Windmills, Picturesque and Historic: The Motors of the Past

"Windmills, Picturesque and Historic: The Motors of the Past" by F. H. Shelton is a recounting from the early 1900s that brings to light the beauty and historical importance of windmills as vital power sources. The narrative journeys through the history of windmills, from their early appearances to their peak around the Crusades, when they drove the world before steam and electricity took over around 1825. Shelton breaks down the different kinds of windmills, like vertical and horizontal designs, and explains the parts that make them work, such as the tower, wheel, and tail vane. The story goes across Holland, England, and France to showcase diverse designs, including landmarks like the Newport mill in Rhode Island, providing an interesting view of how windmills blended into the technology and culture of their time.