Starting Points

• American Architecture since 1780: A Guide to the Styles
  Marcus Whiffen (1992)
  NA705 .W47 1992, Open Shelf
  
  Contains descriptions, histories, and illustrations of more than 40 architectural styles.
  
  
• The American House
  Mary Mix Foley (1980)
  728.01 F66a, Stack 4 
  
  This line-illustrated book attempts to clarify the astounding variety of American domestic architectural styles, from early 17th century huts to the postmodern period. More than a field guide, it covers a lot of territory with a good deal of historical background, but it can be confusing.
  
  
• A Field Guide to American Architecture
  Carole Rifkin (1980)
  720.973 R56f, Stack 4
  
  Handbook to American architecture up to the 1940s describes the historical background, construction materials, and basic structures and styles (Colonial, Federal, Victorian, Greek Revival, Romanesque, etc.) The book is divided first by building function (residential, commercial, etc.) and then by specific architectural period.
  
  
• Identifying American Architecture
  John J.G. Blumenson (1981)
  NA705 .B55 1981, Open Shelf
  
  Will enable the reader to determine architectural styles and terms by comparing real buildings with the books’ many photographs.
  
  
• Great American Houses and their Architectural Styles 
  Virginia McAlester (1994)  
  728.01 M112g, Stack 4
  
  This book present s 25 American houses which are open to the public. Included are floor plans for each dwelling and a schematic diagram that point out representative architectural characteristics of the style in question.