Miles Glendinning’s new book significantly deepens our knowledge and appreciation of the conservation movement. In a critical, learned, deeply thoughtful and fast-paced narrative, Glendinning vividly relates the process of making, discovering and transforming heritage to the mainsprings of geopolitics and intellectual history. Focusing on the 20th century, he wisely steers clear of normative judgments – lending clarity to his interpretation of conservation debates and rendering this volume extremely useful to both historians and conservation/design professionals. – Professor Randall Mason, Chair, Graduate Program in Historic Preservation, The University of Pennsylvania School of Design "A fascinating read" - The Architectural Review "This book brings vividly before our eyes the astonishing story of an astonishing movement, in all its diverse facets." - Die Denkmalpflege "With his familiar verve, Miles Glendinning, professor of architectural conservation at the University of Edinburgh, successfully confounds this preconception [that the subject has little new to tell us] with a combination of challenging insight and analysis that places evolving battles for the ethical high ground in conservation in the context of unfolding patterns of world events: revolutions, wars, and political and socio-economic transformations." - Dennis Rodwell, Context "Miles Glendinning’s new book significantly deepens our knowledge and appreciation of the conservation movement. In a critical, learned, deeply thoughtful and fast-paced narrative, Glendinning vividly relates the process of making, discovering and transforming heritage to the mainsprings of geopolitics and intellectual history. Focusing on the 20th century, he wisely steers clear of normative judgments – lending clarity to his interpretation of conservation debates and rendering this volume extremely useful to both historians and conservation/design professionals." – Professor Randall Mason, Chair, Graduate Program in Historic Preservation, The University of Pennsylvania School of Design "...incorporating 12 chapters, the author gives an in-depth accounting of heritage, generously peppered with black-and-white photographs, drawings, and some maps....Glendinning leaves readers with challenging questions for the future of conserving the built environment." – L. B. Allsopp, University of Oregon