The glory of this large-format book is the wonderful photographs of the various houses, some spread over two pages. The selection of buildings featured in the book is eclectic; the author is English, so English houses get more than their just due. But architecture from Australia, India, the United States, New Zealand, Ireland, the Netherlands, France, and Canada is included. The most obvious omission is Germany, which has a single entry: Villa Schminke by Hans Scharoun. Bauhaus buildings and architects are ignored, perhaps because they have been written about a great deal elsewhere.
Tinniswood explains that the term "Art Deco" didn't really exist until 1970, well after the time period in which these structures were built. At the time the buildings were more likely to be termed as modern, moderne, streamlined . . . At any rate the choices are glorious. Many are now restored and open to the public, so the book can provide an itinerary for interested enthusiasts. I have visited one: The Schroder House in Utrecht, have known of several others, but some were entirely new to me: the Butler House in Des Moines, High Cross House in Devon, and the Maison de Verre in Paris. So much to see, so little time.