Customer Reviews

Houses of the Hamptons 1880-1930 (The Architecture of Leisure)

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This is yet another well researched, beautiful book put out by Acanthus Press. Ms. Surchin does the Hamptons proud, with her insightful text and wonderful period images, I had no idea that there where so many period houses in the Hamptons, of course I knew all about the North Shore of Long Island, the famous Gold Coast, but i had thought all the huge houses in the Hamptons where fairly new, needless to say this book was a very pleasant surprise. If you have any interest in the Hamptons or just have an appreciation of beautiful books then I highly recommend this book; well done, indeed.

The authors have clearly worked hard to document thirty important houses, located mostly in Southampton and East Hampton. The history is superbly researched, and there are many archival images that will thrill even the most knowledgeable Hamptons aficionado. If you are interested in the Hamptons in particular or resort architecture in general, you must own this book.

I bought this book for my girlfriend, who is an interior designer. She absolutely loves it! It is a beautiful book that you can spend hours just looking at the wonderful photos of some gorgeous homes. My friend was totally happy with her gift.

This was purchased as a present for someone who is very hard to please, an avid non-fiction reader who quickly discards anything that lacks "valuable" content. It was a hit! I have also since read this book and it is very much worth the price .. it is filled with glorious information and such details ..incredible and great book. Only issue was the copy I recieved from Amazon was dented on the spine and therefore not in perfect condition as expected. So if giving as a gift .. carefully check your item before wrapping.

Mozart once said that the intent of his music compositions was "to please both the connoisseur and the amateur." This absolutely wonderful book, Houses of the Hamptons 1880 - 1930, captures that spirit and the reader can explore and delve into the host of architectural, historical, and biographical information presented.

The book, much like the houses themselves, encompasses several worlds. First, there is the artistry of the architecture itself. The engagingly written narratives explain the features of each residence, illuminating not only why the house is important in its own right, but also how it relates to the larger context of the architecture and society of its day. Floor plans of the houses are included, and the residences are abundantly illustrated by superbly reproduced photographs - both current and archival - some that are certainly from the very attics of the houses showing costume parties and other events the owners and visitors wanted to record. Continuing beyond that, the book brings the reader into the times of the original owners, with stories of their accomplishments and the fascinating lives they led.

This is not a dryly presented architectural history tome; instead, you will feel as if you are reading a series of well written short stories. The authors' years of meticulous research is evident throughout, and their genuine affection for the subject can be felt on every page.

Usually, my books are arranged by subject and in alphabetical order. But, not this one. This volume is on the shelf I reserve for my very favorite books.

This book is exactly what I was looking for. It was a great way to peek into the forgotten world of the "Robber Baron's Gold Coast" lifestyle, and become familiar with the ongoing attempts to integrate the older styles of architecture with the contemporary lifestyles of today. It is tragic to see how much of the past has been relegated to the landfills, but it is also reassuring to see how much of the past is peing preserved by the curent guardians of these exceptional properties. How nice to have this photographic information compiled in one volume. I heartily recommend this book for those who are architectural historians and those with the strange love for the old and almost forgotten reminders of a once slower, more elegant lifestyle.