Seventeen years in the making, this volume is published as part of the estimable Buildings of the United States series, an ambitious state-by-state project of the Society of Architectural Historians. An introductory chapter offers an engaging, in-depth review of the built environment in the region, including discussion of Native American habitation, European settlement, buildings of various types (log, stone, brick, town, farm, industrial), early transportation, the impact of the automobile, tourism, historic preservation, and notable architects. Following the introductory essay approximately 800 entries are arranged geographically. Offering thorough, individual descriptions, the entries encompass buildings--exemplary ones like Wright's Fallingwater, and everyday ones--as well as bridges, railroads, and inclines. In addition, entries describing particular settlements and their histories offer insight into the interacting development of agriculture and industry in the region. About 400 small b&w photos and maps support the text. The three dedicated authors are as follows: Lu Donnelly, an architectural historian and author of books and articles; H. David Brumble IV, a realtor; and Franklin Toker (art and architecture, U. of Pittsburgh). U. of Virginia Press has published the most recent books in the series; Oxford U. Press published earlier volumes beginning in 1993. A companion volume is planned for Philadelphia and the eastern part of the state. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)