Diane S. (rvdreamin) reviewed What Style is It? A Guide to American Architecture (Building Watchers) on + 86 more book reviews
Handy sized guide to different architectural details of different styles of historic American buildings. Interesting to see how many different styles there are. (We got this book as a companion to the book "Sinbad and Me" by Kin Platt, to see what he was describing.)
Front cover says:
Historic American buildings survey
National trust for historic preservation.
From back cover:
"A history in miniature of architecture in America." American Institute of Architects.
How many of the architectural styles on the front cover could you identify? Unless you scored 100% - and especially if you're in the habit of labeling all old buildings either "colonial" or "Victorian" - What style is it? will finally put to rest your questions about American architectural styles. As the examples here clearly show, at least two dozen major styles have shaped the buildings that surround us. But our buildings remain a mystery to many people. When was it built? Why does it look that way? What style is it? Questions such as these are answered int this portable guide to 300 years of American architecture, Now in a new edition designed for easy identification of buildings on the road or at home, What Style Is It? gives a unique overview of America's architectural styles. Individual chapters on 22 of the most important styles provide a concise look at the history and appearance of each style.
"If you're confused by the differences between Stick and Shingle, or Queen Anne and Italianate, you may need What Style Is It?, a picture and prose handbook that strips away the mysteries of architectural nomenclature." Chicago Tribune.
This slim, pocket-sized guide, with its many photographs and illustrations, should be of value to anyone interested in identifying and enjoying the architectural assets of a building..." New York Times.
... "excellent photographs, careful descriptions, and an easy to read, flowing prose style." Southern Antiques
Front cover says:
Historic American buildings survey
National trust for historic preservation.
From back cover:
"A history in miniature of architecture in America." American Institute of Architects.
How many of the architectural styles on the front cover could you identify? Unless you scored 100% - and especially if you're in the habit of labeling all old buildings either "colonial" or "Victorian" - What style is it? will finally put to rest your questions about American architectural styles. As the examples here clearly show, at least two dozen major styles have shaped the buildings that surround us. But our buildings remain a mystery to many people. When was it built? Why does it look that way? What style is it? Questions such as these are answered int this portable guide to 300 years of American architecture, Now in a new edition designed for easy identification of buildings on the road or at home, What Style Is It? gives a unique overview of America's architectural styles. Individual chapters on 22 of the most important styles provide a concise look at the history and appearance of each style.
"If you're confused by the differences between Stick and Shingle, or Queen Anne and Italianate, you may need What Style Is It?, a picture and prose handbook that strips away the mysteries of architectural nomenclature." Chicago Tribune.
This slim, pocket-sized guide, with its many photographs and illustrations, should be of value to anyone interested in identifying and enjoying the architectural assets of a building..." New York Times.
... "excellent photographs, careful descriptions, and an easy to read, flowing prose style." Southern Antiques
