Storybook Cottages: America's Carpenter Gothic Style

The text examines the roots of the style, from Medieval Europe and Gothic cathedrals through Inigo Jones, Augustus Pugin, and the Gothic Revival; the role of the American Gothic, from the pattern books of Andrew Jackson Downing and Alexander Jackson Davis (Rural Residences, Victorian Cottage Residences, The Architecture of Country Houses) that inspired the style to the impact of the scroll saw, which allowed local builders to interpret Gothic Revival architectural details in wood, thus creating the Carpenter Gothic style; and the hallmarks of Carpenter Gothic, from sharply peaked gables to board-and-batten siding, peaked windows and doors, gingerbread trim on porches, stained glass windows, and decorated bargeboards, among other features. Storybook Cottages highlights both the picturesque exteriors of these homes as well as the incomparable interiors that give them such warmth. Presented are stunning photographs by Paul Rocheleau, Tim Street-Porter, Steve Gross, and Sue Daley, among others, along with illustrative examples from Downing’s pattern books, and black-and-white images from the Historic American Buildings Survey. The text will also discuss historic interiors, adapting the style for

The illustrations are lavish and include full page photos from The Historic American Buildings survey and by prominent architecture photographers, period etchings and watercolors, and plates from period pattern books.” Book News. “In beautiful photographs, architectural renderings and illustrations from patter books of the time, the author showcases the style’s hallmarks…” Victorian Homes "Much more than a visual tour of America's 19th-century Carpenter Gothic homes, this book offers a thorough treatment in both text and images. Architecture writer Montgomery traces the style's history, prominent proponents and hallmarks as well as

"No "Storybook Cottages" in this book" according to Paige Bucherschrank. Dazzling illustrations of some truly beautiful houses. But there is a style of house, mostly in the west, that people call "Storybook" and these houses do not fit that description at all. The storybook houses are kind of more Hansel & Gretel or Hobbit-like. The houses in this book are clearly Gothic. So the sub-title is correct. I liked one of the interior photos so much that I copied it in my house and everyone ooohs and ahhhs.. "CHARMCHARMCHARMLIKE MAKE BELIEVE." according to A. GRECO. Lovely photos take you to an era of charm and detail. You think that you are looking at dollhouses, but these are real homes. Stunningly brought to life in this book.. Amazon Customer said Too few pics. I was hoping for more pictures. There is whole chapter devoted to churches. Some interesting writing, but not nearly as many pictures as I was hoping for.

Gladys Montgomery has written features for publications such as Antiques and Fine Art, Old House Interiors, Country Living, Yankee, Country Decorating Ideas, and Country Victorian. . She edits the award-winning magazine Berkshire Living Home + Garden