The Georgian House in Britain and America

The Georgian-style house--whether a classic building on a Georgetown street or an elegant brick house in a leafy suburb--is considered by some to be the most desirable and comfortable of homes. The Georgian style has stood the test of time. Houses built over two hundred years ago still stand as proud and dignified as when they were first erected, and the style continues to be popular in contemporary domestic architecture.

The first part of this book describes the development of the Georgian style, beginning with its introduction in the early eighteenth century in Britain and the colonies. In the 1740s, metropolitan areas on America's east coast, particularly the cities of Boston, Philadelphia, Charleston, and Alexandria, were beginning to show excellent examples of Georgian architecture.

In the second part of the book, a chapter is devoted to each element of the house--roofs, stonework, brick, doors and windows, fireplaces, and moldings are examined, stressing the need for today's occupants to understand the ideas, techniques, and materials employed by the original builders. This book enables the preservationist, historian, architect, carpenter, and decorator to understand the craftsmanship and context of the Georgian house.

Written with the owner of a modest family house in mind, the text also devotes due attention to the great houses of the period. The book overflows with practical advice on paint colors, wallpapers, and other decor, and provides an invaluable guide to suppliers and sources of further information.