A Field Guide to American Houses

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Summary: An Essential Reference for Professional Building Designers
Review: "A Field Guide to American Houses" is a must-have for any professional building designer or residential architect. Recommended as a study resource for the NCBDC (National Council of Building Designer Certification) exam, and endorsed by the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD). For more information contact the national office at: 800-366-242

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Summary: Very useful for this novice
Review: A very useful reference, even for those (like me) just starting to understand different styles of homes. My only gripes: more photos, color photos, and more specific information on the photos would be more useful.

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Summary: A Contemporary Classic Saves Architectural Books Forever
Review: Are the differences of the Ionic, Doric, or Corinthian Columns a little fuzy to you? And are these columns found on Early Classical Revival, Greek Revival, or Italiante? (it's a little tricky, they can all three be found on all three but rarely together). McAlestor & McAlestor have transformed a world of bleak descriptions and bland designs and turned them into an understand system of brillant diagrams and excellent pictures. This book was assigned in my historic architecture/preservation class and serves as the DEFINITIVE SOURCE for architectural identification. Buy it and throw it in the car. The world has made some great houses and McAlestor does the BEST JOB of explaining it to all of us!!!

Rating:
Summary: A Contemporary Classic Saves Architectural Books Forever
Review: Are the differences of the Ionic, Doric, or Corinthian Columns a little fuzy to you? And are these columns found on Early Classical Revival, Greek Revival, or Italiante? (it's a little tricky, they can all three be found on all three but rarely together). McAlestor & McAlestor have transformed a world of bleak descriptions and bland designs and turned them into an understand system of brillant diagrams and excellent pictures. This book was assigned in my historic architecture/preservation class and serves as the DEFINITIVE SOURCE for architectural identification. Buy it and throw it in the car. The world has made some great houses and McAlestor does the BEST JOB of explaining it to all of us!!!

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Summary: A superior tool for beginner to expert
Review: As a first time buyer of a vintage home I disapointedly rambled the internet look for a definitive guide to identifying the style of my home. Finally I lucked upon the Field Guide to American Houses and using its detailed guidance and illustrations I quickly solved the mystery. This book is well organized and very clear in describing the key identifying features of American homes. The numerous illustrations and photographs allow the reader to visualize the single or multiple influences used in the construction of a vintage home. A must for those interested in walking tours of homes.

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Summary: I keep a copy in my car
Review: Easy to use, definitive and concise. I think all realtors should be issued a copy of this book.

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Summary: Indispensable
Review: Great Book. Highly useful in the field and as a reference. Good illustrations and high-style photographic examples. Would recommend to students and professionals without hesitation

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Summary: Fabulous Quick Journey Back in Time
Review: Growing up in Boston and spending my adult years in San Francisco gave me an appreciation of fine architecture. This wonderful book has given me and education. I now apply my new found knowledge in my world travels!

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Summary: How to identify a home...and more !
Review: I bought the book in order to understand more about 1 particular style of home. I ended up knowing about every conceivable kind and style of home. Now I'm using the book to inform my Homeowner's association (a group of 300 houses built in the 1920's so that no one mistakes a neo-meditteranean for a Spanish Eclectic !! ...to appreciate why this is important refer to an article written in 1926 on my homeowner's association.... ... .

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Summary: american homes defined
Review: I bought this book for the sole purpose of figuring out whether the 1923 home we bought was craftsman, mission, or prairie. Then, I starting reading it. This is not coffee-table, glosssy material, just the real mccoy. It opens up a whole new world to look at everytime you drive through a new neigborhood. A really nice book to have as a reference. Incidentally, our house is craftsman.