture of the Shakers

During the 19th century, the Shakers conducted America's first successful experiment in utopian living. From Maine to Kentucky, they built communal villages whose unique buildings were designed to accommodate hundreds of inhabitants unified in the common purpose of work and worship. This work illustrates the beauty, regional variations, and functional stylistic evolution of Shaker buildings over the course of two centuries, evoking a visual and literary survey of Shaker design and its impact on American culture as a whole. Despite the fact that Shaker communities are almost extinct, an appreciation for their legacy continues to grow. Architects, designers, curators, collectors, and the public have sought inspiration in Shaker art and architecture. This book is for all those who wish to learn more about these remarkable buildings and how the rich cultural legacy of the Shakers continues to resonate within them.