Main Street to Miracle Mile: American roadside architecture

By Chester H Liebs

Book Overview

First published in 1985, Chester Liebs' Main Street to Miracle Mile established the twentieth-century roadside landscape as a subject for serious study. Liebs traces the transformation of commercial development as it has moved from centralized main streets, out along the street car lines, to form the "miracle miles" and shopping malls of today. He also explores the evolution of roadside buildings, from supermarkets and motels to automobile showrooms and drive-in theaters. Both an historical survey and invaluable guide for reading highway landscapes, this classic work--which has inspired numerous studies, museum exhibits, and preservation efforts--is now back in print with new commentary by the author.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 082121585X
• ISBN13: 9780821215852
• Release Date: January 1985
• Publisher: Little, Brown
• Length: 259 Pages
• Weight: 2.60 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Excellent social history of American cities in 20th century.

"Main Street to Miracle Mile" is an excellent introduction to the development of American cities in this century. What's more, it takes what could be a dull topic and makes it lively by looking at such structures as gas stations, motels, and shopping centers and showing how the changes in the architecture of these businesses reflect the changes that were taking place in American society. Good photographs from many parts of America illustrate the impact a more mobile population has had on the location, size, and design of the buildings that serve us. While this book has been used as a text for college classes, it also can be very enjoyable for the casual reader.