The House Beautiful
An Unabridged Reprint of the Classic Victorian Stylebook
Part of the Dover Architecture series
Profusely illustrated volume by 19th-century pioneer of professional art criticism offers valuable information on how to furnish a home tastefully and affordably. Charming, lucidly written text covers everything from firescreens, curtained archways, and Grandmother's cupboard to Tyrolian tables and chairs, a Dutch bedstead, and a French bureau with fine brass mounts.
The Architectural Plates from the "Encyclopedie"
Part of the Dover Architecture series
From Diderot's monumental illustrated record of 18th-century European arts and sciences: elegant renderings of architectural landmarks; drawings and plans for windmills, bridges and boats; renderings of palatial interiors and furnishings; elevations and floor plans for many well-known European theaters; scenes of 18th-century craftsmen at work in the building trades; and much more.
The American Vitruvius
An Architects' Handbook of Urban Design
Part of the Dover Architecture series
This atlas of architectural design advocates rational as well as humanistic principles in the development of the urban environment. Drawing upon the ideals that inspired the great Roman architect, it promotes the Vitruvian maxims of longevity, beauty, and commodity. It also defines the thinking behind modern American city planning. First published in 1922, The American Vitruvius arose from a collaboration between two students of American urbanism. Werner Hegemann, an urban planner, and Elbert Peets, a graduate of Harvard's School of Landscape Architecture, selected more than 1,200 plans, elevations, and perspective views. Their choices depict a tremendous variety of European and American structures dating from the Renaissance to the early twentieth century. Ranging from Rome's vast Piazza San Pietro to modest German and English garden suburbs, this volume explores all manner of urban design, including American college campuses, parks, and cemeteries; L'Enfant's plan of Washington, DC; and other civic centers. Design Book Review hailed this classic as "the most complete single-volume survey of canonical cases of urbanism," offering "a scintillating collection of uncommon and forgotten designs." An essential reference for every architect and student of architecture, this affordable edition is of particular value in light of the current New Urbanism trend.
The Practical Builder
The Classic 18th-Century Handbook
Part of the Dover Architecture series
This 1774 guidebook for English carpenters was one of the earliest "do-it-yourself" manuals ever published. The builders' manuals and pattern books of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries offered carpenters and other construction workers important resources for designs and techniques. Those unable to afford an architect's services could feel confident in the good taste of their residence by selecting designs from a pattern book. Employing elementary arithmetic and geometry, the guide's annotated and meticulously rendered engravings depict cross-sections of chimney-pieces, ceilings, cornices, and other architectural details. William Pain's manual was one of the earliest such works published in the United States. Printed in Philadelphia in 1797, it helped standardize key aspects of Federal architecture and served as a model for construction at George Washington's Mount Vernon home. Reprinted from an original 1774 edition, this is the only available version of a splendid reference for architectural historians and those with an interest in classical architecture.
The House in Good Taste
Design Advice from America's First Interior Decorator
Part of the Dover Architecture series
"Good taste can be developed in anyone, just as surely as good manners are possible to anyone. And good taste is as necessary as good manners," declared Elsie de Wolfe, the "first lady" of American interior design. Although de Wolfe decorated the homes of wealthy, socially prominent clients, she always maintained that her vision of elegant but comfortable living is attainable to all. This timeless 1913 book, written in a friendly, conversational tone, explains how to design, furnish, and decorate a house in order to make it a beautiful, useful, and livable home. De Wolfe pioneered the concept of the home as a representation of the owner's identity, and this book defines her decorating methods, philosophy, and approach to creating spaces for gracious entertaining. Part step-by-step manual and part aesthetic treatise, this volume advocates for simpler yet more refined decor. In contrast to the Victorian penchant for dark furniture, bric-a-brac, and heavy draperies, de Wolfe advised her readers to let in natural light, to replace gaudy colors with beige and ivory, and to abandon clutter. Her practical suggestions, illustrated by period photographs, illuminate the attitudes of a century ago while retaining their resonance for modern-day interior designers.
The Power of Buildings, 1920-1950
A Master Draftsman's Record
Part of the Dover Architecture series
Trained as an architect in the early twentieth century, Hugh Ferriss possessed a vision of form that surpassed the traditional blueprints of his peers-and it showed in his distinctively moody renderings. A master of light and shadow, he managed to capture the spirit of each building with a heightened sense of perspective and design. By the 1920s, he was well on his way to becoming America's greatest architectural draftsman. Ferriss' remarkable style, which influenced generations of builders, is highlighted in this illustrated journey through three decades of American architecture. Accompanied by illuminating text and captions, this collection of sixty of his extraordinary drawings includes: Rockefeller Center, a stunning symbol of modern Art Deco style; California's Shasta Dam, ranked as one of the great civil engineering feats of the world; the Perisphere and Trylon from New York's 1939 World's Fair; Taliesin-in-Arizona, Frank Lloyd Wright's breathtaking winter home; and Denver's Red Rocks Amphitheater, a dramatic structure that incorporates natural elements and rock formations. Plus, there are illustrations of the Empire State Building, the United Nations headquarters, airports, grain elevators, bomb shelters, and more. Architects, draftsmen, and designers of all ages will savor the wonder and imagination in this magnificent volume.
The Architecture of McKim, Mead & White in Photographs, Plans and Elevations
Part of the Dover Architecture series
First one-volume paperback edition of one of the most important documents in American architecture. 430 photos and over 250 line illustrations depict 130 structures in New York and other American cities, designed by celebrated firm.
Letarouilly on Renaissance Rome
by John Barrington Bayley
Part of the Dover Architecture series
Student's edition of Letarouilly's five-volume work brings Renaissance Rome's architectural splendors within the grasp of students and other readers. Includes plans, elevations, and details of buildings and monuments designed by Michelangelo, Peruzzi, Vignola, Bernini, others.
The Four Books of Architecture
Part of the Dover Architecture series
Exemplary reprint of 16th-century classic. Covers classical architectural remains, Renaissance revivals, classical orders, more. 1738 Ware English edition. 216 plates.
The American Vignola
A Guide to the Making of Classical Architecture
Part of the Dover Architecture series
This includes tables of the Classical Orders, measured drawings of monuments, and practical instruction on classical design. 304 illustrations.
The Autobiography of an Idea
Part of the Dover Architecture series
The famous American architect's fascinating look at the early years of his pioneering work, which led to his being called the "father of the skyscraper." Includes a wealth of projects, insights, and evaluations, as well as 34 plates. An essential tool in gaining an understanding of the roots of modern American architecture.
Canon of the Five Orders of Architecture
by Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola
Part of the Dover Architecture series
One of history's most published architectural treatises, this Renaissance volume identifies the five orders - Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite - and illustrates them in full-page elevational detail.
Fences, Gates and Garden Houses
A Book Of Designs With Measured Drawings
Part of the Dover Architecture series
A wealth of measured drawings and photographs depict wood fences, gates, and small garden houses of New England. Portrays several items from the 1770s to the 1820s, many of which no longer exist.
The Gargoyle Book
572 Examples from Gothic Architecture
by Lester Burbank Bridaham
Part of the Dover Architecture series
Amid the soaring grandeur of arches and spires lurks a more down-to-earth architectural flourish: the grinning head of a gargoyle. Singly and clustered, these intriguing creatures form as distinctive an element of Gothic architecture as the flying buttress. Nowhere are they more prominent than along the walls of French cathedrals, and this magnificently illustrated volume prowls the ramparts of those medieval buildings to discover hundreds of authentic gargoyle carvings. According to tradition, the gargoyles were posted as sentries, to ward off malevolent spirits and to remind parishioners of the evil beyond the church doors. Author Lester Burbank Bridaham takes a more optimistic view. Noting the stone guardians' whimsical nature, he discusses the artisanal ingenuity involved in their creation. He also points out how they represented a rare sense of freedom in the Middle Ages, in terms of public satire and unbridled artistic enthusiasm. As this book reveals, the timeless appeal of the gargoyle-whether symbolic, spiritual, decorative, or fanciful-continues to captivate the imagination.
The City of Tomorrow and Its Planning
Part of the Dover Architecture series
The great revolutionary architect's probing analysis of urban problems and their origins, and his bold solutions, which include the "Voisin" scheme for the center of Paris, and the more developed scheme for a "City of Three Million Inhabitants." Introduction. Foreword. 133 black-and-white illustrations. 82 black-and-white halftones.
Spanish-Colonial Architecture in the United States
Part of the Dover Architecture series
A classic work by a distinguished architectural historian, tracing Spanish architectural influence in Florida, the Gulf Coast, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California in text illustrated by 195 photographs and 50 measured drawings. Among the sites explored: St. Augustine, San Antonio, Santa Fe, Tucson, San Diego, Santa Barbara, San Juan Capistrano, and Carmel.
The Architecture of Country Houses
Part of the Dover Architecture series
Throughout the early Victorian period American domestic architecture was dominated by the ideas and designs of Andrew Jackson Downing who emphasized function, convenience, and concord with the environment. This volume forms his most important work. 321 figures. 33 architectural designs. Introduction.
The Chicago World's Fair of 1893
A Photographic Record
Part of the Dover Architecture series
Colossal spectacle preserved in 128 rare, vintage photographs with concise, fact-filled text: 200 buildings - 79 of foreign governments, 38 of U.S. states - the original ferris wheel, first midway, Edison's kinetoscope, much more. 128 black-and-white photographs. Captions. Map. Index.
Sears Modern Homes, 1913
Part of the Dover Architecture series
For thousands of Americans, catalogs such as Sears' Modern Homes were the first step in realizing their dreams of owning a home. Reproduced from a rare 1913 edition, this volume features 112 designs for homes of "comfort and refinement." These authentic plans offer a wealth of information on building materials and other details, along with external views, floor plans, descriptions with prices, and more. Antique collectors, home hobbyists, and fans of traditional design will find this book a bountiful resource for valuable tips on building and restoration.
The Opulent Interiors of the Gilded Age
All 203 Photographs from Artistic Houses, with New Text
Part of the Dover Architecture series
Rare photographs recall interiors of late Victorian mansions belonging to William H. Vanderbilt, J.P. Morgan, U.S. Grant, and many others. New informative text.
Smaller Houses of the 1920s
55 Examples
Part of the Dover Architecture series
From a peak era in American domestic architecture comes this survey of homes from across the country. Its wealth of styles features both new American designs and traditional European-inspired buildings of wood, stucco, concrete, brick, and stone. The 130 captioned black-and-white illustrations and 55 floor plans offer external and internal views for a full perspective on the houses' architectural ingenuity and originality. One of the most striking features of these homes is their extreme variety in terms of efficient design. The plans combine a limited number of units into a workable whole, without sacrifice of convenience or economy. Blending practicality and charm, these imaginative designs will inspire professional architects, amateur builders, and anyone interested in the ways American architects adapted Old World designs and added elements of native style to produce a new and vibrant home building idiom.
A Victorian Housebuilder's Guide
Woodward's National Architect of 1869
Part of the Dover Architecture series
Plans and specifications for 20 distinctive Victorian structures, from a simple cottage to an ornate brick villa. Over 580 black-and-white illustrations.
Sears House Designs of the Thirties
Part of the Dover Architecture series
This handsome reprint of a rare 1930s catalog displays the interiors and exteriors of Sears-designed homes. Illustrations of 68 houses, including measured floor plans, depict such attractive residences as the Belmont - a six-room house - and the Dover - an English cottage with a massive chimney. Over 200 black-and-white illustrations.
The Colonial Architecture of Salem
Part of the Dover Architecture series
This profusely illustrated study offers a chronological view of Salem architecture from the town's settlement in 1626 to the cessation of Colonial development in 1818. Detailed descriptions and more than 250 rare illustrations of over 100 buildings, including the famed House of the Seven Gables, the Witch House, and more. 127 black-and-white plates.
The Most Popular Homes of the Twenties
Part of the Dover Architecture series
Based on a rare 1925 catalog, this showcase of one of the most beloved eras of American architecture features floor plans, construction details, and photos of twenty-six homes. Styles range from English cottages and Spanish bungalows to Dutch colonials, New England farmhouses, and Italianate designs. More than 250 illustrations, and 21 color plates, complement the text, which contains detailed descriptions of exteriors and interiors. Supplementary articles explain how to convert porches into living space, install plumbing, and build garages. Other home-improvement suggestions offer tips on landscaping gardens and designing interior woodwork. Daniel D. Reiff, an authority on antique house-plan books, offers an informative introduction that places these authentic views of early-twentieth-century American architecture into a wider context.
The Architect, or Practical House Carpenter (1830)
Part of the Dover Architecture series
The superbly illustrated and detailed handbook that popularized the use of classic Greek architectural style in America in the early and middle 1800s. 271 illustrations.
The Building of Manhattan
Part of the Dover Architecture series
Meticulously accurate line drawings and fascinating text trace Manhattan's growth from a tiny Dutch outpost to the commercial, financial, and cultural heart of the world. This book explains construction above and below ground, including the excavation of subway lines and the building of bridges and skyscrapers. Hundreds of illustrations reveal intricate details of construction techniques. Author and illustrator Donald A. Mackay traces Manhattan's history from its first wood, stone, and brick houses to its famous modern structures, including the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and the World Trade Center. Along with historical background, he presents clear explanations and illustrations of the skilled labor and methods behind the island's tunnels, bridges, and train lines. Mackay describes who does what at a construction site, the assembly of a tower crane, and the construction of skyscrapers, from the foundations to the floor-by-floor elevations, along with other amazing procedures that are all part of a day's work in building the big city.
Small Brick Houses of the Twenties
Part of the Dover Architecture series
Once affordable only among the wealthy, brick homes became more easily available to the average American in the early years of the twentieth century. This book, originally published in 1920 by a member of The Common Brick Manufacturers' Association, served as a practical guide for prospective homeowners from working class families. Many soon found that attractive, durable, and comfortable homes--made from nature's own building material--were easily within their financial reach. Thirty-five sets of floor plans, elevations, and specifications in this excellent reproduction of that now-rare volume depict a wide variety of brick houses, bungalows, cottages, garages, and multi-dwelling buildings--from the four-bedroom Pocatello to the handsome Saratoga, featuring a wraparound porch and two bathrooms. This practical guide will appeal to anyone wanting to buy or renovate an existing home of the period. It will also serve as a how-to manual for all desiring to build their own homes today with authentic materials and techniques. For those who love fine, old buildings, Small Brick Houses of the Twenties offers a charming view of American homes from that era.
The Bungalow Book
Floor Plans and Photos of 112 Houses, 1910
Part of the Dover Architecture series
Cozy, charming, and distinctly Californian, the bungalow is an enduring architectural icon. Originally designed to survive earthquakes, the low, rambling structures combined grace, beauty, and comfort at minimum cost. Early in the twentieth century, Los Angeles architect Henry Wilson, who called himself "The Bungalow Man," compiled 112 of the most popular and economic bungalow blueprints of his time in a catalog for would-be homeowners. Complementing each set of prints was an illustration or photograph of the completed house, which most frequently contained two or three bedrooms with closet space, living and dining rooms, a kitchen with pantry, and a bath. An ideal reference for preservationists and restorers, this reprint of Wilson's rare catalog represents a wonderful time capsule and invaluable guide to a popular style of American domestic architecture.
Small Houses of the Forties
With Illustrations and Floor Plans
Part of the Dover Architecture series
Designed for the 1940s family with a "limited budget but unlimited good taste," this fascinating volume presents 56 floor plans and elevations of lovely small homes that originally cost less than $15,000 to build. Each home, bearing the honorable designation of House-of-the-Month by the era's Monthly Small House Club, Inc., was designed to give prospective homeowners an exceptionally well-planned house that was also a sound investment. From Cape Cods to Colonials, Small Houses of the Forties offers an eden of illustrations of cozy, charming domiciles, complete with color combinations, charts, and diagrams. This complete republication of a now-rare volume is also filled with vintage dollars-and-sense information for the postwar homebuyer, including mortgage guidance, amortization schedules, valuations, and construction costs of the times. A nostalgic flashback to a simpler American dream of white picket fences, this entertaining and valuable reference will delight architecture enthusiasts, plan collectors, restorers, and historians alike.