Architectural Follies in America Book

An illustrated guide to 130 of the most unusual and madcap structures in America

No, this is not a book about musicals or extravagant floor shows, but rather structures that are not ordinary buildings. These are edifices that transcend the banal, the commonplace, the simply utitlitarian. They are constructions of character dignified by the name of folly. Architectural follies spring from those most human emotions: vanity, pride, passion, and obsession. There's the replica of the grotto of Lourdes in Emmitsburg, Maryland. There's the house built of glass bottles at the entrance to Death Valley. Not to mention the giant pineapple water tower, chicken, and dinosaur structures that pepper the countryside. Written by Gwyn Headley, president of the Folly Fellowship, this charming book features more than 130 follies with more than 160 photographs.

• Each folly is described in detail, including both location and visitor information

GWYN HEADLEY is President of the Folly Fellowship in England.