What Style Is It?: A Guide to American Architecture

by John C. Poppeliers

"A History in Miniature of Architecture in America." American Institute of Architects How many of the architectural styles on the front cover could you identify? Unless you scored 100 percent ? and especially if you?re in the habit of labeling all old buildings either "colonial" or "Victorian" ? What Style Is It? will finally put to rest your questions about American architectural styles. As the examples here clearly show, at least two dozen major styles have shaped the buildings that surround us. (And "colonial" and "Victorian" are not really styles, as the authors explain.) But our buildings remain a mystery to many people. When was it built? Why does it look that way? What style is it? Questions such as these are answered in this award-winning guide to 300 years of American architecture. Designed for easy identification of buildings on the road or at home, What Style Is It? gives a unique overview of America's architectural styles. Individual chapters on 22 of the most important styles provide a concise look at the history and appearance of each. "If you?re confused by the differences between Stick and Shingle, or Queen Anne and Italianate, you may need What Style Is It?, a picture-and-prose handbook [that] strips away the mysteries of architectural nomenclature." Chicago Tribune "This slim, pocket-sized guide, with its many photographs and illustrations, should be of value to anyone interested in identifying and enjoying the architectural assets of a building.? What Style Is It? concisely gives the details and design features needed to identify a building's style." New York Times "Anyone with the quest for discovering the details behind beautiful buildings will find this book an enlightening experience." Antique Monthly "American architectural styles aren't strictly American, and that's where problems arise. American builders adapted Roman, Greek, Spanish, English and Continental styles to produce some often impressive, often confusing examples of architecture....The expected styles are here, of course ? Georgian, Federal, Jeffersonian, Greek Revival ? but so are a host of lesser-known but often encountered ones. [The book has] excellent photographs, careful descriptions and an easy-to-read, flowing prose style." Southern Antiques American Booksellers Association Basic Book List

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

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.