California Colonial: The Spanish and Rancho Revival Styles (Schiffer Design Book)

Rating:
Summary: A wonderfully-written and visually-stunning reference
Review: Dr. McMillian's treatment of a beautiful and significant architectural tradition in this country is quite unique. She has written and assembled an exquisite volume that deftly bridges the gap between a dry technical analysis and a pretty coffee-table effort by offering the reader an excellent textual and visual presentation of the mission and spanish revival styles (and related styles) that emanated in Southern California in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Lesser-recognized sub-genre's like hacienda, rancho and Plateresco are also discussed, and the oftentimes confusing evolution and blending of these various styles is skillfully addressed. Hundreds of color photos beautifully complement the extremely informative historical analysis, providing the reader with a real taste of the various architectural and decorative arts elements that comprise these styles. Dr. McMillian's effort brings appropriate attention to an architectural tradition that defines Southern California more than any other. A more adept and satisfying one-volume treatment of this subject matter would be hard to imagine. Highly recommended.

For a beautiful companion volume that is equally well-written and accompanied by some stunning photography, check out the author's "Casa California" (1996).

Rating:
Summary: A wonderfully-written and visually-stunning reference
Review: Dr. McMillian's treatment of a beautiful and significant architectural tradition in this country is quite unique. She has written and assembled an exquisite volume that deftly bridges the gap between a dry technical analysis and a pretty coffee-table effort by offering the reader an excellent textual and visual presentation of the mission and spanish revival styles (and related styles) that emanated in Southern California in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Lesser-recognized sub-genre's like hacienda, rancho and Plateresco also discussed, and the oftentimes confusing evolution and blending of these various styles is skillfully addressed. Hundreds of color photos beautifully complement the extremely informative historical analysis, providing the reader with a real taste of the various architectural and decorative arts elements that comprise these styles. Dr. McMillian's effort brings appropriate attention to an architectural tradition that defines Southern California more than any other. A more adept and satisfying one-volume treatment of this subject matter would be hard to imagine. Highly recommended.

For a beautiful companion volume that is equally well-written and accompanied by some stunning photography, check out the author's "Casa California" (1996).