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Unabridged Dover (1990) republication of Palliser's American Cottage Homes, originally published by Palliser, Palliser & Co., Architects, Bridgeport, Conn., 1878. 40 plates and 12 illustrated advertisements. Preface. Captions. 104pp. 9.375 x 12.25 inches. Paperbound. ISBN 0-486-26506-4.
.Reprinted from a rare original edition, this fascinating book presents “practical designs of low and medium priced houses” offered in 1878 by the Bridgeport, Connecticut architectural firm of Palliser, Palliser & Co. Most of the fifty designs are in the cottage style, and range from two-room dewellings to multilevel structures with space for libraries, pantries, porches, storage cellars, sculleries and dressing rooms.
Each design is presented in front and side elevations. Floor plans for all levels are included, along with details of decorative additions to the exteriors. Captions accompanying each design discuss its suitability to family size and environment (seaside, city, suburbs, country), point out its special features and conveniences, recommend materials for roofing, siding and other needs, and include price estimates. A special section at the back of the book presents detailed specifications for the construction of two of the home designs. It includes as well a sample Palliser building contract, and advertisements for many of the firm's suppliers.
As the Pallisers state in their Preface: “We have endeavored, by careful study of proportion and distribution of parts, to combine good design with practical, convenient plans and sound construction.” Architects, students of design, architectural historians and old-house restorers and preservationists will find their book of plans a superb sourcebook of authentic mid-Victorian home design.
Cover design by Paul E. Kennedy.
(The above commentary is provided by Dover Publications, Inc.)
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