Identifying American Architecture: A Pictorial Guide to Styles and Terms, 1600-1945

by John J.-G. Blumenson, Nikolaus Pevsner (Foreword), David Harding Paine (Contributor)

Have you ever been intrigued by a beautiful building and wondered when it was built? Identifying American Architecture provides the answer to such questions in a concise handbook perfect for preservationists, architects, students and tourists alike. With 214 photographs, it allows readers to associate real buildings with architectural styles, elements and orders. Identifying American Architecture was designed to be used carried about and kept handy for frequent reference. Every photograph is keyed to an explanatory legend pointing out characteristic features of each building's style.

Genres: Reference, History, Architecture

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This small book is densely packed with great information and its only negative is that the book does not cover house styles after 1945. While it is in black and white, several photos are included for each house style and the photos are labeled to highlight the important features. There is so much information, and so many architectural and construction terms used in this book, it is a challenge to even begin to remember it all! To help a pictorial glossary is included. This is a book for anyone interested in old houses. Like bird, mushroom, and tree identification books, it is best owned and kept for reference in your personal library or perhaps kept in your car or backpack where you can easily access it.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how straightforward this book is. I only wish there were an updated version that covered 1945 - now. It would be hilarious to see the cookie cutter houses of today identified in such a scientific manner: "Fig. 1 - Vinyl siding."

The octagon houses are so neat! I remember there being one in Knoxville that was mesmerizing, I wonder if Nashville's got one someplace.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good reference book for anyone who wants to learn more about architecture. It took me a little while to get through, I think, because I was trying to memorize everything about all the different architectural styles. That's not really possible though, unless you have a photographic memory. It would be a very good reference book to have in your house though. I borrowed it from the library but I plan on buying a copy as soon as I can.