Mediterranean Domestic Architecture for the United States (Acanthus Press Reprint Series. 20th Century, Landmarks in Design, V. 9.)

This is an excellent reprint of Rex Newcomb's book. In it he provides both his own insights into Mediterranean Domestic Architecture as it was being understood and revived in the 1920's and an excellent set of black-and-white photographs of primarily current work in that style. This book ought to be helpful to those involved in either the restoration of early twentieth-century Mediterranean Revival style buildings or in the design of new buildings in that style.

This was a good coffee table book. Or, if you're interested in the "Mediterranean" look that would be more precisely refered to as "spanish revival" or "Santa Barbara" this is a great example of the architecture of southern CA in the earlier part of the last century. A very popular and good looking style. Only thing, for a style reference it could have used more floor plans of the homes.

Great reference book.

I find this book a compelling record of a style and period of architecture I love. This is a reprint of a 1929 book, the period black & white photos and drawings are well realized and reveal a lot detail. There are also plans shown for most of the houses illustratedWe would all benefit if architects, developers, landscape architects who are doing contemporary versions of Mediterranean Architecture would spend time studying these images. There is such a fine use of solid and void, plays of light shadow on extensive planar surfaces, and restrained but effective (and sometimes whimsical) use of ornament. Hey, this is not a difficult architecture, or particularly expensive to realize, but can be truly sublime and fully appropriate for Southern California where I live. This book has a lot to tell us designers about how to get it right.

I love these elegant books put out by Acanthus Press. This book has vivid period black and white images of great american homes in the Mediterranean style. This is a reprint of a book first realized in the 20's. The images and text really make one appreciate the craftmanship and grace of the era. They really don't build buildings. like this anymore, whether they be for residential or commercial use. If you have any interest in wondeful period images, or singular craftmanship, then you will love this book.