TVA: Adventure in Planning

Artist: Various 
Author: Julian Huxley 
Publisher: Architectural Press 
Date: 1945 
Condition: A third reprint of the first edition (orig.pub.1943), complete with original unclipped dust wrapper over the red ochre and embossed boards; the wrapper with some minor chips and nicks to the edges and some handling marks. Signed and dedicated by the author in pencil on the first endpaper, internally very clean. Illustrated throughout in black and white.

An interesting overview of the way in which the Tennessee Valley Authority, empowered by Roosevelt's New Deal, transformed a huge area of America which was at the time particularly poorly served in several ways, especially through the construction of dams, revised farming practice, hydro-electricity, and the provision of modern facilities and services. Seen very much as a model of how the central government could beneficially influence local services and conditions, Huxley's book was the first account of this project published in England. Whilst we now have the benefit of hindsight as to the long-term impact of the project, this account was doubtless of great influence on the post-war generation of planners and architects seeking to rebuild and revitalise Britain after WWII.