Pittsfield, MA, Aug 10, 2011 — A new book about Great Camps in the Adirondacks examines how social, economic and cultural forces shaped those historic, rustic homes every bit as much as the architects and contractors. Gladys Montgomery's An Elegant Wilderness: Great Camps and Grand Lodges of the Adirondacks 1855-1935 is filled with archival black and white photographs of log mansions and lavish interiors.

Montgomery is a writer who specializes in architecture and design. She's written numerous articles and several books on old houses and their cultural histories. She spoke with Todd Moe about her book and the Gilded Age rich who built many of the Adirondack Great Camps and traveled north from the city to experience life in the wilderness.