Scenic America proudly celebrates the upcoming release of Servant of Beauty: Landmarks, Secret Love, and the Unimagined Life of an Unsung New York Hero (Rowman & Littlefield, 2025), a new book by award-winning author and preservationist Anthony C. Wood. This deeply researched biography brings to light the extraordinary contributions of Albert Sprague Bard, a pioneering advocate for scenic beauty and one of the most influential yet unrecognized figures in American preservation.

Bard’s legacy is one of resilience, advocacy, and an unshakable belief that the public realm has the right to be both functional and beautiful. His crowning achievement, the Bard Act, empowered municipalities across New York State to regulate aesthetics, paving the way for New York City’s 1965 Landmarks Law—now celebrating its 60th anniversary. Today, thanks to Bard’s vision, more than 37,000 buildings and countless historic neighborhoods remain protected, serving as an inspiration for preservation efforts nationwide.

Beyond his legal and civic victories, Bard was a fearless fighter against “billboard blight,” taking on the powerful Outdoor Advertising Association of America and championing regulations to protect scenic landscapes. His advocacy, in partnership with leaders like Mrs. Elizabeth Lawton and the National Roadside Council, helped shape the modern movement to preserve America’s natural and built beauty.

Scenic America President Mark Falzone, who provided a quote for the book’s jacket, praised Servant of Beauty as “a must-read for today’s preservationists and advocates of scenic beauty. Bard’s unwavering dedication and strategic brilliance serve as a model for all who seek to defend the integrity of our landscapes and communities.”

Bard’s story is a reminder that progress often requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to challenge powerful interests. Servant of Beauty lifts up his legacy as a call to action for those who believe in preserving the beauty of the places we love.

The book will be available in May and can be pre-ordered now on Amazon.