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Fifty State Capitols: The Architecture of Representative Government

Jim Stembridge
Coho Publishing (2011)
ISBN 9780983029205
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (4/11)

I really enjoy state capitol buildings.  There is just something about those grandiose, elegant architectural structures sitting on perfectly manicured lawns that draws me in.  As I have only been to visit a few of our state’s capitols I was really looking forward to reading this book, seeing the others, and learning more about each.

Jim Stembridge’s book begins with an introduction explaining a little about the architecture of representative government.  He tells us that, “Elements common to the ideal American state capitol are a prominent site with manicured grounds; legislative chambers in opposing wings; public galleries with a view of each legislative chamber; a temple-like entrance; and a central dome or tower covering a majestic central space known as the rotunda.” (p.1)  An interesting fact presented in this section is that Thomas Jefferson was one of the pioneer architects in this arena with the capitol building in Richmond, VA. 

After the introductory section, Stembridge goes on to devote about two pages to each state’s capitol showing pictures and describing the architecture and the architectural history of each.  Although I did enjoy the photographs that were in the book (about 3-5 for each state), I wish that there would have been more.  Looking at the pictures of the capitols in the book that I have personally visited, I think that more of their majestic beauty could have been better captured through the inclusion of a few more photos of each.  

All in all though, Stembridge’s work contains a great amount of interesting history and I believe that “Fifty State Capitols:  The Architecture of Representative Government” would be a great resource for any library or school to have. 

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