The "Red Book" being Timber Frame Joinery and Design Workbook?

If so, the ridge spoken of was not much for structural support. From my understanding a ridge beam was used here and there. I don't see many in down east Maine. A true structural ridge would be supported via a post system, and not allowing the peak to drop. These older type of ridge beams, mentioned, were more to fasten the rafter to, not necessarily to hold the ridge/peak up, they would still exert thrust to the walls.

The next lower down type of historical framing could be the crown post and plate configuration. Still not found in the new world much?

I would say a structural ridge with a post support system would lean toward more modern framing typology.