I just came across a review of a book that sounds interesting -- and potentially useful in places like Fresno, where an abiding respect and affection for our past is often hard to find.

The book has the unglamorous title, "The Politics of Historic Districts: A Primer for Grassroots Preservation," but writer Bill Schmickle, chairman of the Annapolis (Maryland) Historic Preservation Commission, has a good point to make: Historical preservationists must have considerable political savvy if they are to succeed, because there are many powerful forces arrayed against them.

I guess this would be a good chance to use some of those book store gift cards I racked up at Christmas.