Customer Reviews

Mediterranean Domestic Architecture for the United States (Twentieth Century Landmarks in Design, Vol. 9) (Acanthus Press Reprint Series. 20th Century, Landmarks in Design, V. 9.)

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I find this book a compelling record of a style and period of architecture I love. This is a reprint of a 1929 book, the period black & white photos and drawings are well realized and reveal a lot detail. There are also plans shown for most of the houses illustrated

We would all benefit if architects, developers, landscape architects who are doing contemporary versions of Mediterranean Architecture would spend time studying these images. There is such a fine use of solid and void, plays of light shadow on extensive planar surfaces, and restrained but effective (and sometimes whimsical) use of ornament. Hey, this is not a difficult architecture, or particularly expensive to realize, but can be truly sublime and fully appropriate for Southern California where I live. This book has a lot to tell us designers about how to get it right.

This book covers some of the best California and Florida residential architecture of the early 20th century. The photos are great and the plans are incredible. The new introduction shows the house built by the author's grandmother in the 1920s. What a life style! I highly recommend this classy reprint.

This was a good coffee table book. Or, if you're interested in the "Mediterranean" look that would be more precisely refered to as "spanish revival" or "Santa Barbara" this is a great example of the architecture of southern CA in the earlier part of the last century. A very popular and good looking style. Only thing, for a style reference it could have used more floor plans of the homes.

I love these elegant books put out by Acanthus Press. This book has vivid period black and white images of great american homes in the Mediterranean style. This is a reprint of a book first realized in the 20's. The images and text really make one appreciate the craftmanship and grace of the era. They really don't build buildings. like this anymore, whether they be for residential or commercial use. If you have any interest in wondeful period images, or singular craftmanship, then you will love this book.