The Life of the British Home
An Architectural History
Published on 2. March 2012
Book
Hardback
304 pages
978-0-470-68333-0 (ISBN)
Description
Unlocking the history of the British home, this book reveals how its layout has evolved from the Stone Age to the present day. From modest ancient dwellings and medieval merchants' houses to imposing stately mansions and modern urban estates, the book explores the forces that have shaped these homes. Each chapter brings these ideas to life by focusing on buildings that are accessible and open to the public. Featured homes include: the Tudor mansions of Cowdray and Burghley House; and the grand Georgian terraces of London, Bath and Brighton.
Reviews / Votes
"Overall it has to be one of the more beautiful books published in the field of architectural history." (SPAB Magazine, October 2013)"The Life of the British Home is neither a coffee table book nor a guide book. Lavishly illustrated and beautifully presented, it advances a new perspective on a subject that, elsewhere, has a tendency to look tired and repetitive." (Context, March 2013)
"An illuminating book... for those with even a passing interest in domestic architecture, this is a book to refer to again and again." (House & Garden, November 2012)
"Well-illustrated and fluently written." (Country Life, 8th August)
"Beautifully written and illustrated." (RIBA Journal, July 2012)
"Stunning colour photographs are accompanied by detailed layout plans and drawing... an accessible and entertaining read." (Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society, July 2012)
"A very readable and attractive book, and managers to be totally accessible to the non-specialist, without patronising the knowledgeable reader-indeed its themes and ideas a stimulating for all." (C2O Magazine, June 2012)
"Not only is this guide a reminder that homes are a perennial preoccupation, there are also some handsome pictures." (The Times, 23rd March 2012)
More details
Persons
Edward Denison is an author, photographer and independent consultant whose work concentrates on architecture and the built environment. He has worked independently for over 10 years with various international organisations on a wide range of projects, authored many books, and recently completed a funded PhD in Architectural History at The Bartlett, UCL.
Guang Yu Ren is an architect, researcher and independent consultant with over a decade of experience in work for international organisations in places as diverse as China, Africa and Europe.
Edward Denison and Guang Yu Ren's previous publications include: McMorran & Whitby (RIBA Publishing, 2009), Modernism in China (John Wiley & Sons, 2008); Building Shanghai (John Wiley & Sons, 2006); and Asmara - Africa's Secret Modernist City (Merrell, 2003).
Guang Yu Ren is an architect, researcher and independent consultant with over a decade of experience in work for international organisations in places as diverse as China, Africa and Europe.
Edward Denison and Guang Yu Ren's previous publications include: McMorran & Whitby (RIBA Publishing, 2009), Modernism in China (John Wiley & Sons, 2008); Building Shanghai (John Wiley & Sons, 2006); and Asmara - Africa's Secret Modernist City (Merrell, 2003).
Content
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1 Sticks and Stones - The Ancient Abode from the Stone Age to Roman Invasion
2 Roman Homes and the Newfangled Rectangle - Roman Britain ad 43-410
3 Wooden Walls and Fledgling Halls - Anglo-Saxon and Viking Britain c ad 410-1066
4 The Hearth and Hall - Medieval Britain 1066-1485
5 Architecture and Avarice - The Tudors and Early Stuarts 1485-1649
6 The Compact Commodity - Civil War and Four Georges 1649-c 1830
7 Home Sweet Home? -The Industrial Age c 1830-1900
8 The 'Modern' Home - The 20th Century and Beyond
Bibliography
Index
Picture credits