[.ca] Storybook Style (ISBN 0670893854)

Rare original idea:
My first impression of this book was that it was a trifle; once I started to read it though, I discovered it was surprisingly substantial. What a joy to look at these quaint medieval-inspired houses. Lots of them, and all those turrets! You won't find mention of this phenomenon in any of the popular books on house styles, and the author deserves credit for documenting it. The book displays a professional knowledge of architecture, unlike many in this category which seem to be written by art historians, and you can rest assured the author will not confuse a mullion with a muntin, or claim, as another one once did, that Tudor is an early Rennaissance style. (Although he happens to be incorrect in saying "terra cotta" means "hollow tile"; it means "baked earth".) No vacant catalog-esque prose here; the author knows his subject and enjoys telling others about it.

Whodathunkit - a page-turner architecture book!:
5 stars plus! A book to delight the heart! It's so well-written you don't want to stop reading, yet you want to see what delight awaits on the next page. My suggestion - page through and look at all the pictures - then go back and read it all. Great job - please do another one! These guys did a similar book called Red Tile Style, on spanish revival architecture - if you like this one, check it out- it's also very well done.

Homes out of Hollywood fantasy land:
Idea books for cottages and cottage detailing don't get much better than this. This book tells the story of the emergence of the Storybook style in the early part of the 20th century-- a style that came right out of the fantasy world of Hollywood. In fact, many of the homes featured in this book were commissioned by the movie folk of this era. This is a larger format book-- and you'll be glad it is when you see the pictures!

A wonderful book:
This is a beautiful book. The photographs are very good, and the featured buildings are fascinating. I wish that addresses could be included (although I am sure the owners of the homes would not agree). I have happened to spot a few of my favorite buildings from the book in my area, which was quite a treat.

All in California?:
I was disappointed. The houses were mostly all in California. There is actually a house in Brooklyn New York that is a landmark and is better than most houses featured in this book.