What do you think?
Rate this book
Storybook Style: America's Whimsical Homes of the Twenties
In the tradition of the Bungalow series, here is a marvelous celebration of the twentieth century's most delightful and whimsical architectural style
Storybook Style, the rambunctious evocation of medieval Europe in American housing, was born in the early 1920s and almost forgotten by the late 1930s. It took its inspiration from the Hollywood sets that enthralled Americans of the period and that still appeal to our jaded modern eye. Half timbered and turreted, pinnacled and portcullised, these houses owed their fanciful bravura to architects and builders with theatrical flair, fine craftsmanship, and humor. In Storybook Style, architectural information enhances the stunning color pictures by Bungalow and Painted Ladies photographer Doug Keister to impart a wealth of information and enjoyment.
Storybook Style, the rambunctious evocation of medieval Europe in American housing, was born in the early 1920s and almost forgotten by the late 1930s. It took its inspiration from the Hollywood sets that enthralled Americans of the period and that still appeal to our jaded modern eye. Half timbered and turreted, pinnacled and portcullised, these houses owed their fanciful bravura to architects and builders with theatrical flair, fine craftsmanship, and humor. In Storybook Style, architectural information enhances the stunning color pictures by Bungalow and Painted Ladies photographer Doug Keister to impart a wealth of information and enjoyment.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published October 29, 2001
3 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 4, 2017
“Aarol Gellner is a practicing architect, long-time syndicated columnist, and regular blogger on architectural topics. For almost twenty years he has used his column and blog, Architext, to transport the discussion of architecture from its frequently hifalutin plane into the realm of every day existence.”
”Douglas Keister has authored or co-authored over three dozen books on historic architecture, and is considered one of America’s most noted photographers of historic architecture. Additionally, he’s authored a children’s book, Fernando’s Gift, four novels, as well as many books on the “painted ladies” of Victorian homes, and a series on bungalows.
The town I grew up in had a mixture of some homes built in the 1950s, some from the time where homes were grand with lawns for playing croquet, private tennis courts, although there were fewer of those, being significantly larger, older and on more property than most homes in that town. There were a few of these I was in throughout the years, but the most sought after homes there were the ones on the lake. Or one of the lakes, at least.
The house I lived in there was the second one my parents bought, two houses away from the first one, and more or less built for my parents, although not to any specifics they wanted. My Dad would convert the garage to the kitchen I grew up loving, and add on a 2-car garage on the opposite side of the house, following that he built a “sun room” which connected the garage to the house. In between “we” made furniture. I still have the table and chairs, which I “helped” him build. A few years later, he had the attic area extended and they built an impressive Master bedroom and bath, office, and a huge bedroom for my older brother upstairs. Nothing too fancy, but oversized for those years. And then my mother’s best friend (and her husband) down the street won the lottery. Really. And they moved to a community that I’d never heard of then, but many people know because a famous, or infamous, former President who moved there shortly after they did. So my mother, with no winning lottery ticket, set out to find our new family home.
Before then my mother would refer to it as a “Sunday drive”, and after then it was to look at houses, although they weren’t necessarily houses for sale, more like neighborhoods, and an idea of where she wanted to live, until she found where she wanted to be for at least the next twenty years. In that time I saw a lot of unusual, quirky homes, but none approach the ones in this book. These homes take things to another level. But we did look at some houses styled like this, but the only house that remotely resembled these houses was the house of the original owner of the estate, which later became the town we lived in. That house itself was grand, and lovely, but it was the chapel he had built on a small island just off the shore of the lake their house was on that won my heart. That chapel would have made a worthy addition in its day. And what a gesture!
We moved, although my mother was really the only one who wanted to, and selling the house my father had built a good portion of it with his own hands broke his heart.
“Fairy-Tale,” “Disneyesque” and “Hansel and Gretel” are terms that are commonly used in Storybook style homes, “a rambunctious evocation of medieval Europe." Introduced to the America in the 1920s, was near its highest point prior to the Depression, and new ones were out of the picture before the end of the 1930s. There’s a great deal of information on the history of the picturesque movement in design, where “fake castle building” became popular. As the Industrial Revolution began to take hold and transform building, there was the “Revival of Hand Craftsmanship” to counter-balance that. Art Nouveau, and so on. In other words, this is far more than a picture book, although it would make a lovely, and unusual coffee table book or guest room addition.
There are photos included from long ago publications, some photographs taken in the 1920s of movie sets with some Storybook style buildings, and some photographs that the men who came home from Europe following the war brought home with them.
While most of the more recent photographs are of the outside of these homes, there are a few of the interiors. Close-ups of details. Amazing stained-glass windows. Some rather incredible doors, including their hardware. Every detail is another layer of art. Murals on ceilings that make everything feel like you’d feel as though you were living inside a storybook in that home. Some of these homes were rescued at the last moment from destruction by a developer, and now have Historic Cultural Status as protection, or have other stories to tell.
If, like my daughter, you’ve ever fancied yourself rescued from a tower, or a turret, by a handsome young prince, or princess, then this book might have you revisiting your Disneyesque dreams and smiling. Or perhaps, you have your own reasons and fantasies and living in one of these amazing, whimsical homes, but can’t afford your own (and very few people could.) At least you can look, and dream!
Pub Date: 28 July 2017
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Schiffer Publishing Ltd / Schiffer
”Douglas Keister has authored or co-authored over three dozen books on historic architecture, and is considered one of America’s most noted photographers of historic architecture. Additionally, he’s authored a children’s book, Fernando’s Gift, four novels, as well as many books on the “painted ladies” of Victorian homes, and a series on bungalows.
The town I grew up in had a mixture of some homes built in the 1950s, some from the time where homes were grand with lawns for playing croquet, private tennis courts, although there were fewer of those, being significantly larger, older and on more property than most homes in that town. There were a few of these I was in throughout the years, but the most sought after homes there were the ones on the lake. Or one of the lakes, at least.
The house I lived in there was the second one my parents bought, two houses away from the first one, and more or less built for my parents, although not to any specifics they wanted. My Dad would convert the garage to the kitchen I grew up loving, and add on a 2-car garage on the opposite side of the house, following that he built a “sun room” which connected the garage to the house. In between “we” made furniture. I still have the table and chairs, which I “helped” him build. A few years later, he had the attic area extended and they built an impressive Master bedroom and bath, office, and a huge bedroom for my older brother upstairs. Nothing too fancy, but oversized for those years. And then my mother’s best friend (and her husband) down the street won the lottery. Really. And they moved to a community that I’d never heard of then, but many people know because a famous, or infamous, former President who moved there shortly after they did. So my mother, with no winning lottery ticket, set out to find our new family home.
Before then my mother would refer to it as a “Sunday drive”, and after then it was to look at houses, although they weren’t necessarily houses for sale, more like neighborhoods, and an idea of where she wanted to live, until she found where she wanted to be for at least the next twenty years. In that time I saw a lot of unusual, quirky homes, but none approach the ones in this book. These homes take things to another level. But we did look at some houses styled like this, but the only house that remotely resembled these houses was the house of the original owner of the estate, which later became the town we lived in. That house itself was grand, and lovely, but it was the chapel he had built on a small island just off the shore of the lake their house was on that won my heart. That chapel would have made a worthy addition in its day. And what a gesture!
We moved, although my mother was really the only one who wanted to, and selling the house my father had built a good portion of it with his own hands broke his heart.
“Fairy-Tale,” “Disneyesque” and “Hansel and Gretel” are terms that are commonly used in Storybook style homes, “a rambunctious evocation of medieval Europe." Introduced to the America in the 1920s, was near its highest point prior to the Depression, and new ones were out of the picture before the end of the 1930s. There’s a great deal of information on the history of the picturesque movement in design, where “fake castle building” became popular. As the Industrial Revolution began to take hold and transform building, there was the “Revival of Hand Craftsmanship” to counter-balance that. Art Nouveau, and so on. In other words, this is far more than a picture book, although it would make a lovely, and unusual coffee table book or guest room addition.
There are photos included from long ago publications, some photographs taken in the 1920s of movie sets with some Storybook style buildings, and some photographs that the men who came home from Europe following the war brought home with them.
While most of the more recent photographs are of the outside of these homes, there are a few of the interiors. Close-ups of details. Amazing stained-glass windows. Some rather incredible doors, including their hardware. Every detail is another layer of art. Murals on ceilings that make everything feel like you’d feel as though you were living inside a storybook in that home. Some of these homes were rescued at the last moment from destruction by a developer, and now have Historic Cultural Status as protection, or have other stories to tell.
If, like my daughter, you’ve ever fancied yourself rescued from a tower, or a turret, by a handsome young prince, or princess, then this book might have you revisiting your Disneyesque dreams and smiling. Or perhaps, you have your own reasons and fantasies and living in one of these amazing, whimsical homes, but can’t afford your own (and very few people could.) At least you can look, and dream!
Pub Date: 28 July 2017
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Schiffer Publishing Ltd / Schiffer
May 2, 2017
Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley.
I am coming to this as simply a reader who likes to the Storybook style, though before reading this book I would have simply called the style fairy tale houses. Hey, not my field.
This book presents a history of the style, including a brief overview of the influences, including the style used in the Renaissance and Medieval periods. While most of the houses discussed are in the United States, there is a bit of an international flavor to the book.
The book also looks at the influence of Hollywood upon the style as well as vice versa. Additional, there are sections of the book that deal with the little things that are not noticed very often, describing terms and history.
Quite a good little introduction.
I am coming to this as simply a reader who likes to the Storybook style, though before reading this book I would have simply called the style fairy tale houses. Hey, not my field.
This book presents a history of the style, including a brief overview of the influences, including the style used in the Renaissance and Medieval periods. While most of the houses discussed are in the United States, there is a bit of an international flavor to the book.
The book also looks at the influence of Hollywood upon the style as well as vice versa. Additional, there are sections of the book that deal with the little things that are not noticed very often, describing terms and history.
Quite a good little introduction.
June 16, 2017
Oh my goodness one of the most scrumptious books out-there. Inspirational pictures for artists, sketch artists and writers. I am honestly impressed by the selection and description. Point by point presentation of the houses and how they are used. Looking at these images over and over again and I feel like I am transported back into my childhood dream home. Visually stimulating, did I mention beautiful? Would recommend or gift it as a book and a decoration piece, definitely worth investing in.
December 28, 2009
Thanks to my parents for the lovely Christmas gift!!! This is an absolutely gorgeous, fascinating book all about America's "storybook style" architecture, primarily in homes. While much of the focus is on California (LA, San Francisco and Carmel) there are homes across the country and the book features primarily large exterior shots (like the one on the cover) but also does some interior work as well as a section focused on smaller details such as door knockers and chimneys. Charming period real estate and home improvement advertisements are also included. This will take me awhile to get through because it is actually quite a wordy book--this is not just some glossy photos of cool houses but rather includes a great deal of background info and architectural history that I love! Still, I think I see a five-star rating in the future! ;-)
June 23, 2017
I found this book highly interesting. I knew nothing about this architectural style, so it did an amazing job of explaining and showing its particularities as well as its history.
It's quite accessible although I feel a glossary would have been helpful.
Thank you to NetGalley for the free digital copy.
It's quite accessible although I feel a glossary would have been helpful.
Thank you to NetGalley for the free digital copy.
May 26, 2017
A delightful and satisfying volume on the Storybook aesthetic, thoughtfully organized and beautifully designed. Unless one lives in Southern or Northern California, few of us encounter these remarkable structures in our daily lives. And even if one does live where these whimsical buildings are more common, they’re usually seen fleetingly and from a distance. Gellner and Keister offer readers an opportunity to appreciate the history and the details of an abundance of these charming and imaginative buildings, and to glimpse some seldom-seen interiors, as well.
Multiple sidebars are well-placed throughout the text and enhance the reader’s understanding of the history, artifacts, and architecture associated with Storybook style. The authors do a splendid job of introducing the back story and European roots and evolution of this architectural fashion that took hold in the U.S. in the 1920s. Full-color photos throughout depict European castles (including Bavaria’s Neuschwanstein—what many believe “a real castle should look like,” and the inspiration for Disney’s “Cinderella’s Castle”), roadside architecture, and structures evoking the Golden Age of Hollywood glamour. Those who enjoy detail will linger over inset photos depicting the exceptional craftsmanship of entrance doors, chimneys, and lighting fixtures.
An essential work for fans of these fanciful structures.
Multiple sidebars are well-placed throughout the text and enhance the reader’s understanding of the history, artifacts, and architecture associated with Storybook style. The authors do a splendid job of introducing the back story and European roots and evolution of this architectural fashion that took hold in the U.S. in the 1920s. Full-color photos throughout depict European castles (including Bavaria’s Neuschwanstein—what many believe “a real castle should look like,” and the inspiration for Disney’s “Cinderella’s Castle”), roadside architecture, and structures evoking the Golden Age of Hollywood glamour. Those who enjoy detail will linger over inset photos depicting the exceptional craftsmanship of entrance doors, chimneys, and lighting fixtures.
An essential work for fans of these fanciful structures.
June 20, 2018
Oh my gosh! You will want to move into these adorable places! I am in love! Buy this! It is beautiful!
June 9, 2017
4 1/2 stars -
Really, really fun book! I've been a big fan of Storybook Style homes for much of my life, and this book is delightful! It traces the history of this idea, from the 1700s and into the Victorian age and their "follies" through to the modern times. While the heyday of this style was the 20s and 30s, particularly in California, Storybook homes are still being created today. The photos are fantastic! My only wish would have been for more floorplans to have been included alongside the photos of the interiors, so that I could have a better sense of how the homes flow. I would strongly recommend this to anyone who loves architecture and interesting design. It makes me want to add a turret to my own home! Great book!
Really, really fun book! I've been a big fan of Storybook Style homes for much of my life, and this book is delightful! It traces the history of this idea, from the 1700s and into the Victorian age and their "follies" through to the modern times. While the heyday of this style was the 20s and 30s, particularly in California, Storybook homes are still being created today. The photos are fantastic! My only wish would have been for more floorplans to have been included alongside the photos of the interiors, so that I could have a better sense of how the homes flow. I would strongly recommend this to anyone who loves architecture and interesting design. It makes me want to add a turret to my own home! Great book!
May 27, 2017
Whilst I am not an architect or a student of the craft, I do love storybook style homes and this book caught my attention right away. Not only does it go a long way to explain the various styles and the ideas behind them, but the photos are amazing. Detailing the interiors and exteriors with explanations of the various nuances used by the home designers, you get a close up look at what the storybook style is all about.
Written in language that is easy for the layperson to understand, this book taught me a lot. I particularly liked the section on Hollywood storybook homes. The authors did a good job of putting together a book that brings history to life and shows the height of this style. I love all the photos of thatched roofs and turrets and wonderful gardens.
If you are interested in architecture, this would be a great book for you to take a look at, and even if you aren't this is still a really interesting read, talking a lot about times gone by and the changes in styles of homes over the years.
This was a great book that immediately transported me out of my ordinary world and into one that allowed me to dream a bit. I liked it a lot. I now want to go and buy a storybook home.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Written in language that is easy for the layperson to understand, this book taught me a lot. I particularly liked the section on Hollywood storybook homes. The authors did a good job of putting together a book that brings history to life and shows the height of this style. I love all the photos of thatched roofs and turrets and wonderful gardens.
If you are interested in architecture, this would be a great book for you to take a look at, and even if you aren't this is still a really interesting read, talking a lot about times gone by and the changes in styles of homes over the years.
This was a great book that immediately transported me out of my ordinary world and into one that allowed me to dream a bit. I liked it a lot. I now want to go and buy a storybook home.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
April 16, 2017
Having grown up in the Los Felix area of Los Angeles, I saw these house, these actual houses in this book, all the time, on my walk to school, on my way to the grocery story, on my walk down my street. I never realized, until I moved away, that these were a unique style, and a name.
This book gives the history of this style, as well as wonderful interior shots of the insides of some of the more well preserved Storybook style homes.
Great book for fans of this style. Very well researched, and photographed. Would make a wonderful coffee table book, as well as just gorgeous book to have in general.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review
This book gives the history of this style, as well as wonderful interior shots of the insides of some of the more well preserved Storybook style homes.
Great book for fans of this style. Very well researched, and photographed. Would make a wonderful coffee table book, as well as just gorgeous book to have in general.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review
May 10, 2017
Fantastic and fascinating book on the storybook style architecture, including its development and many examples. This book has soo much information! It reads well and keeps things interesting with a wealth of interesting facts, familiar names and places...giving meaning and history to a style of houses I grew up seeing all over LA. There is nothing quite like these incredible homes and buildings of all sorts!
May 19, 2009
I want to live in the Spadena House!!!
May 18, 2017
Storybook style, fairy tale, Disneyesque, Hansel and Gretel--these are all synonyms for what is surely the most delightful residential style of the twentieth century. With their romantic evocation of faraway lands and eras, storybook homes were created by architects and builders with a flair for theater, a love of fine craftsmanship, and above all a sense of humor--attributes that make them especially endearing to the jaded modern eye. The storybook style was born on the backlots of Hollywood in the 1920s, where brilliant set designers first learned to evoke the exotic architecture of medieval Europe and the Middle East. Movie-going Americans became fascinated with these settings, and architects and builders were quick to capitalize on this enthusiasm. The whimsical style soon spread from coast to coast, and the unforgettable results are portrayed here.
These Storybook style (also know as Whimsy) homes, are shown in these beautiful photographs. With the potted history of how they came about during the 1920's, when Hollywood was Hollywoodland, and the movie industry was just taking off. The area was a blank canvas for building New select homes, with the mish mash of styles taken from Europe, and by using theatrics and craftsmen to create and conjure up these beautiful homes.
This stunning book is for anyone that loves 'Home & Garden' magazine, or just like me, like's being plain nosey!
Would be perfect to grace any coffee table.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Published by Schiffer Publishing, and downloaded via NetGalley.
If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have read, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres...... like, comment and follow.
These Storybook style (also know as Whimsy) homes, are shown in these beautiful photographs. With the potted history of how they came about during the 1920's, when Hollywood was Hollywoodland, and the movie industry was just taking off. The area was a blank canvas for building New select homes, with the mish mash of styles taken from Europe, and by using theatrics and craftsmen to create and conjure up these beautiful homes.
This stunning book is for anyone that loves 'Home & Garden' magazine, or just like me, like's being plain nosey!
Would be perfect to grace any coffee table.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Published by Schiffer Publishing, and downloaded via NetGalley.
If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have read, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres...... like, comment and follow.
July 20, 2021
A delightful and satisfying volume on the Storybook aesthetic, thoughtfully organized and beautifully designed. Unless one lives in Southern or Northern California, few of us encounter these remarkable structures in our daily lives. And even if one does live where these whimsical buildings are more common, they’re usually seen fleetingly and from a distance. Gellner and Keister offer readers an opportunity to appreciate the history and the details of an abundance of these charming and imaginative buildings, and to glimpse some seldom-seen interiors, as well.
Multiple sidebars are well-placed throughout the text and enhance the reader’s understanding of the history, artifacts, and architecture associated with Storybook style. The authors do a splendid job of introducing the back story and European roots and evolution of this architectural fashion that took hold in the U.S. in the 1920s. Full-color photos throughout depict European castles (including Bavaria’s Neuschwanstein—what many believe “a real castle should look like,” and the inspiration for Disney’s “Cinderella’s Castle”), roadside architecture, and structures evoking the Golden Age of Hollywood glamour. Those who enjoy detail will linger over inset photos depicting the exceptional craftsmanship of entrance doors, chimneys, and lighting fixtures.
An essential work for fans of these fanciful structures.
Multiple sidebars are well-placed throughout the text and enhance the reader’s understanding of the history, artifacts, and architecture associated with Storybook style. The authors do a splendid job of introducing the back story and European roots and evolution of this architectural fashion that took hold in the U.S. in the 1920s. Full-color photos throughout depict European castles (including Bavaria’s Neuschwanstein—what many believe “a real castle should look like,” and the inspiration for Disney’s “Cinderella’s Castle”), roadside architecture, and structures evoking the Golden Age of Hollywood glamour. Those who enjoy detail will linger over inset photos depicting the exceptional craftsmanship of entrance doors, chimneys, and lighting fixtures.
An essential work for fans of these fanciful structures.
December 30, 2017
The only thing keeping this from being a 5-star book is the weak showing of Chico's large enclave of this style of home. I bought and read this book on the surmise (thank you, CN&R) that more information would be forthcoming on the 1920's development called "Eastwood Park" in Chico, CA. The co-author and photographer of the book, Douglas Keister lives in Chico, so I thought he would surely give his hometown a lion's share. Sadly, he did not. There are only (mostly small) pictures of 5 Chico homes with brief details of why/how they fit the "Storybook Style" genre of architecture.
However, the rest of the book is very informative and goes into accessible depth regarding the centuries-old elements that went into providing the inspiration for this charming and whimsical style which had its first modern flowering in (predictably enough!) Hollywood, CA!
I read with great interest the influence of Le Petit Hameau (Queen Marie Antoinette's fairy-tale village,) as well as the mighty castle of Neuschwanstein in Germany on the minds and imaginations of early 20th century American architects.
I have to admit that the photography is excellent, enhancing even those 5 Chico Fairy Tale houses I know and love so well!
However, the rest of the book is very informative and goes into accessible depth regarding the centuries-old elements that went into providing the inspiration for this charming and whimsical style which had its first modern flowering in (predictably enough!) Hollywood, CA!
I read with great interest the influence of Le Petit Hameau (Queen Marie Antoinette's fairy-tale village,) as well as the mighty castle of Neuschwanstein in Germany on the minds and imaginations of early 20th century American architects.
I have to admit that the photography is excellent, enhancing even those 5 Chico Fairy Tale houses I know and love so well!
March 30, 2023
The Storybook style of architecture could be described as whimsical as it has so many quirks and unusual features. It was a surprise to learn most homes representing this style are in California. I will venture a guess that this is not an economical style of architecture with all of its various ins and outs and ups and downs whether it be windows, rooflines, turrets, ceiling features, etc. This is not at all boring. The photos are quite fascinating and the narrative gives plenty of background and information.
May 8, 2017
I was expecting this book to be a coffee table style book filled with pictures of beautiful houses straight out of a fairy tale. It is that, but so much more. The author goes into a lot of detail about the types of houses, their history, areas where this was the ideal, and even what types of architecture work and what doesn’t work. I won’t lie, if I could, I would love to live in one of these houses. Any one, big or small.
June 15, 2017
So I am a big kid I love books with pictures. I also love architecture. This is a wonderful book that describes and shows the wonderful world of Storybook Style homes. These home are fascinating to look at, but this book takes it so much further by telling the history of them. Even the kids enjoyed looking at the pictures. Great book if you are into architecture or not.
I received this book from the Author or Publisher via Netgalley.com to read and review.
I received this book from the Author or Publisher via Netgalley.com to read and review.
March 24, 2021
An engaging look at one of the most fun styles to emerge in the 1920's - storybook homes made to look like fairy-tale cottages, with hints of whimsy, intentional distressing to age the home and inspiration drawn from European villages and castles. Lots of full-color photos to highlight the exquisite craftmanship and attention to detail on doors, windows, and unique roof treatments. Nearly all of the homes featured are in Southern California. My copy looked rather worn and dated.
April 24, 2021
A fun and interesting survey in words and photographs of this brief, wonderful, and strange California architectural style.
February 19, 2022
A big book of the 'storybook' style, which I had never heard of before. Nice pictures, just wish there had been more.
November 20, 2022
Interesting, informative & has lovely photos of marvelous houses
October 22, 2024
Great collection and history of storybook homes on the west coast!
August 16, 2016
Well designed book explains the origins of storybook style. A multitude of examples. A great idea book with great pictures.
The only drawback is that there isn't a hint of how to implement these styles. There's a mention of a book with some designs and instructions on how to build some storybook features, but I can't even find that book. I would have liked more resources on how I can use this style.
The only drawback is that there isn't a hint of how to implement these styles. There's a mention of a book with some designs and instructions on how to build some storybook features, but I can't even find that book. I would have liked more resources on how I can use this style.
September 12, 2007
Wonderfull houses beautifully shown. gift from my son.
September 30, 2007
One of the favorite of my ecclectic architectural styles.
March 27, 2009
My husband brought this book home because he enjoyed the style of the homes and I too read the book and found the houses quite charming!
April 7, 2017
Interesting background d on this charming architectural style and gorgeous photography.
April 20, 2017
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is sheer delight! Featuring a rare style of architecture that became popular in the 1920's, Storybook Style helps provide context for the architectural styles that preceded and influenced Storybook or Fairytale architecture. Beginning with the vernacular style thatched roof houses popular in from 1750 to 1900 and advancing to the arts and crafts and bungalow movement of the early 1900's, Gellner illustrates how styles as diverse as the Tudor, elaborate churrigueresque embellishment, the elegant art nouveau movement in Europe, and the lush woodwork styles of the great Craftsman bungalow era culminated in the fantastical style that is Storybook architecture. Storybook style thrives on the extremes of imagination, combining three fundamental elements: an exaggerated or plastic medieval form, artificial means to suggest great age, and sheer whimsy.
The book builds on the works of Morris, Maybeck, Greene and Greene, among others to lead us some of the great jewels of this architectural niche. The famous Spadena House, the so-called "Witch's House" in Beverly Hills is featured early on, as are some of the treasures in the Los Angeles area. The rescued-from-demolition Weatherwolde Castle in Tujunga provides a gratifying instance of loving restoration that easily rivals that of the famous Greene and Greene Blacker House. Although this style is most associated with the LA area, Gellner takes us much afield, up the West Coast to the San Francisco Bay area, and even into Washington state and British Columbia. All the great architects of the Storybook style are featured, including Oliver, Sherwood, Dixon, Carr Jones, along with less frequently mentioned architects like Egasse, whose Norman-inspired Braasch House and Hilltop Castle are fine examples of the period. My personal favorite is Hutchinson's Sherwood House, a relatively mild-mannered Tudor-style home which became a Historic Monument in 2013. One thing that is driven home in this book is that many of these houses involve true artistry and study on the part of the architects and builders. These architects didn't create phony or cheap imitations of the medieval or renaissance era. There are many instances of well-informed, meticulously recreated and convincing replicas of period style stone and woodwork.
This is a wonderful book that I'm buying for my collection. Schiffer Books has requested that we link their webpage for the volume. Here it is: http://www.schifferbooks.com/storyboo...
Until this book is released, the exquisite vaulted ceiling of the master bedroom in the Sherwood House can be seen here... https://flic.kr/p/bzURS3
This book is sheer delight! Featuring a rare style of architecture that became popular in the 1920's, Storybook Style helps provide context for the architectural styles that preceded and influenced Storybook or Fairytale architecture. Beginning with the vernacular style thatched roof houses popular in from 1750 to 1900 and advancing to the arts and crafts and bungalow movement of the early 1900's, Gellner illustrates how styles as diverse as the Tudor, elaborate churrigueresque embellishment, the elegant art nouveau movement in Europe, and the lush woodwork styles of the great Craftsman bungalow era culminated in the fantastical style that is Storybook architecture. Storybook style thrives on the extremes of imagination, combining three fundamental elements: an exaggerated or plastic medieval form, artificial means to suggest great age, and sheer whimsy.
The book builds on the works of Morris, Maybeck, Greene and Greene, among others to lead us some of the great jewels of this architectural niche. The famous Spadena House, the so-called "Witch's House" in Beverly Hills is featured early on, as are some of the treasures in the Los Angeles area. The rescued-from-demolition Weatherwolde Castle in Tujunga provides a gratifying instance of loving restoration that easily rivals that of the famous Greene and Greene Blacker House. Although this style is most associated with the LA area, Gellner takes us much afield, up the West Coast to the San Francisco Bay area, and even into Washington state and British Columbia. All the great architects of the Storybook style are featured, including Oliver, Sherwood, Dixon, Carr Jones, along with less frequently mentioned architects like Egasse, whose Norman-inspired Braasch House and Hilltop Castle are fine examples of the period. My personal favorite is Hutchinson's Sherwood House, a relatively mild-mannered Tudor-style home which became a Historic Monument in 2013. One thing that is driven home in this book is that many of these houses involve true artistry and study on the part of the architects and builders. These architects didn't create phony or cheap imitations of the medieval or renaissance era. There are many instances of well-informed, meticulously recreated and convincing replicas of period style stone and woodwork.
This is a wonderful book that I'm buying for my collection. Schiffer Books has requested that we link their webpage for the volume. Here it is: http://www.schifferbooks.com/storyboo...
Until this book is released, the exquisite vaulted ceiling of the master bedroom in the Sherwood House can be seen here... https://flic.kr/p/bzURS3
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews