The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Homes through American History [4 volumes]

Beginning with the homes of the first European settlers to the North American colonies, and concluding with the latest trends in construction and design of houses and apartments in the United States, Homes through American History is a four-volume set intended for a general audience.

From tenements to McMansions, from wattle-and-daub construction in early New England to sustainable materials for green housing, these books provide a rich historical tour through housing in the United States.

Divided into 10 historical periods, the series explores a variety of home types and issues within a social, historical, and political context.

For use in history, social studies, and literature classes, Homes through American History identifies ; A brief historical overview of the era, in order provide context to the discussion of homes and dwellings. ; Styles of domestic architecture around the country. ; Building material and manufacturing. ; Home layout and design. ; Furniture and decoration. ; Landscaping and outbuildings. The four volumes in the set are each divided into two or three eras.

Highlights of each volume include the following. Volume One, 1492-1820, includes:Homes in the Colonial Era, 1492-1781 Information about regional home-building material and techniques such as wattle and daub in the Northeast; brick and mortar in Virginiawood for Massachusetts; adobe for the Southwest; and tabby in the Southeast The gradual move to a new colonial style, including the saltbox style in the Northeast; Dutch colonial in the Middle colonies; and eventually Georgian and classical revival styles in the South and throughout the colonies The importance of fences to establish propertyHomes in the Federal Era, 1782-1820 by Melissa DuffesUse of pattern books in design and construction Innovations in building materials and services Franklin stoves, Rumford ranges for heat Plumbing-pumps and privies Purpose-built rooms for designated events such as dining and the move of the bed out of the parlor into a bedroom The importance of working gardens for houses in town Volume Two, 1821-1900, includes:Homes in the Revival Era, 1821-1860 by Nancy B.

Mingus Settlement patterns The popularity of octagon houses Cellars, attics, carriage houses, summer kitchens, and porchesHomes in the Civil War and Reconstruction Era, 1861-1880 by Thomas W.

ParadisWestward expansion and homestead acts Styles including Italianate, Italian Villa, Stick Style, EastlakeSecond Empire Tenements in New York, Sanitary Housing, and the beginning of company towns, such as Lowell, MassachusettsHomes in the Gilded Era, 1881-1900 by Elizabeth B.

Greene Victorian home designs Lavish ornamentation Tenement living Spread of indoor plumbing Volume Three, 1901-1945, includes:Homes in the Early Modern Era, 1901-1920 by Leslie Cormier The use of electric lights Planned parks and housing around them Model town planning and garden apartmentsHomes in the Depression and World War II Era, 1921-1945, by Neal Hitch The massive impact on houses in the 1920s and 1930s by the automobile, improvements in refrigeration, heating technology, the telephone, and the radio The movement toward small, owner-occupied, single-family housingVolume Four, 1946-Present, includes:Homes in the Suburban Era, 1946-1970 by Jane C.

Busch Opposition between traditional styles and modern designthe popularity of the ranch house and split level home Interstate highways, shopping centers, and suburbs Attempts and failures at urban renewal Retirement communitiesHomes in the Neoeclectic Era, 1971-1985 by Mark E.

BraunThe rise of consumerism, yuppies, and homelessness Design of new towns Do-it-yourself remodeling and design The beginnings of energy consciousnessHomes in the New Era, 1986-Present by Brenda KayzarNew trends that draw from the past (small towns, compact design, mixed uses), now politically encompassed under the umbrella ideal of Smart Growth Support for new urbanist ideals of neo-traditional design, transit-oriented development, and infill projects