The porch has been the Southern gathering place for centuries, and while many of us have moved indoors, dogs still hold vigil on the welcome mat. Photographer and architect Nell Dickerson traveled across the South to capture snapshots of this Southern tradition in her latest book “Porch Dogs.” Dickerson fondly recalls childhood nights on the sleeping porch of her grandparents’ home — the sounds of katydids, cicadas and tree frogs and the merciful breeze from the overhead fan. She presents 60-plus shots of man’s best friend, combining fine-art portraits of dogs with architectural documentation of the Southern porch. The uplifting collection of mostly candid photographs introduces a variety of canines, including “house dogs,” “yard dogs,” “shop dogs,” “swing dogs,” “top dogs,” “under dogs” and “dock dogs.” Published by John F. Blair, Publisher of Winston-Salem. Hardcover, 112 pages, $29.95. Also available as an e-book ($7.99–$9.99) at e-book retailers such as Apple, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

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