The Art Deco design revolution of the 1920s and 1930s symbolized the optimism and rapid change of the industrial age--clean lines, dramatic shapes, colorful and ornate surfaces. Art Deco changed the look of everything from ocean liners and passenger trains to toasters and wall clocks; but nowhere was this transformation more dramatic or more lasting than in architecture.

In this comprehensive state-by-state guide, historian and bestselling author David Gebhard leads you on an unforgettable Art Deco tour of the United States. You'll discover treasures large and small, from hotels and office towers to gas stations and movie theaters--even some rare examples of Art Deco single-family houses. Along with the finest works by the leading lights in the movement, you'll find surprising contributions from unsung local architects who brought the delights of Art Deco to far-flung regions. Gebhard's introductory essay supplies historical perspective and clarifies the distinctions between Art Deco, Streamline Moderne, and other popular styles of the day.

Each entry includes the building's street address, a thumbnail history, and a description of the building's main features. With more than 500 entries and well over 200 photos, this is the ultimate Art Deco handbook for architects and architectural historians, designers and preservationists, students, travelers, and armchair adventurers alike.