The Architecture of Country Houses (Dover Architecture) [Paperback]

Andrew J. Downing (Author)

Book Description

Series: Dover Architecture | Publication Date: June 1, 1969

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 484 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (June 1, 1969)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486220036
• ISBN-13: 978-0486220031
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #254,830 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Original designs of Gothic Revival houses from 1850, October 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Architecture of Country Houses (Dover Architecture) (Paperback)

This text is a true classic. Orginally published in 1850, it is a reprint of the Gothic Revival pattern book of Andrew Jackson Downing who was the authority and champion of this style. Gothic Revival houses dominated the American countryside from the 1830s to the 1860s, and most of the designs for these houses were based on the patterns found in this book. The interior layouts from this age will most likely not suit the taste of modern day houses -- Gothic houses typically have a stair case just after the front door. Most home builders today like to have a living room or foyer just after the front door to greet guests. But for getting ideas on exterior designs of Gothic Revival houses, this book is the only authority.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars To know this book is to know the cottage, March 25, 2003

By 

Jim Tolpin (Port Townsend, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Architecture of Country Houses (Dover Architecture) (Paperback)

This book is by the grandaddy of American cottage-style home designer's: Andrew Jackson Downing (1815-1852). He wanted all of us to enjoy the simple, but rich, life of the cottage. You won't understand the roots of the American cottage unless you know about the life and work of Andrew Downing. As a footnote: He died young trying to save other's aboard Robert Fulton's steamship after a boiler fire. Someone should make a movie about this guy.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars looking for A J Downing, October 22, 2008

By 

Claire H. Vargas (wellsboro pa.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Architecture of Country Houses (Dover Architecture) (Paperback)

Recently bought an A J Downing house-looking for info. My house, built in 1858, is featured in this book. Loved reading all about it as well as other houses designed by A J Downing.