Why Preservation Matters

“Page . . . throws down the gauntlet in Why Preservation Matters, calling out members of a movement he finds elitist, in thrall to neoliberalism, and disconnected from its rightful aim of social justice.”—Architect Magazine

“The basic points we know: Old buildings can enrich neighborhoods and become regional attractions. They also make smart environmental sense more often than not. But on the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act, the author argues these points with detailed passion — and also stresses that the cultures embodied in a building, even the scars of history, can be more important than architectural details.”—John King, San Francisco Chronicle

"Max Page offers a powerful argument for making historic preservation about more than just saving buildings - using it as a tool to fashion a more sustainable, a more equitable society."--Inga Saffron, Philadelphia Inquirer architecture critic

"Since coalescing into a national movement a half century ago, historic preservation has been notoriously un-self-critical. Max Page helps to rectify this problem in this thoughtful, provocative assessment of what has been accomplished and where preservationists need to direct their energies in the future. At this critical juncture the movement needs a catalytic call to action comparable to those written by Rachel Carson and Jane Jacobs. This could be that book."--Richard Longstreth, George Washington University

“Historic preservation has reached a moment of profound and provocative creative ferment and this book is a testament to that innovative thinking and the desire to contest long-standing norms. Max Page’s eloquent and incisive volume is a worthy map to guide the future of preservation.” – Stephanie K. Meeks, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation


"Max Page succinctly and elegantly demonstrates how preservation transcends antiquarian aesthetics to embrace the most pressing questions of the day, from economic democracy to sustainability to reconciliation following state terrorism."--Lawrence Vale, Massachusetts Institute of Technology