Authentic Small Houses of the Twenties: Illustrations and Floor Plans of 254 Characteristic Homes (Dover Books on Architecture) [Paperback]

Robert T. Jones (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1987 | Series: Dover Books on Architecture

Modestly priced, richly illustrated reprint of rare guidebook published in 1920s by Architects' Small House Service Bureau. Designs, floor plans, construction materials, prices for wide variety of small homes. Over 800 line drawings and photographs of models ranging from charming five-room English cottages to attractive, two-story, shingled Colonials.

Product Details

• Paperback: 278 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (July 1, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486254062
• ISBN-13: 978-0486254067
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 9.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #727,136 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Houses don't have to be big, May 4, 2000

By 

"lindyadams" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Authentic Small Houses of the Twenties: Illustrations and Floor Plans of 254 Characteristic Homes (Dover Books on Architecture) (Paperback)

As all of history is cyclical, so is home architecture in America. Authentic Small Houses of the Twenties shows wonderful possibilities for houses that capture the "Not so Big House" ideal, a movement gaining momentum in this day of the McMansion. The product of a joint venture by the U. S. Dept. of Commerce and the American Institute of Architects after WWI, these house plans show marvelous use of interior space, detailing and economy. Although the house plans with sketches or photos of each shown are not available, as far as I know, in blueprint form for purchase, they furnish tremendous grist for the creative future home owner. A treasure!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Reprint from 1929, July 31, 2008

By 

Classicdude (River City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Authentic Small Houses of the Twenties: Illustrations and Floor Plans of 254 Characteristic Homes (Dover Books on Architecture) (Paperback)

This is a Dover reprint of SMALL HOMES OF ARCHITECTURAL DISTINCTION: A BOOK OF SUGGESTED PLANS DESIGNED BY THE ARCHITECTS' SMALL HOUSE SERVICE BUREAU, INC., originally published by Harper & Brothers Publishers, New York and London, in 1929. Yes, it was a long title, but Dover is doing a disservice to old book collectors by changing the titles. That said, it is a good collection of examples that could be easily adapted for today's living, especially for those who want a not-so-big house. The cover says that there are 254 houses and each are shown with floor plans, including the second floor where applicable, and a view of the exterior, either a rendering or a black & white photo. In some examples, details are also presented with sketches or photos. This is highly recommended for all interested in traditional residential architecture.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ever wonder about that great old house in your neighborhood?, November 9, 2000

By 

HipMamma "[e-mail]" (Cincinnati, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Authentic Small Houses of the Twenties: Illustrations and Floor Plans of 254 Characteristic Homes (Dover Books on Architecture) (Paperback)

Whenever I'm out driving through my neighborhood, inevitably another charming older home catches my eye and I race home to grab my copy of this great book. It's turned out to be a wonderful resource for my husband and me as we search for our first home. We already have an idea of the floor plan before we walk through the door. Also gives a lot of information about original fixtures/features that tend to change as homes are renovated through the years.