Customer Reviews

The Adirondack Style

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Yes, some call the look "Adirondack," but the style is, of course, much broader than that-a true American classic with variations that have abounded for decades and decades in many parts of the U.S. Personally, the book reminds me of the classic camps and vacation lodges of the Missouri and Arkansas Ozarks. So, no matter where you live, if you love rustic style, you'll be inspired by this book.

Finally, one of the few original American architectural styles has been researched, documented, and presented in a subtly exquisite volume. "Adirondack Style," by Ann Stillman O'Leary is more than the familiar coffee-table adornment. It's a serious survey of American culture in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as embodied in uniquely American design and craftsmanship. Many people associate "Adirondack style" with the simple, rustic, and eternally stylish Adirondack chair. Knock-offs of varying quality are ubiquitous in every home-furnishings catalog. Adirondack "camps," on the other hand, as O'Leary describes in meticulous detail, were much more than rustic furnishings. The originals were sophisticated, often luxurious, always artfully detailed summer escapes for captains of industry and their families in northeastern New York state from the late 1800s until the Depression. O'Leary chronicles the social history, the (almost lost) art of building with indigenous materials, and the style currently enjoying a renaissance in both restorations and new construction. Gary R. Hall's photographs are warm and luscious, revealing the comfort and eccentricity of each space. Most importantly, Hall and O'Leary have combined their talents to renew enthusiasm for an under-appreciated and, until now, barely examined genre of American craftsmanship. "Adirondack Style" describes an evolution that, unlike revivals that are often pale imitations of their predecessors, continues as builders and artisans interpret its traditions for today and tomorrow.

Sara Hart Associate Editor Architecture Magazine

Between this book and another, also from amazon, called Cottage Style, I have more than enough to fuel my vacation house daydreams. A great start for 2000 and for my own dreams of early retirement.

When you look at this gorgeous book you'll wonder what the editors at the Wall Street Journal were thinking recently when they declared the rustic style DEAD. This book proves the opposite is true. So much for news reports!

Adirondack Style takes me back to summer camp and family vacations! As the title says, it is devoted to just one second-home style. In any case, I loved it, but I also recommend Cottage Style, a decorating book that shows a lot of weekend-house decorating ideas (that work even if you don't have a weekend house!). I also bought New Cottage Home, which is about designs for building new weekend homes.

In planning the vacation home we hope to have soon, we bought this book and a new one called SECOND HOME. Adirondack Style is more of a dream book and includes historical information about the style. It's also limited to one style, of course. The book called Second Home works on a couple levels as a dream book but it also includes information on shopping, building, decorating, and so on, and it shows a wide range of second home styles around the country. We like both, but if we had to pick only one, it would be Second Home. (A book called Cabin Fever is fun, too, but limited to very rustic styles.)

This author has managed to do what others only dream about. Ann Stillman O'Leary has managed to allow us entrance to an exclusive and wonderfully rustic part of the northeast that is captured so beautifully in her words. After completing this book I felt as if I had just had a peaceful afternoon in one of the most breathtaking locations, the Adirondacks. I feel as if I know the owners who shared their camps with us through this book Ann has managed to write from an angle that allows us to walk the woods with her and enjoy all the personal tidbits of the camps owners. I feel as if I'm in on a great secret! An intimate and very personal view of The Adirondacks. This book has soul!! Read it!

Adirondack Style is more than a book that just sits on the coffee table waiting to impress your friends; it's fun to read. The places described range from grand old estates to new owner-built homes, and there's advice (and sources) for capturing your own northwoods look.

Harvey Kaiser, author of the classic book, Great Camps of the Adirondacks, says: "This book is a superb work that will inspire lovers of the Adirondack style. Ann O'Leary brings a contemporary note to the rich history of the region. Future owners, architects, and interior designers will find in this book a wonderful source of information and inspiration."

Anne O'Leary captures the essence of the Adirondack style of architecture as well a the Adirondack style of living and decorating. Obviously a great deal of thought and energy was centered on making this book one of the best Adirondacks book to hit the market in years. A real steal for under $30.00