Only recently has interest been shown in those historic buildings which sprang from the industrial revolution, from the warp and woof of everyday commercial and manufacturing life. Funcitonal tradition describes those buildings arising from necessity and practicability rather than aesthetic stirring. Yet they achieve an unconscious beauty of form in their simplicity and honesty of construction, in their strength of purpose and visual impact. This book will stimulate an appreciation of the wealth of such buildings in Australia and encourage us all to give them continuing life.