Virginia Savage McAlester’s “A Field Guide to American Houses” is lauded as a comprehensive resource for understanding the diverse architectural landscape of the United States. This guide, now potentially available in ebook format (A Field Guide To American Houses Ebook), is a valuable tool for anyone seeking to identify and appreciate the historical significance of American homes.
The New York Times Magazine highlights the book’s authoritative nature, positioning it as a “dictionary of the language spoken by the built environment.” The review emphasizes the book’s accessibility, catering to both casual observers and seasoned professionals in historic preservation. It’s more than just a catalog of styles; it encourages a deeper appreciation for the stories embedded within the urban landscape, transforming mundane elements into characters in a city’s narrative.
Michael Tortorello of The New York Times calls the book “Magisterial,” emphasizing its scope and depth in explaining why American houses, from grand estates to humble dwellings, look the way they do. This suggests that the ebook format, a field guide to american houses ebook, offers a convenient way to delve into the history and evolution of residential architecture.
Entertainment Weekly suggests that after consulting McAlester’s “bible of American home design,” readers will be able to confidently identify various architectural styles, from saltboxes to Dutch colonials, and grasp their historical context. This speaks to the ebook’s potential as an educational tool, empowering readers to understand their surroundings better.
Elle Décor calls it “the go-to resource for architecture spotters,” further solidifying its reputation as an essential guide for identifying and understanding different architectural styles. This suggests that the ebook format, a field guide to american houses ebook, would be particularly useful for quick reference and on-the-go learning.
The Wall Street Journal succinctly describes the book as chronicling “the past 400 years of American styles, from wigwam to mobile to modern.” This emphasizes the book’s comprehensive coverage, providing a historical overview of American residential architecture. Searching for a “field guide to american houses ebook” indicates an interest in easily accessing this broad range of information.
House Beautiful deems it “A classic,” confirming the book’s lasting value and significance in the field of architectural studies.
Susan Clotfelter of The Denver Post praises the book’s encyclopedic nature, highlighting its wealth of detail and explanations for design choices. For historic home enthusiasts, this is a trove of knowledge, making a “field guide to american houses ebook” an attractive option.
D Magazine calls it “880 pages of scholarly wonder,” giving readers a sense of the book’s substantial size and depth of information.
Jim Weiker of The Columbus Dispatch calls it “the definitive guide to American housing styles,” re-emphasizing its authority and comprehensive nature.
Booklist (starred review) describes the book as “Outstanding . . . Expanded and completely revised . . . Both scholars and average readers will find much to enjoy in this volume.” This reinforces the book’s accessibility and appeal to a wide audience. Whether you are a scholar or simply someone interested in American architecture, searching for “a field guide to american houses ebook” provides a way to quickly find valuable information.
In conclusion, “A Field Guide to American Houses,” potentially in ebook form (a field guide to american houses ebook), stands as a highly recommended resource for anyone interested in understanding and appreciating the diverse architectural heritage of American homes. Its comprehensive coverage, accessible writing style, and authoritative voice make it an invaluable tool for both casual observers and seasoned professionals. Consider purchasing or borrowing the ebook to further your understanding.
