Customer Reviews

The Houses We Live In: An Identification Guide to the History and Style of American Domestic Architecture

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In the world of architectural field guides, there exists a division between books that primarily use photographs to show architectural styles and books that use line drawings. I have always preferred line drawings because they allow the viewer to concentrate on the architecutral features that combine to create a distinct style. I do not like photographic texts because there are too many distractions. Instead of being able to concentrate on the house, the eye is drawn to trees, cars or people walking around.

Initially, I did not think that I would like "The Houses We Live In" because it relies heavily on photographic examples. Even worse, the color on many of the 600 photographs look faded out. The General Editor of the book, Jeffery Howe used his personal collection of photographs that he has amassed over the course of twenty years. Unfortunatley, the photos look like the work of a weekend hobbyist. (Yet let me say, they are still better than the "professional" photographs used in "The Abrams Guide to American Styles."

Although initially biased against this book, having read the work I was won over by it. Although not the highest quality of photographs, the sheer range of images is very impressive. Most field guides end around 1950. This guide is interesting because it looks at contemporary revivals of classic American styles. In conclusion, this is the work of a man who has spent many years purusing his love of American architectural forms. It is majestic in scope in the way only a committed hobbyist can complete. Although not the ultimate field guide, Jeffery Howe and his collaborators have gone a long way in advancing the state of the architectural field guide.

I saw this in a bookstore and scooped it up without checking online prices. Its a huge book for the small price. I'm no historian, but this book seems very comprehensive. Awesome color photos, floorplans, sketches, etc. History, details of construction technics. Pretty much every photo has a description with location, date, and many times the architect. Beautiful examples of houses from each period... something for everyone. Tons of info.

Like the previous reviewer, I found this book on sale at the local store. It's a super survey book, unambiguous and well illustrated with each type of house discussed in the text. It has a glossary of architectural terms, and a chapter of architect bios, including pictures of the houses they lived in. Better than a [money] Abrams art book!

I found this book at a B&B in Hannibal MO. I'm curious about vernacular architecture, and by and large this fits the bill. There is an over emphasis on New England styles and architects, not enough on mid-west and western styles. Fun to look through. Don't spend more than 10 bucks on it.

This book contains a very good overview of styles and numerous pictorial examples of each style.