Nan Chase's history of Asheville explores two main aspects of the western North Carolina city: the origins of the Art-Deco architecture evident in its buildings and the rise of the modern downtown renaissance after decades of depression and a boom-and-bust economy. The chapters on the Biltmore Estate and the architecture style of the city are probably the best. The writing is accompanied by great historical pictures, from the moments buildings were first erected, to the early mountain-situated cityscape. Recommended to any one who has been enthralled by Asheville and would like to know more about its storied origins. ( )