Charles Morse Stotz, a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, was author of numerous volumes on the history and architecture of western Pennsylvania.

[Professor James's] treatment is encyclopedic; few events in American colonial history are omitted. Moreover, since Pittsburgh was caught up in international power politics, he analyzes in detail the great William Pitt's 'system' for the defeat of the French, but always with the intent of showing the effect of these global plans on the Pittsburgh area.... Mr. Stotz describes the area's forts, using words and drawings with equal facility, and makes a permanent contribution to the history of military architecture.... His work illuminates the whole history of military fortifications in the eighteenth century. - Mississippi Valley Historical Review