Early American Architecture

Comprehensive survey of domestic and public architecture ranges from primitive cabins to Greek Revival mansions of the early 1800s. Nearly 500 illustrations. "Entertaining, vigorous, and clearly written." ? The New York Times.

Detailed, comprehensive history of the evolution of American domestic architecture from 1620 to 1825, with 219 photographs, floor plans, drawings, and elevations. Authoritative, scholarly, and highly readable.

Why did the colonial Americans give over a significant part of their homes to a grand staircase? Why did the Victorians drape their buildings ornate decoration? And why did American buildings grow so tall in the last decades of the 19th century. This book explores the history of American architecture from prehistoric times to the present, explaining why characteristic architectural forms arose at particular times and in particular places.

Fifty-three drawings by a distinguished architect recapture historic structures in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and smaller towns of the Eastern seaboard. Captions identify churches, municipal buildings, homes, other architectural gems.

Twenty restored or renovated Early American country homes feature the myriad of different styles from around the country. The homes exude a simplicity that is somewhat rustic and somewhat country in an understated way. Tim Tanner also features some small cabins that have been made livable for today as well as decorating ideas and outbuildings. Early American Country Homes is an inspiration and resource for those who are interested in building, re-creating, restoring, or just enjoying a return to simpler styling in home design.

Introduction. Reshaping the study of early American architecture -- The origins of early American architecture. Early American architecture : a transatlantic perspective -- Adaptation and innovation : archaeological and architectural -- Perspectives on the seventeenth-century Chesapeake -- The English origins of the Jamestown rowhouses -- The design and building process. "An elegant and commodious building" : William Buckland and the design of the Prince William County Courthouse -- The dynamics of architectural design in eighteenth-century Charleston and the low country -- Regional building patterns : ecclesiastical architecture. Anglican church design in the Chesapeake : English inheritances and regional interpretations -- Christ Church, Savannah : loopholes in metropolitan design on the frontier -- "Building is a heavy burden" : the legacy of eighteenth-century church building in the Middle Atlantic colonies -- God is in the details : the transformation of ecclesiastical architecture in early-nineteenth-century America -- Williamsburg. Ornaments of civic aspiration : the public buildings of Williamsburg -- Beaux-arts ideals and colonial reality : the reconstruction of Williamsburg's capitol, 1928-1934 -- The changing perceptions of the restoration of colonial Williamsburg