Customer Reviews

Classic America: The Federal Style and Beyond

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

 

 

Wendell Garrett has done students of interior design and architecture a very great service with this modestly priced history of America's Federal style. His concise and accurate text is amply matched by Paul Rocheleau's handsome photographs.

There is so much to learn, even for amateur students of American architectural history. We hear about Palladio, Robert Adam, Christopher Wren and others who influenced the American Federal style, but we also learn what was going on in the American colonies in a religious, economic, and legal sense--all of which helped to affect the shape and style of American architectural and decorative tastes.

One of the most interesting things is learning how American craftsmen, builders and architects (many of whom were slaves) were influenced by the latest European styles. American styles in everything, from dress to furniture to homes, tended to be more plainspoken and stripped down to the bare essentials than were their European counterparts.

This is an absolutely fascinating read, and a visual treat for anyone who is even remotely interested in the American Federal style.

I am extremely upset with my purchase of this book Classic America by Wendell Garrett. I had previosuly checked this book out from my local library and loved it. It was a hardcover book of 297 pages. Since it was out of print in hardcover and currently offered in paperback, I bought it. I was shocked to see it had been reduced to 200 pages!! I want the other 97 pages I expected and paid for. Amazon failed to mention that the book had been edited down by 1/3 the size. What a ripoff and shame on you Amazon!!!

This tells a history of the U.S. during the late 1700's and early 1800's with an emphasis on events and people that influenced architecture and interior design.
The photographs are excellent, however I question the accuracy of the text. A couple paragraphs disagree with known experts without any comment. Some sections repeat themselves word for word. Entire paragraphs are printed twice, which calls into question the writing and editing of the work.
Finally, before I had even finished reading the book, it had fallen apart in my hands. So regrettably, what could have been a beautiful volume to display is now a bunch of loose leaves.

Another reviewer complains that the newer Universe edition has had its text edited down.

This is true. The Universe just compresses the text into fewer pages, and cuts out a few paragraphs. The book's value is in the photos--all are in this edition..

The quality of the printing job for the Universe not quite as good as that of the earlier Rizzoli. This does reflect itself in slightly less grand photos, but of course, it is also much cheaper.

I was looking for a book that showed lots of different Federalist implementations. This book does pretty good, a lot of outside. I would have liked more kitchens from the era.

I met Wendell Garrett years ago and heard him lecture upon the subject in this book. I am an Interior Designer that for several years specialized in American Historical Restoration, and Traditional Design. I have since broadened my base. However, Garrett's book was at the time considered among the best examples of American Architecture and Interiors, and there has not been a book to top it to date. Garrett has one of the best well rounded bases of knowledge of America, American History through the eyes of the Architecture, Interiors and Antiques and Art that I have encountered. The man has an insight and has chosen an excellent series of examples in his book to help educate us in our own Nations' treasures. I would not only recommend this book, but also recommend any chance at hearing this brilliant speaker if you have any interest in History, Architecture, or Interiors in America. I often give this book as a gift to budding designers to give them a good base knowledge of their own country's heritage.

Given as gift; friend is enjoying this book very much. Highly recommends it to people who want decorate in the federal style.

It has been some years since I looked at my copy of Classic America and again I'm in awe of the well-informed text. This is a marvelous book and it fills me with love for my country. We had such high ideals which were expressed in design as well as words.