"The Great Architectural Significance of Albermarle County and Charlottesville, Virginia, rests on the continuing influence of Thomas Jefferson. Not only did Jefferson design his home Monticello and the University of Virginia here and the State Capitol and his country retreat Poplar Forest elsewhere in Virginia; after his death, master builders continued to construct important examples of Jeffersonian classicism in Albemarle County and beyond.".

"But what is less well known are the many important examples of other architectural idioms built in this Piedmont Virginia county, many by nationally renowned architects.".

"For many years K. Edward Lay has been teaching, guiding tours of, and writing about this rich architectural legacy. Here at last is his definitive treatment of a topic that has been his life's work, presented in an elegantly illustrated volume. This giftbook or reference work gives architects, historians, visitors, and residents an unprecedented view of the wealth of buildings in Charlottesville and Albemarle County."--BOOK JACKET.