Great American Houses and Their Architectural Styles

As an avid architecture and design enthusiast, I consider this book to be one of the seminal volumes on the American vernacular in my library. The authors explore 25 grand houses--ranging from Monticello to Mark Twain House to Vizcaya--and the changing tastes in housing design over a period of over 300 years.The book is divided into four main sections and within each they introduce, in chronological order, each of the grand mansions that illustrate the evolution of a principal style. For example, under the Colonial section, Georgian, Federal, Classical Revival, French Colonial and Spanish Colonial are each examined. The format provides a narrative of the progression of that style, photography and the historical cultural aspects contextualize its development. Each style is then deconstructed in a double page spread featuring illustrations highlighting the design elements.What I most enjoy about this book is its versatility for anyone interested in architecture. This book is for the novice and informed alike. It can be used as a quick reference tool or as a visual dictionary of architectural terms or as a more in depth volume on the development of the stylistic elements that comprise the great American house.

Was a great bookWanted to see how American houses are laid out

Has been an excellent reference book for visiting many of these houses in the U.S.

This book is going to be used as my guest book as my wedding for the guests to flip through, choose a page, and sign. It's a beautiful book and I look forward to having it on my coffee table to read and reminisce about my wedding!

I love being able to see the interiors of these houses.This book is wonderful....and reading about each houses' history is so interesting!

It is a very interesting book

Mostly a coffee table book. It was just okay. Wasnt what I expected.

good book, good price, fast delivery - Thanks