Elements of Style

by Stephen Calloway

""An impressive reference work." - Library Journal (on the 1997 edition)" "A richly detailed and easy-to-use reference to 500 years of architectural details and styles."Owners and potential buyers of period houses, restorers, architects, interior designers and historical preservationists will find this reference invaluable.The Elements of Style is the most comprehensive visual survey, period-by-period, feature-by-feature, of the styles that have had the greatest impact on interiors of American and British domestic architecture. Compiled by a team of experts, this is the first book on architectural styles that is comprehensive, incredibly thorough, and accessible in its presentation of individual details.This magnificent volume covers more than 500 years of architectural styles from Tudor to Post-Modern and includes American and British vernacular styles. First published in 1991 (with 150,000 copies sold), this new edition is expanded to include the most contemporary styles.Detailed illustrations include 3,000 analytical drawings and historic engravings, 400 photographs in color and 1,000 in black and white.The heart of The Elements of Style is a chronological survey of the primary styles and periods of architectural design. Each chapter begins with an illustrated essay, then covers in detail features such Doors Windows Walls, floors and ceilings Staircases Ironwork and hardware Woodwork and built-in furniture Kitchen stoves and fireplaces Essential period architectural details, and more.The book also A useful system of quick reference, employing color-coded tabs showing how particular features evolved over time, and A fully updatedresource list with contact information for locating suppliers of those design elements illustrated throughout the book.The Elements of Style is the essential reference for preservationists, architects, interior designers, owners of period homes, and historians.

Genres: Architecture, Design, Reference, Nonfiction, Interior Design, Art, History

Hardcover

First published October 15, 1991

About the author

Stephen Calloway is a curator of paintings at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

He is an expert on 19th century art, and has made a particular study of the decadent and dandy culture of the fin de siecle.

He staged the V&A's exhibition on the 1890s, 'High Art and Low Life' in 1993, and curated the 'Aubrey Beardsley Centenary Show' in Tokyo and London in 1998.

He writes on the history of taste and lectures widely in England and America.

He also worked, in his role as a consultant on period sytle and manners, with Nicole Kidman and John Malkovich on Jane Campion's film of Henry James' novel 'The Portrait of a Lady'.

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and resourceful book that is packed with information on architectural styles. While the book emphasizes interior elements, there is also information pertaining to exterior stylistic elements.

[Katie Knight]

Incredible reference book that provides excellent details of specific Western style periods (Classical, Georgian, Baroque, etc.). Perfect for students who need help identifying ornamental and architectural details. Ample illustrations and photographs to supplement descriptions.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who has ever wondered, "What is that thing on my house called?"

A great resource for writers of period fiction.

[julia]

Very comprehensive reference book.

[Philip Bergstresser]

I use it to faithfully reconstruct any house that I work on. then I modernize!

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant, in-depth reference that I will utilize again and again for research purposes.

[Daniel Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the holy bible for all film and TV Art Directors.

[Jalu Wardhana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful book

[Michael Heath-Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Large comprehensive and well presented book on architecture