American Architecture: An Illustrated Encyclopedia

by Cyril M. Harris

Book Overview

In this reference book on architecture in America, Cyril Harris covers everything to do with the built environment, from construction materials and techniques to decorative terms and practical devices, from dogtrot cabin to skyscraper. The entries - including over 2500 definitions and nearly 1000 illustrations - are complemented with historical or biographical nuggets.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0393730298
• ISBN13: 9780393730296
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Length: 370 Pages
• Weight: 2.92 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 8.3" x 10.3"

Customer Reviews

Simple and Concise

If you are looking for a quick, easy intro to architectural styles, this is a good guide.

The Next Step in Architectural Field Identification

For numerous years, I have been collecting field guides to American Architecture. These guides do a great job of pointing out most of the important architectural features that make up a particular style. However, often times the smaller details of the buildings are not described. This is where Cyril Harris' "American Architecture: An Illustrated Encyclopedia" comes to fill this gap. Most people know what a gable is. But if you want to know the difference between a bell gable, clipped gable, corbiestep gable or cross gable, this is the book for you. To further add value to the book, Harris uses numerous line drawn illustrations to add texture to his definitions. This is a highly recommended book for people who like to read buildings.

needs more graphics

The book is great, but lots of definitions don't have pictures; Some house types had pictures while others did not.