What Style Is It?: A Guide to American Architecture

by John C. Poppeliers, S. Allen Chambers

Architectural style is defined as a definite type of architecture, distinguished by special characteristics of structure and ornament.
This revised edition of What Style Is It? includes new sections on Neoclassical, Romanesque and Rustic Styles. It also provides more examples of how pure styles vary by geographic region across the US.
* Includes sections on 25 of the most significant architectural styles including Early Colonial, Federal and Second Empire
* More than 200 photos and line drawings make this a visually rich resource. 30% of photos and drawings are new to this edition
* A glossary offers quick access to architectural terms
* Includes an added guide to using the Historical American Buildings Society online catalogue of more than 30,000 historic structures, giving access to more than 51,000 measured drawings, 156,000 photographs and more than 30,000 original historical reports

Genres: Architecture, Reference, Nonfiction, Design, Heritage Preservation, History, Art

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[Steven Yenzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid review of common American architectural styles. As a novice I had some trouble with the terminology, but there is a glossary that I didn't notice until the end. Although updated in 2003, the survey effectively ends at the International Style, which I found disappointing.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A venerable guide to identifying American architectural styles.

[Maria Pantazopoulou · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a really good introduction to American architecture, and it serves as a good starting point for those who wish to learn the basic characteristics of the various styles, from early colonial to the International style. It's also easy to read and understand, with loads of examples of buildings from around the country.

[Kb · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is what it is. If you like architecture or would like to learn more about it, this is a nice survey.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot from this little book. This was something I ran across at the library, but I'll probably buy my own copy.

[Du · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really solid overview of architecture. It is not a tome, nor is it a glance, instead there is a logical and clear progression of home building and design. Great feel to the book as well.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful and quick read on American architecture. I had fun identifying buildings around town.