The Secret Life of Victorian Houses

by Elan Zingman-Leith, Susan Zingman-Leith, Tim Fields (Photographer)

Explores how the architecture and decoration of better-class American residences reflected the elements of Victorian society, such as the changing role of women, the beginning of mass-produced goods and consumerism, middle-class pretensions, and the new morality. Lavishly illustrated with fine color photographs. Double spaced. No index. Available from Elliott & Clark Publishing, PO Box 21365, Washington, DC 20009. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

144 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1993

Reviews

[Jennifer Heise · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lots of lovely pictures of Victorian era restored homes with period settings. Really a beautiful book. But in trying to combat the Victoria Magazine picture of the period, they come out with really odd and probably historically unsupported social content. (Notes on 19th century women's silhouettes -- that the turn of the century bosom was a full foot below 'normal' positioning-- are a good example.) While disputing some myths (few/small closets because of closet taxes) they come up with others (closets were small to show that people could have their clothes stored elsewhere: look, before hangers, hanging things in a closet was a poor way to keep them neat and well-creased; flat storage was better.) Some of the architectural development information is doubtless correct: but which parts?
A pretty picture book, but the text-- no.

[Nigel Ewan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some very attractive photographs.

[Chloe Westphal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lovely pictures, but unfortunately the text does contain a lot of inaccuracies, some quite bizarre and unsourced.

[Bren fall in love with the sea. · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, this was a lovely book. I happen to love Victorian Architecture so i t was quite nice to see so much of it.

The book made me want to go out and buy a Victorian House! For those who like Victorian Homes take a look at this book as it has everything one could possibly want as far as images and pictures. Lots of fun to read.