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Howard Mansfield

    Howard Mansfield delves into the commonplace and the forgotten to uncover stories that speak to who we are and our place in the world. His writing, which spans history, architecture, and preservation, is both emotionally and intellectually nourishing. Possessing a rare blend of wit and rigorous intelligence, he explores the nature of time and our relationship with it. Mansfield's unique voice consistently crafts sentences that are never dull, offering profound insights into the human experience.

    I Will Tell No War Stories
    Cosmopolis
    Dwelling in Possibility
    Turn & Jump
    The Habit of Turning the World Upside Down
    The Bones of the Earth
    • 2024

      I Will Tell No War Stories

      What Our Fathers Left Unsaid about World War II

      • 160 pages
      • 6 hours of reading

      The narrative explores the theme of memory and the struggle against collective amnesia in families and society regarding the traumas of war. It delves into the necessity of forgetting for veterans to reintegrate into civilian life and seek peace, highlighting the tension between personal healing and the obligation to remember the past. Through this lens, the book examines the impact of war on individuals and their relationships, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in confronting hidden horrors.

      I Will Tell No War Stories
    • 2018
    • 2017

      An insightful but droll glimpse inside the life of one New England town

      Summer Over Autumn
    • 2016

      Sheds

      • 192 pages
      • 7 hours of reading

      Exploring the significance of various sheds across New England, the author delves into their roles as functional yet meaningful structures in our lives. From covered bridges to barns and worship sheds, each type is examined for its connection to daily existence. The lyrical narrative, complemented by Joanna Eldredge Morrissey's photography, highlights how these ordinary buildings reflect the essence of life. Celebrating simplicity and utility, this work appeals to those who appreciate the beauty found in everyday architecture while traveling America's back roads.

      Sheds
    • 2013

      Dwelling in Possibility

      Searching for the Soul of Shelter

      • 240 pages
      • 9 hours of reading
      3.6(45)Add rating

      Exploring the concept of dwelling, the author delves into why some houses feel like homes while others do not. He argues that true dwelling involves a heartfelt connection to a place, highlighting the importance of belonging and possession beyond mere ownership. This investigation reveals the missing qualities that transform structures into nurturing spaces and examines how many homes and communities lack this essential spirit. The book invites readers to rediscover the ordinary elements that create warmth and welcome in our living environments.

      Dwelling in Possibility
    • 2012

      Cosmopolis

      Yesterday's Cities of the Future

      • 172 pages
      • 7 hours of reading

      Exploring the concept of the ideal city, this book showcases a rich collection of urban design visions ranging from the City Beautiful movement to Italian Futurism and modernist grand plans. It reflects on the ambitious blueprints that aimed to transform urban landscapes and highlights the aspirations behind various utopian projects, including those from science fiction and World's Fairs. Through its illustrations and historical context, it examines the gap between these visionary concepts and the realities of urban development.

      Cosmopolis
    • 2010

      Turn & Jump

      How Time & Place Fell Apart

      • 272 pages
      • 10 hours of reading
      3.7(18)Add rating

      Exploring the historical relationship between time and place, the book delves into how local timekeeping was once tied to natural cycles before the advent of Standard Time zones in 1883, spurred by the expansion of railroads. Howard Mansfield examines the profound impact of technological advancements, such as the telegraph, on communities and their perception of time. This interconnectedness reshaped societal norms, creating a universal understanding of time that transformed daily life and interactions across distances.

      Turn & Jump
    • 2007

      The Bones of the Earth

      • 192 pages
      • 7 hours of reading

      Delving into the themes of cultural memory and historical preservation, this work questions the nature of the past and its construction. It examines the challenges of retaining the past as a meaningful influence for future generations, prompting readers to reflect on the significance of memory and history in shaping identity and continuity.

      The Bones of the Earth