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

by John J.G. Blumenson

Identifying American Architecture, by John J.-G. Blumenson, enables the reader to determine styles and identify architectural terms by comparing real buildings with the book's many photographs (214). Details – roofs, porches, windows, etc., and all terms are listed in an extensive 16-page index. Styles Spanish Colonial, Mission, Pueblo, New England Colonial, Southern Colonial, French Colonial, Dutch Colonial, Georgian, Federal, Roman Classicism, Colonial Revival, Greek Revival, Egyptian Revival, Gothic Revival, Victorian Gothic, Italian Villa, Italianate, Renaissance Revival, Second Renaissance Revival, Romanesque Revival, Victorian Romanesque, Chateau, Second Empire, Eastern Stick, Western Stick, Eastlake, Shingle, Queen Anne, Bungalow, Prairie, Art Deco, Art Moderne, and others.

Genres: Architecture, Reference, History, Preservation, Nonfiction

128 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1981

Reviews

[Gulo]

An incredibly succinct visual first step towards a more complete understanding of architecture. Per the author, the handbook is primarily for tourists or travelers to serve as a photographic guide to architectural styles and terms and it certainly satisfies that end. Compact, with minimal words, it makes a great walking companion or quick reference guide.

[Tiffany]

Walk through a historic neighborhood and take this book with you. This isn't your fitness walk; this is a deep learning stroll. You'll never look at a building the same way again.