Customer Reviews

The Architecture of Country Houses (Dover Architecture)

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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.

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.

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.

I purchased this book because we live in a Gothic Revival home built in 1879. This book was enlightening as it explained the philosophy behind the Gothic Revival architecture. The floor plans explained why we have so few closets! The only downside is that the book tended to highlight the high Gothic Revival style with extreme ornamentation whereas our home is a bit of a blend of styles and simpler in ornmentation. It was interesting nonetheless.

I bought the book so that I could understand the roots of our American home styles. Andrew Downing, however wrote much more...He frequently wrote about European culture and the differences in the New World mentality at the time. I have a better feeling now of attitudes of the 1800's.

Great overview. Suggest to anyone wanting to revisit this for designing homes.

I should have looked at the size of the book prior to purchase. Because of an assumption, I now own a book where the pictures & layouts, the primary attraction of the piece, are half the size they should be. Also, the breakdowns of the furniture are missing. Poor purchase.