Research > Guides > House History > Identifying the Historic Period

Identifying the Historic Period

These books can help you identify the historic period of your house. They are kind of like "style dictionaries" — guides to architectural details that can help you determine the age and architectural style of your house, or just help you get familiar with the range of architectural styles out there!

Carley, Rachel: The Visual Dictionary of American Domestic Architecture

(c1994)

728.0973 C281v (reference copies also)
Foster, Gerald: American Houses: A Field Guide to the Architecture of the Home

(c2004)

728.37 F754a 2004 (reference copies also)
Jennings, Jan, and Herbert Gottfried: American Vernacular Interior Architecture, 1870-1940

(c1988)

720.973 J54a (reference copies also)
Massey, James C.: House styles in America: The Old-House Journal Guide to the Architecture of American Homes

(c1996)

728.0973 M416h
McAlester, Virginia: A Field Guide to American Houses

(1984)

720.973 M113f (reference copies also)
Morgan, William, 1944-: The Abrams Guide to American House Styles

(2004)

728.37 M849a 2004 (reference copies also)
Phillips, Steven J.: Old-house Dictionary: An Illustrated Guide to American Domestic Architecture, 1600-1940

(c1989)

Humanities South Reference Desk (Central Library) R-728.0973 P563o

This book is only available for use in the library.
Walker, Lester: American Homes: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Domestic Architecture

(2002)

728.37 W181ah 2002 (reference copies also)