American Shelter: Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Home - Perfect for History Buffs, Architects & Home Decor Enthusiasts

This is an entirely different approach to a well-trodden path. Most American residential architectural style books, of which there are many fine examples, divide the topic into neat categories and then provide concise, clear descriptions of each style with photographs to illustrate these descriptions. This book replaces the photographs with helpful line drawings and divides the styles into multiple sub-categories. One might quibble about the plethora of styles presented here as, in reality, many of these overlap their siblings and it is sometimes difficult, if not impossible, to neatly categorize them so distinctly. That said, the drawings provide new perspectives (pardon the pun) which could never be accomplished by photographs. Mr. Walker has done a great service for all of us.