I am a foreigner in Wisconsin. Barns have always had a sense of mystery to me, they were these beautiful and giant buildings scattered around the beautiful countryside of Wisconsin, and were imposing in every respect, but beyond that I had little understanding of them.
I first saw this book at one of the store fronts in a building managed by the Wisconsin Historical Society. After yearning to buy this book for a long time, but not knowing if I will read this, or if it will be worth the money, I finally caved in.
The book lived up to and over my expectations. It immortalises the barns through numerous pictures both taken by the authors as well as ones from other sources including the Wisconsin historical society. But the book is not just pictures. It provides A LOT OF INFORMATION about the barns, their history, their unique features, their construction, their uses, information about silos, corn-cribs, barn restoration efforts, noteworthy barns in Wisconsin etc, and is as much a treatise on the history of country living and a comprehensive work on barns. I know so much about a barn today, can tell the style from the roof, is drawn to the materials of construction, the silo, and overall have a holistic understanding, and an immense sense of appreciation for the barn, exclusively thanks to this book.
I highly recommend it. It is well worth the time and the money!! And I bow my head in respect to Jerry Apps for compiling this work !!