Jeffrey Blackman follows his successful Covered Bridges of New England with this companion volume that highlights the iconic barns of the same region. Rather than being postcard-perfect, these photos depict the real life of New England and its farming community with the same keen eye that informed Blackman’s photos of abandoned gas pumps and pickup trucks in Out of Gas.

New England barns are icons; unlike barns of other regions, they possess a unique character and a special vernacular. Often hewn from trees cleared when the farms were first established, these barns were built to reflect and accommodate the needs of each different farm. Working farms in the sometimes harsh, always beautiful New England countryside now seem to be a vanishing species, and so the New England barn is also vanishing.

If you remember what it was like to take a road trip as a child, how exciting it was to turn a corner and suddenly spy a beautiful red barn in a lush green pasture, you will appreciate this collection. It’s a bit of New England’s best to enjoy anytime, no matter where you are.