Rating: 
Summary: A classic
Review: I first read this book as a graduate student in an urban planning course almost 20 years ago. I thought it was fantastic then but held off on purchasing it until last year when I moved into a historic district. It is a classic and probably still the best and most comprehensive guide to American architecture around. I cannot recommend it more highly.
Rating:
Summary: Architecture Seminar on American Houses
Review: I have a degree in architecture and master's degree in historic preservation. For the first time I am teaching at LA Tech University, school of Architecture in Ruston, LA a seminar about American Houses or American domestic architecture. When I found this book I knew that this is exactly what I needed it for text book because it contains all American houses styles from Native American until about 1980's. My students, who all bought the book, are very content about the seminar and the book,of course!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Visual Reference!
Review: I highly recommend this book as a reference guide for anyone interested in the history of architecture in the U.S. It consists mostly of photos from all over the country depicting the styles of architecture and the variations within that style. Excellent reference for identification of individual buildings as well as an overview of the styles seen in particular areas of the country.
Rating: 
Summary: An indispensable tool
Review: I stand in awe of the amount of work that must have gone into this book. Photographs of existing examples of every style of architecture (from #1, a Winnebago bark wigwam, to a sampling of NeoVictorians) in every region of the United States dominate its pages (their size is the only reason I don't rate it at five stars: you'll definitely want a magnifier). A lengthy (61pp) preface explains the roots of American house styles and all their basic elements, from plans and shapes to methods of construction to decorative details. Each chapter concentrates on a basic style, from "Pre-Railroad" (log cabins and plains soddies, including a splendid series of sketches showing the former's possible permutations) through "NeoEclectic" and "Contemporary Folk;" all include a map showing the locations in which that type was common and the period of its outward spread, and most have ink sketches of details such as doors, windows, roofs, and general shape. Whether you're a dedicated "house-walker" or just curious about the kinds of houses people have lived in over our nation's history, this comfortably sized and clearly illustrated volume should be on your shelf. I refer to it regularly in writing about past house styles.
Rating:
Summary: An indispensable tool
Review: I stand in awe of the amount of work that must have gone into this book. Photographs of existing examples of every style of architecture (from #1, a Winnebago bark wigwam, to a sampling of NeoVictorians) in every region of the United States dominate its pages (their size is the only reason I don't rate it at five stars: you'll definitely want a magnifier). A lengthy (61pp) preface explains the roots of American house styles and all their basic elements, from plans and shapes to methods of construction to decorative details. Each chapter concentrates on a basic style, from "Pre-Railroad" (log cabins and plains soddies, including a splendid series of sketches showing the former's possible permutations) through "NeoEclectic" and "Contemporary Folk;" all include a map showing the locations in which that type was common and the period of its outward spread, and most have ink sketches of details such as doors, windows, roofs, and general shape. Whether you're a dedicated "house-walker" or just curious about the kinds of houses people have lived in over our nation's history, this comfortably sized and clearly illustrated volume should be on your shelf. I refer to it regularly in writing about past house styles.
Rating:
Summary: An Essential Reference
Review: I worked for a few years as an architectural historian doing historic building surveys and wore out at least 2 or 3 copies of this wonderful book. There are lots of "pocket guides" to architectural styles which will tell you that yup, that thing with a turret is a Victorian. But this book is a priceless resource for anyone with more than a casual interest in American domestic architecture. The McAlesters focus on ordinary houses (rather than rare architectural landmarks) and cover everything from dog-run log cabins to Greek Revival cottages to 1950s ranch houes. The writing is clear, the level of detail is just right, and the book has hundreds of black and white photos and illustrations.I learned about domestic architecture to make a living, but even 20 years later still enjoy it as a hobby. If you're a professional in the field, this book is essential. But I would strongly recommend it to amateur enthusiasts as well. Once you learn to recognize housing types, every drive becomes a history lesson.
Rating:
Summary: An Essential Reference
Review: I worked for a few years as an architectural historian doing historic building surveys and wore out at least 2 or 3 copies of this wonderful book. There are lots of "pocket guides" to architectural styles which will tell you that yup, that thing with a turret is a Victorian. But this book is a priceless resource for anyone with more than a casual interest in American domestic architecture. The McAlesters focus on ordinary houses (rather than rare architectural landmarks) and cover everything from dog-run log cabins to Greek Revival cottages to 1950s ranch houes. The writing is clear, the level of detail is just right, and the book has hundreds of black and white photos and illustrations. I learned about domestic architecture to make a living, but even 20 years later still enjoy it as a hobby. If you're a professional in the field, this book is essential. But I would strongly recommend it to amateur enthusiasts as well. Once you learn to recognize housing types, every drive becomes a history lesson.
Rating:
Summary: An example to follow for guidebooks of ANY kind
Review: I would add just one thing to the very enthusiastic and well-deserved praise that follows. Of all the books I own - and I own a good many - this volume stands out as the result of a helluva lot of WORK. And a labor of love it surely must have been. I particularly like this book because it enhances my appreciation and enjoyment of houses as seen in American movies. This is wonderful. Just wonderful.
Rating:
Summary: An awesome book and superb reference work
Review: I write about old houses for newspapers and magazines and found this book to be an *excellent* reference work. Sometimes, writers rely on other's descriptions of old house styles but this book enables a laymen to go find out the *RIGHT* name for an old house and its appendages. Well laid out and good photos and drawings. Great resource.
Rating:
Summary: A beautiful and useful reference
Review: If I could only keep one volume from my small library of books on home architecture, I would probably stick with "A Field Guide to American Houses," by Virginia and Lee McAlester. This is a true encyclopedia of the American home. The McAlesters combine an informative introduction with a chapter-by-chapter guide to each of the major styles of home architecture in the United States. Each chapter includes both crisp, detailed line drawings and a wealth of photographs of actual houses themselves. The photographs alone--there are literally hundreds of them--make this book an invaluable reference work. The McAlesters also provide newcomers with a useful primer to the language of home architecture. After reading this book you might find yourself using terms like "hipped dormer," "decorated verge board," "roof-line balustrade," and "ogee arch" when you visit a new neighborhood. From Native American tipis to geodesic domes, from Chateauesque mansions to mobile homes--all this and more is in here. This book is a monumental achievement.
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