A Field Guide to American Architecture

Rifkind, Carole

ISBN 10: 0452252245 / ISBN 13: 9780452252240

Published by New American Library [This is a Plume book--Times Mirror], New York, 1980

About this Item

The format is approximately 8.25 inches by 10.75 inches. xi[1], 322, [2] pages. Illustrations (over 450 black and white illustrations--photographs and drawings). Recommended Reading. Index. The covers are decorative. The covers have slight wear and soiling. This comprehensive handbook on our architectural heritage traces the fascinating development of architectural styles in the United States, from the simple wood houses of the 17th century to the steel and glass towers of our own day. Carole Rifkind (June 23, 1935 July 22, 2019) was an American architecture critic, architectural historian, author, educator and filmmaker. Her books concern architectural history as well as the negotiation between the built environment and people within the urban landscape. Carole Lewis was born in Brooklyn, New York. She studied at Mount Holyoke College and Barnard College, graduating from the latter in 1956. She taught at Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation and directed programs for the Hudson River Museum, the Municipal Art Society and Partners for Livable Places. She was also a consultant on historic preservation and tourism planning. In 2011, she and her husband set up a Faculty Support Fund at Barnard, to assist teachers in the early years of their career. Among some topics addressed are: Federal, Colonial, Greek Revival, Victorian, Romanesque, Construction, Building Materials, Residential, Ecclesiastical, Commercial, Civic, Utilitarian, Georgian, Neoclassical, Gothic Revival, Richardsonian, Italianate, and Beaux-Arts. A Field Guide to American Architecture traces the fascinating development of architectural styles in the United States from the simple wood houses of the seventeenth century to the steel and glass towers of our own day. This invaluable handbook describes the historical background, construction materials, and basic structures and styles (Colonial, Federal, Victorian, Greek Revival, Romanesque, to name just a few). The book is divided first by building functions (residential, commercial, etc.) and then by specific architectural period. Technical terms are clearly defined throughout a text illustrated with examples for a unique and ongoing series of drawings of historic buildings, which was begun in the 1930s as part of a W> P. A> project. With these aids, the reader should be able to identify virtually and American structure within its period, as well as any additions that may have been made to it in subsequent periods.

Seller Inventory # 89380

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A Field Guide to American Architecture
• Publisher: New American Library [This is a Plume book--Times Mirror], New York
• Publication Date: 1980
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0452252245
• ISBN 13: 9780452252240
• Binding: Trade paperback
• Edition: Third printing [stated].
• Condition: Very good

About this title

Synopsis

This comprehensive handbook on our architectural heritage traces the fascinating development of architectural styles in the United States, from the simple wood houses of the 17th century to the steel and glass towers of our own day. Over 450 illustrations.

About the Author

Carole Rifkind, a writer, curator, and consultant to civic and cultural groups, has taught at the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Historic Preservation. She lives in New York City.