The more we can learn about the past, the more we will realize both the good and evil and the mass of gray in between that have brought us the built landscapes and the kinds of communities we have. And from that knowledge we can think more richly and constructively about how to sustain and direct these buildings now toward the aspirations and values, the culture and the sense of place, of today’s communities. To do so will require a fresh imagination, and to stir such imaginings is the purpose of this book.
