Building an American Identity: Pattern Book Homes and Communities, 1870-1900

by Linda E. Smeins

Queen Anne or Victorian, these beautiful houses have become nostalgic sites in our historical memory. Linda Smeins explores the development of pattern-book houses, considered the new "modern suburban home" of the late 19th century. Through a discussion of pattern-book designs and plans and pattern-book-inspired houses, Smeins traces the evolution of this architectural style and explores the meanings embodied in the notion of home and community. Building an American Identity is an excellent resource for architectural historians, historic preservations, educators and anyone interested in the social history behind the building of America's Victorian homes.

336 pages, Paperback

First published February 9, 1999

Reviews

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

So applicable to niche field of pattern books

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smein's book explores the progression of patterned homes and how they relate to the meanings that are infused into the ideas of home and culture. She focuses on how the quest for American identity around the time of America’s centennial birthday influenced home building. The book contains illuminating historical information on the architecture profession and its evolution during the second half of the 19th century. Smeins chronicles how architecture fit into and represented American’s desire to express themselves in a national sense. Throughout the book, there are black and white copies of primary sources, such as house plans and advertisements. Her extensive bibliography is divided into primary and secondary sources (16 pages) and includes pattern books, magazine and journal articles, and a number of secondary sources. Each chapter ends with notes, many of which contain additional information. Smeins book provides the history behind the pattern books, who first created them and how they were used by builders. She also provides a clear understanding of who the architects were and how their profession progressed in the late 19th century.