1000 Turn-of-the-Century Houses

Book excerpt: A remarkable presentation of the "finished ideas of a practicing architect of high rank in his profession," this early-twentieth-century showcase of homes features a wide range of designs from a Midwest master. Reproduced from a rare edition, the work features a splendid array of dwellings, from cottages and bungalows to sprawling mansions. Each house is meticulously illustrated and accompanied by complete floor plans. "A poorly planned house is usually more expensive than a modern practical plan," according to the author, architect Herbert C. Chivers. Combining "modern methods" with attractive but modestly priced plans, Chivers promoted his business with sketches of stylish homes, accompanied by brief captions stating dimensions, prices, and occasional suggestions for modifications. This reprint of his complete guide to domestic architecture of the early 1900s constitutes a valuable resource for home hobbyists, architecture students and professionals, as well as antique collectors.