Product Description

In the first part of the book Steven Parissien describes the development of the Georgian style in Britain from its introduction in the early eighteenth century through to the mid-nineteenth century and explains how the original inhabitants would have used the various rooms. In the second part he devotes a chapter to each element of the Georgian house, including roofs, brickwork and stonework, doors and windows, staircase and fireplaces, mouldings and plasterwork. Throughout the book he stresses the need for today's owners to understand the ideas, techniques and materials employed by those who built their homes. The book has been written with the owner, or would-be owner, of a modest family house or Georgian cottage primarily in mind. Though due attention is given to the great houses of the period, and especially to their role in setting new trends, the main emphasis is on the modest domestic architecture at which the Georgians excelled. With its wealth of practical advice on the preservation and restoration of both structure and decor, as well as an invaluable guide to specialist suppliers and sources of further information, this book is an indispensable resource for lovers of Georgian architecture. Steven Parissien is former Education Secretary of the Georgian Group, the body formed to save Georgian buildings and townscapes from destruction or disfigurement. He has subsequently worked at Yale University's Paul Mellon Centre, Sotheby's Institute and the University of Plymouth and is currently Director of Education for The Prince's Foundation. His other books include Adam Style, Palladian Style and Regency Style.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #53065 in Books
• Published on: 2008-08-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

Customer Reviews

Rather American in context, but many interesting chapters
Starting with a short history of Georgian Architecture, the book goes on to explain the differences between British and American Styles. The more interesting Chapters follow this introduction, breaking down areas of design into such individual headings ranging from Floors, windows & Staircase, to Paint colours, wallpapers & Shutters.

Good pictures illustrate the above

A great introduction to the period
I bought this as my first text on the Georgian Period, having little knowledge of the Period when i bought a Regency House.
Covers the whole of the quite long georgian period in great detail and depth. It would certainly be an aquired taste and is not light reading. However if you have interest in this style of house and/or is relevant to your home then it provides an accurate chronology of the houses built and why they were built that way.
Lots of great pictures to inspire and impress.

Really useful
This book is really useful for someone contemplating either renovating a Georgian period house, or building one in that style. It moves from the general to the specific in terms of detailing and covers rustic styles, not just grand or London houses.