Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Within the architectural syntax of the American homestead, the Cape Cod house stands as one of our most durable and prolific symbols, writes Gitlin, an architect and a Cape-owner herself. With its "simple one-and-a-half story form" and its steeply pitched roof, often capped with a few dormers, the Cape has long been accepted as a fundamental unit of middle-class comfort and modesty, especially since its proliferation in the decades following World War II. This volume, the latest in the Updating Classic America series, illustrates the many ways in which the basic Cape form has been modified and embellished over the years. "Like a dish of vanilla ice cream," Gitlin writes, "a Cape gracefully accepts just about any flavor you might want to add." In a series of nuts and bolts profiles of successful renovations, Gitlin walks the reader through hidden gardens and storage rooms, along swooping rooflines and angular hallways, always with a competent, conversational tone. Authoritative without being coercive, helpful without nagging, this is a graceful, enlightening handbook for the home redecorator. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
Taunton's new "Updating Classic America" series offers something for nearly every reader with its coverage of renovation, remodeling, and new construction of America's most popular traditional housing styles. In these latest additions, Gitlin and Schoenherr, architects with considerable residential design experience, offer a wealth of information on Cape Cod and Colonial style homes, each including more than 20 examples; the projects range from simple remodeling jobs to major renovations of existing homes or complete new construction. These architectural styles are so well known that no explanation is needed, so readers' interest will be a function of which style they personally prefer. Both titles offer a history of the style, numerous project narratives, profuse colorful photographs, and a wealth of floor plans (many with "before and after" views). Whether one actually owns a home in these styles, is looking for ideas, or is simply browsing, either title is excellent for public libraries. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
