Great Houses of the South

Great coffee table book. I used this as our guest book for our wedding. I wanted something with enough space on pages so guests could write their note and name in between the texts and pictures. I searched for awhile before finding this one. It arrived in perfect condition. I could not tell from the product description or photos how much blank space the book would have, but figured with the amount of pages and pictures it would work. Based on customer reviews, I had high hopes it would work, and it did not disappoint. I received a ton of compliments on the unique idea but mostly for how gorgeous the book was and all the photos with details on each house. My guests loved looking for a house in their city (by using the box’s index), and would suggest visits or trips I should take in the future. I highly recommend the book as a coffee table book, guest book, gift idea, etc. I have not had time to read it, but I have read on a few of the houses, and it gives great detail on the houses I have known growing up in the south.

This book is intended as a living room conversation piece rather than a reference work or scholarly study. That, of course, does not diminish the supreme quality of the photography of this rather small selection of grand Southern houses. Let me make clear that the SELECTION is small, but the houses are most certainly not. The author treats us to gorgeous stops at Mount Vernon and the Biltmore House, Shirley Plantation and Whitehall. The book is arranged in chronological chapters, beginning with 1700-1800 and ending with 1865-1940, so the majority of the book is dedicated to OLD structures. Think the framing essays for each entry are just filling material and you'd be seriously mistaken. The author creates the perfect balance of historical depth and reader accessibility. The writing is profound without being pedantic, and the book will be as interesting to architectural historians as it is to amateur enthusiasts. Here's something really nice: The building selection is limited to places that are open to visitors, so a reader can visit ANY of the houses s/he falls in love with from the book. My only regreat is that this author's "South" does not include Texas. There are no examples from Texas, but there are several from Florida, Kentucky and Maryland. This is a big book printed on heavy gloss paper. Overall, it is one of the very best coffee-table books you can buy on this subject, and it's a nice travel guide as well. Exceptionally well done.

After visiting Oak Alley plantation during a trip to louisiana, I developed an interest in southern plantations and mansions. This book did not disappoint! The pictures were breathtaking and the biographical history that accompanies them is an education that will stick with you. I was amazed at how modern some of the houses were, and how they were restored and maintained. There are now several more "great houses" I plan to visit....

The book was absolutely stunning. It was a gift to friends who hosted me in their home in Atlanta. It was a perfect fit. It inspired my friends to see those homes again on their vacation.

Beautiful book. We used it as a sign in book at our daughter's wedding.

In my opinion this is the best photographic book of the whole history of southern homes on the market. Rizzoli rocks. (Note, I'm speaking photograph-related only.)

This book rates a 5 star. It is extensive in the history for each home. The photographs leaves one in a state awe. Through the pictures I could almost feel the warmth and majesty of each home. I have visited several of the homes in this book, but reviewing the book makes me want to go back again and pay closer attention to the detailed architecture and interior decorating. This is an excellent coffee table book. You will not want to keep this book on a shelf. It's too pretty to keep tucked away.

I just received this book and though I'm delighted with the quality of publication and the content -including choice of houses, many of them unfamiliar to me- I have to say that many of the best illustrations are often put two to a page plus captions and printed text, thus making it difficult to admire all the details -alas I realize this is probably due to space constraints, but it would have been lovely had more page space been provided for said illustrations. Still, a worthwhile book on par with Wendell Garrett's Victorian America ( which however does give full page cover to most of its images).

,,,simple stunning photos n history Proud to display it

What a beautiful collection of southern charm! The homes and estates are a glimpse into the history of the South. Lovely.

Great coffee table book. I used this as our guest book for our wedding. I wanted something with enough space on pages so guests could write their note and name in between the texts and pictures. I searched for awhile before finding this one. It arrived in perfect condition. I could not tell from the product description or photos how much blank space the book would have, but figured with the amount of pages and pictures it would work. Based on customer reviews, I had high hopes it would work, and it did not disappoint. I received a ton of compliments on the unique idea but mostly for how gorgeous the book was and all the photos with details on each house. My guests loved looking for a house in their city (by using the box’s index), and would suggest visits or trips I should take in the future. I highly recommend the book as a coffee table book, guest book, gift idea, etc. I have not had time to read it, but I have read on a few of the houses, and it gives great detail on the houses I have known growing up in the south.

This book is intended as a living room conversation piece rather than a reference work or scholarly study. That, of course, does not diminish the supreme quality of the photography of this rather small selection of grand Southern houses. Let me make clear that the SELECTION is small, but the houses are most certainly not. The author treats us to gorgeous stops at Mount Vernon and the Biltmore House, Shirley Plantation and Whitehall. The book is arranged in chronological chapters, beginning with 1700-1800 and ending with 1865-1940, so the majority of the book is dedicated to OLD structures. Think the framing essays for each entry are just filling material and you'd be seriously mistaken. The author creates the perfect balance of historical depth and reader accessibility. The writing is profound without being pedantic, and the book will be as interesting to architectural historians as it is to amateur enthusiasts. Here's something really nice: The building selection is limited to places that are open to visitors, so a reader can visit ANY of the houses s/he falls in love with from the book. My only regreat is that this author's "South" does not include Texas. There are no examples from Texas, but there are several from Florida, Kentucky and Maryland. This is a big book printed on heavy gloss paper. Overall, it is one of the very best coffee-table books you can buy on this subject, and it's a nice travel guide as well. Exceptionally well done.

After visiting Oak Alley plantation during a trip to louisiana, I developed an interest in southern plantations and mansions. This book did not disappoint! The pictures were breathtaking and the biographical history that accompanies them is an education that will stick with you. I was amazed at how modern some of the houses were, and how they were restored and maintained. There are now several more "great houses" I plan to visit....

The book was absolutely stunning. It was a gift to friends who hosted me in their home in Atlanta. It was a perfect fit. It inspired my friends to see those homes again on their vacation.

Beautiful book. We used it as a sign in book at our daughter's wedding.

In my opinion this is the best photographic book of the whole history of southern homes on the market. Rizzoli rocks. (Note, I'm speaking photograph-related only.)

This book rates a 5 star. It is extensive in the history for each home. The photographs leaves one in a state awe. Through the pictures I could almost feel the warmth and majesty of each home. I have visited several of the homes in this book, but reviewing the book makes me want to go back again and pay closer attention to the detailed architecture and interior decorating. This is an excellent coffee table book. You will not want to keep this book on a shelf. It's too pretty to keep tucked away.

I just received this book and though I'm delighted with the quality of publication and the content -including choice of houses, many of them unfamiliar to me- I have to say that many of the best illustrations are often put two to a page plus captions and printed text, thus making it difficult to admire all the details -alas I realize this is probably due to space constraints, but it would have been lovely had more page space been provided for said illustrations. Still, a worthwhile book on par with Wendell Garrett's Victorian America ( which however does give full page cover to most of its images).

,,,simple stunning photos n history Proud to display it

What a beautiful collection of southern charm! The homes and estates are a glimpse into the history of the South. Lovely.

Great coffee table book. I used this as our guest book for our wedding. I wanted something with enough space on pages so guests could write their note and name in between the texts and pictures. I searched for awhile before finding this one. It arrived in perfect condition. I could not tell from the product description or photos how much blank space the book would have, but figured with the amount of pages and pictures it would work. Based on customer reviews, I had high hopes it would work, and it did not disappoint. I received a ton of compliments on the unique idea but mostly for how gorgeous the book was and all the photos with details on each house. My guests loved looking for a house in their city (by using the box’s index), and would suggest visits or trips I should take in the future. I highly recommend the book as a coffee table book, guest book, gift idea, etc. I have not had time to read it, but I have read on a few of the houses, and it gives great detail on the houses I have known growing up in the south.

This book is intended as a living room conversation piece rather than a reference work or scholarly study. That, of course, does not diminish the supreme quality of the photography of this rather small selection of grand Southern houses. Let me make clear that the SELECTION is small, but the houses are most certainly not. The author treats us to gorgeous stops at Mount Vernon and the Biltmore House, Shirley Plantation and Whitehall. The book is arranged in chronological chapters, beginning with 1700-1800 and ending with 1865-1940, so the majority of the book is dedicated to OLD structures. Think the framing essays for each entry are just filling material and you'd be seriously mistaken. The author creates the perfect balance of historical depth and reader accessibility. The writing is profound without being pedantic, and the book will be as interesting to architectural historians as it is to amateur enthusiasts. Here's something really nice: The building selection is limited to places that are open to visitors, so a reader can visit ANY of the houses s/he falls in love with from the book. My only regreat is that this author's "South" does not include Texas. There are no examples from Texas, but there are several from Florida, Kentucky and Maryland. This is a big book printed on heavy gloss paper. Overall, it is one of the very best coffee-table books you can buy on this subject, and it's a nice travel guide as well. Exceptionally well done.

After visiting Oak Alley plantation during a trip to louisiana, I developed an interest in southern plantations and mansions. This book did not disappoint! The pictures were breathtaking and the biographical history that accompanies them is an education that will stick with you. I was amazed at how modern some of the houses were, and how they were restored and maintained. There are now several more "great houses" I plan to visit....

The book was absolutely stunning. It was a gift to friends who hosted me in their home in Atlanta. It was a perfect fit. It inspired my friends to see those homes again on their vacation.

Beautiful book. We used it as a sign in book at our daughter's wedding.

In my opinion this is the best photographic book of the whole history of southern homes on the market. Rizzoli rocks. (Note, I'm speaking photograph-related only.)

This book rates a 5 star. It is extensive in the history for each home. The photographs leaves one in a state awe. Through the pictures I could almost feel the warmth and majesty of each home. I have visited several of the homes in this book, but reviewing the book makes me want to go back again and pay closer attention to the detailed architecture and interior decorating. This is an excellent coffee table book. You will not want to keep this book on a shelf. It's too pretty to keep tucked away.

I just received this book and though I'm delighted with the quality of publication and the content -including choice of houses, many of them unfamiliar to me- I have to say that many of the best illustrations are often put two to a page plus captions and printed text, thus making it difficult to admire all the details -alas I realize this is probably due to space constraints, but it would have been lovely had more page space been provided for said illustrations. Still, a worthwhile book on par with Wendell Garrett's Victorian America ( which however does give full page cover to most of its images).

,,,simple stunning photos n history Proud to display it

What a beautiful collection of southern charm! The homes and estates are a glimpse into the history of the South. Lovely.

Great coffee table book. I used this as our guest book for our wedding. I wanted something with enough space on pages so guests could write their note and name in between the texts and pictures. I searched for awhile before finding this one. It arrived in perfect condition. I could not tell from the product description or photos how much blank space the book would have, but figured with the amount of pages and pictures it would work. Based on customer reviews, I had high hopes it would work, and it did not disappoint. I received a ton of compliments on the unique idea but mostly for how gorgeous the book was and all the photos with details on each house. My guests loved looking for a house in their city (by using the box’s index), and would suggest visits or trips I should take in the future. I highly recommend the book as a coffee table book, guest book, gift idea, etc. I have not had time to read it, but I have read on a few of the houses, and it gives great detail on the houses I have known growing up in the south.

This book is intended as a living room conversation piece rather than a reference work or scholarly study. That, of course, does not diminish the supreme quality of the photography of this rather small selection of grand Southern houses. Let me make clear that the SELECTION is small, but the houses are most certainly not. The author treats us to gorgeous stops at Mount Vernon and the Biltmore House, Shirley Plantation and Whitehall. The book is arranged in chronological chapters, beginning with 1700-1800 and ending with 1865-1940, so the majority of the book is dedicated to OLD structures. Think the framing essays for each entry are just filling material and you'd be seriously mistaken. The author creates the perfect balance of historical depth and reader accessibility. The writing is profound without being pedantic, and the book will be as interesting to architectural historians as it is to amateur enthusiasts. Here's something really nice: The building selection is limited to places that are open to visitors, so a reader can visit ANY of the houses s/he falls in love with from the book. My only regreat is that this author's "South" does not include Texas. There are no examples from Texas, but there are several from Florida, Kentucky and Maryland. This is a big book printed on heavy gloss paper. Overall, it is one of the very best coffee-table books you can buy on this subject, and it's a nice travel guide as well. Exceptionally well done.

After visiting Oak Alley plantation during a trip to louisiana, I developed an interest in southern plantations and mansions. This book did not disappoint! The pictures were breathtaking and the biographical history that accompanies them is an education that will stick with you. I was amazed at how modern some of the houses were, and how they were restored and maintained. There are now several more "great houses" I plan to visit....

The book was absolutely stunning. It was a gift to friends who hosted me in their home in Atlanta. It was a perfect fit. It inspired my friends to see those homes again on their vacation.

Beautiful book. We used it as a sign in book at our daughter's wedding.

In my opinion this is the best photographic book of the whole history of southern homes on the market. Rizzoli rocks. (Note, I'm speaking photograph-related only.)

This book rates a 5 star. It is extensive in the history for each home. The photographs leaves one in a state awe. Through the pictures I could almost feel the warmth and majesty of each home. I have visited several of the homes in this book, but reviewing the book makes me want to go back again and pay closer attention to the detailed architecture and interior decorating. This is an excellent coffee table book. You will not want to keep this book on a shelf. It's too pretty to keep tucked away.

I just received this book and though I'm delighted with the quality of publication and the content -including choice of houses, many of them unfamiliar to me- I have to say that many of the best illustrations are often put two to a page plus captions and printed text, thus making it difficult to admire all the details -alas I realize this is probably due to space constraints, but it would have been lovely had more page space been provided for said illustrations. Still, a worthwhile book on par with Wendell Garrett's Victorian America ( which however does give full page cover to most of its images).

,,,simple stunning photos n history Proud to display it

What a beautiful collection of southern charm! The homes and estates are a glimpse into the history of the South. Lovely.

Great coffee table book. I used this as our guest book for our wedding. I wanted something with enough space on pages so guests could write their note and name in between the texts and pictures. I searched for awhile before finding this one. It arrived in perfect condition. I could not tell from the product description or photos how much blank space the book would have, but figured with the amount of pages and pictures it would work. Based on customer reviews, I had high hopes it would work, and it did not disappoint. I received a ton of compliments on the unique idea but mostly for how gorgeous the book was and all the photos with details on each house. My guests loved looking for a house in their city (by using the box’s index), and would suggest visits or trips I should take in the future. I highly recommend the book as a coffee table book, guest book, gift idea, etc. I have not had time to read it, but I have read on a few of the houses, and it gives great detail on the houses I have known growing up in the south.

This book is intended as a living room conversation piece rather than a reference work or scholarly study. That, of course, does not diminish the supreme quality of the photography of this rather small selection of grand Southern houses. Let me make clear that the SELECTION is small, but the houses are most certainly not. The author treats us to gorgeous stops at Mount Vernon and the Biltmore House, Shirley Plantation and Whitehall. The book is arranged in chronological chapters, beginning with 1700-1800 and ending with 1865-1940, so the majority of the book is dedicated to OLD structures. Think the framing essays for each entry are just filling material and you'd be seriously mistaken. The author creates the perfect balance of historical depth and reader accessibility. The writing is profound without being pedantic, and the book will be as interesting to architectural historians as it is to amateur enthusiasts. Here's something really nice: The building selection is limited to places that are open to visitors, so a reader can visit ANY of the houses s/he falls in love with from the book. My only regreat is that this author's "South" does not include Texas. There are no examples from Texas, but there are several from Florida, Kentucky and Maryland. This is a big book printed on heavy gloss paper. Overall, it is one of the very best coffee-table books you can buy on this subject, and it's a nice travel guide as well. Exceptionally well done.

After visiting Oak Alley plantation during a trip to louisiana, I developed an interest in southern plantations and mansions. This book did not disappoint! The pictures were breathtaking and the biographical history that accompanies them is an education that will stick with you. I was amazed at how modern some of the houses were, and how they were restored and maintained. There are now several more "great houses" I plan to visit....

The book was absolutely stunning. It was a gift to friends who hosted me in their home in Atlanta. It was a perfect fit. It inspired my friends to see those homes again on their vacation.

Beautiful book. We used it as a sign in book at our daughter's wedding.

In my opinion this is the best photographic book of the whole history of southern homes on the market. Rizzoli rocks. (Note, I'm speaking photograph-related only.)

This book rates a 5 star. It is extensive in the history for each home. The photographs leaves one in a state awe. Through the pictures I could almost feel the warmth and majesty of each home. I have visited several of the homes in this book, but reviewing the book makes me want to go back again and pay closer attention to the detailed architecture and interior decorating. This is an excellent coffee table book. You will not want to keep this book on a shelf. It's too pretty to keep tucked away.

I just received this book and though I'm delighted with the quality of publication and the content -including choice of houses, many of them unfamiliar to me- I have to say that many of the best illustrations are often put two to a page plus captions and printed text, thus making it difficult to admire all the details -alas I realize this is probably due to space constraints, but it would have been lovely had more page space been provided for said illustrations. Still, a worthwhile book on par with Wendell Garrett's Victorian America ( which however does give full page cover to most of its images).

,,,simple stunning photos n history Proud to display it

What a beautiful collection of southern charm! The homes and estates are a glimpse into the history of the South. Lovely.

Beautiful coffee table book!

Good book. Good pictures. Good information about houses.

This book is gorgeous! I cannot wait to dive in and read it. Gorgeous photography as well.

Awesome gift. Came wrapped very well

Love this book, great coffee table!!

Love this gorgeous book !!

Beautiful photographs and good information.

Excellent source of inspiration for our new Southern Greek Revival build.

Bought this for my boss for Christmas. It was a smash hit. If you've got someone in your life who loves gorgeous architecture give them this book. You can't go wrong.

lovely coffee table book... the kind you can give as a gift..

Great coffee table book. I used this as our guest book for our wedding. I wanted something with enough space on pages so guests could write their note and name in between the texts and pictures. I searched for awhile before finding this one. It arrived in perfect condition. I could not tell from the product description or photos how much blank space the book would have, but figured with the amount of pages and pictures it would work. Based on customer reviews, I had high hopes it would work, and it did not disappoint. I received a ton of compliments on the unique idea but mostly for how gorgeous the book was and all the photos with details on each house. My guests loved looking for a house in their city (by using the box’s index), and would suggest visits or trips I should take in the future. I highly recommend the book as a coffee table book, guest book, gift idea, etc. I have not had time to read it, but I have read on a few of the houses, and it gives great detail on the houses I have known growing up in the south.

This book is intended as a living room conversation piece rather than a reference work or scholarly study. That, of course, does not diminish the supreme quality of the photography of this rather small selection of grand Southern houses. Let me make clear that the SELECTION is small, but the houses are most certainly not. The author treats us to gorgeous stops at Mount Vernon and the Biltmore House, Shirley Plantation and Whitehall. The book is arranged in chronological chapters, beginning with 1700-1800 and ending with 1865-1940, so the majority of the book is dedicated to OLD structures. Think the framing essays for each entry are just filling material and you'd be seriously mistaken. The author creates the perfect balance of historical depth and reader accessibility. The writing is profound without being pedantic, and the book will be as interesting to architectural historians as it is to amateur enthusiasts. Here's something really nice: The building selection is limited to places that are open to visitors, so a reader can visit ANY of the houses s/he falls in love with from the book. My only regreat is that this author's "South" does not include Texas. There are no examples from Texas, but there are several from Florida, Kentucky and Maryland. This is a big book printed on heavy gloss paper. Overall, it is one of the very best coffee-table books you can buy on this subject, and it's a nice travel guide as well. Exceptionally well done.

After visiting Oak Alley plantation during a trip to louisiana, I developed an interest in southern plantations and mansions. This book did not disappoint! The pictures were breathtaking and the biographical history that accompanies them is an education that will stick with you. I was amazed at how modern some of the houses were, and how they were restored and maintained. There are now several more "great houses" I plan to visit....

The book was absolutely stunning. It was a gift to friends who hosted me in their home in Atlanta. It was a perfect fit. It inspired my friends to see those homes again on their vacation.

Beautiful book. We used it as a sign in book at our daughter's wedding.

In my opinion this is the best photographic book of the whole history of southern homes on the market. Rizzoli rocks. (Note, I'm speaking photograph-related only.)

This book rates a 5 star. It is extensive in the history for each home. The photographs leaves one in a state awe. Through the pictures I could almost feel the warmth and majesty of each home. I have visited several of the homes in this book, but reviewing the book makes me want to go back again and pay closer attention to the detailed architecture and interior decorating. This is an excellent coffee table book. You will not want to keep this book on a shelf. It's too pretty to keep tucked away.

I just received this book and though I'm delighted with the quality of publication and the content -including choice of houses, many of them unfamiliar to me- I have to say that many of the best illustrations are often put two to a page plus captions and printed text, thus making it difficult to admire all the details -alas I realize this is probably due to space constraints, but it would have been lovely had more page space been provided for said illustrations. Still, a worthwhile book on par with Wendell Garrett's Victorian America ( which however does give full page cover to most of its images).

,,,simple stunning photos n history Proud to display it

What a beautiful collection of southern charm! The homes and estates are a glimpse into the history of the South. Lovely.

Excellent coffee table book! Worth the big bucks it cost me!

My mother-in-law has always been enamored with the South. This was a perfect book for her for her birthday. It certainly is chocked full of information and photographs.

This book shows some plantations from all over the south. The pictures are beautiful and it's a very informative book.

Awesome book and beautiful photos.

my buddy loved this gift. He is really into old homes and this book is a big part of his collection!

The book has fabulous pictures and covers all the homes you will want to visit on your trips to the south.

Fantastic purchase experience and merchandise.

This is a GREAT book about great architecture. The format was extremely readable and the photographs were outstanding. It is too bad that this writer did not do the book on great Florida houses which was such a disappointment. Lets hope that Laurie Ossman writes again soon and often.

Wonderful book.

Beautiful pictures and interesting reading.

Great coffee table book. I used this as our guest book for our wedding. I wanted something with enough space on pages so guests could write their note and name in between the texts and pictures. I searched for awhile before finding this one. It arrived in perfect condition. I could not tell from the product description or photos how much blank space the book would have, but figured with the amount of pages and pictures it would work. Based on customer reviews, I had high hopes it would work, and it did not disappoint. I received a ton of compliments on the unique idea but mostly for how gorgeous the book was and all the photos with details on each house. My guests loved looking for a house in their city (by using the box’s index), and would suggest visits or trips I should take in the future. I highly recommend the book as a coffee table book, guest book, gift idea, etc. I have not had time to read it, but I have read on a few of the houses, and it gives great detail on the houses I have known growing up in the south.

This book is intended as a living room conversation piece rather than a reference work or scholarly study. That, of course, does not diminish the supreme quality of the photography of this rather small selection of grand Southern houses. Let me make clear that the SELECTION is small, but the houses are most certainly not. The author treats us to gorgeous stops at Mount Vernon and the Biltmore House, Shirley Plantation and Whitehall. The book is arranged in chronological chapters, beginning with 1700-1800 and ending with 1865-1940, so the majority of the book is dedicated to OLD structures. Think the framing essays for each entry are just filling material and you'd be seriously mistaken. The author creates the perfect balance of historical depth and reader accessibility. The writing is profound without being pedantic, and the book will be as interesting to architectural historians as it is to amateur enthusiasts. Here's something really nice: The building selection is limited to places that are open to visitors, so a reader can visit ANY of the houses s/he falls in love with from the book. My only regreat is that this author's "South" does not include Texas. There are no examples from Texas, but there are several from Florida, Kentucky and Maryland. This is a big book printed on heavy gloss paper. Overall, it is one of the very best coffee-table books you can buy on this subject, and it's a nice travel guide as well. Exceptionally well done.

After visiting Oak Alley plantation during a trip to louisiana, I developed an interest in southern plantations and mansions. This book did not disappoint! The pictures were breathtaking and the biographical history that accompanies them is an education that will stick with you. I was amazed at how modern some of the houses were, and how they were restored and maintained. There are now several more "great houses" I plan to visit....

The book was absolutely stunning. It was a gift to friends who hosted me in their home in Atlanta. It was a perfect fit. It inspired my friends to see those homes again on their vacation.

Beautiful book. We used it as a sign in book at our daughter's wedding.

In my opinion this is the best photographic book of the whole history of southern homes on the market. Rizzoli rocks. (Note, I'm speaking photograph-related only.)

This book rates a 5 star. It is extensive in the history for each home. The photographs leaves one in a state awe. Through the pictures I could almost feel the warmth and majesty of each home. I have visited several of the homes in this book, but reviewing the book makes me want to go back again and pay closer attention to the detailed architecture and interior decorating. This is an excellent coffee table book. You will not want to keep this book on a shelf. It's too pretty to keep tucked away.

I just received this book and though I'm delighted with the quality of publication and the content -including choice of houses, many of them unfamiliar to me- I have to say that many of the best illustrations are often put two to a page plus captions and printed text, thus making it difficult to admire all the details -alas I realize this is probably due to space constraints, but it would have been lovely had more page space been provided for said illustrations. Still, a worthwhile book on par with Wendell Garrett's Victorian America ( which however does give full page cover to most of its images).

,,,simple stunning photos n history Proud to display it

What a beautiful collection of southern charm! The homes and estates are a glimpse into the history of the South. Lovely.

Great product.

I gave this book to my sister in law for Christmas and she loved it. It had photos of all the houses she had visited on her trip there this year.

A very interesting reading for history lovers. The book explains the development of architecture through the centuries and the photographs are very good. The good thing about this book is that it shows houses that are open to the public.

It's the perfect coffee table book - looks so pretty in our living room and I have received numerous compliments. Good buy!

THis book is of the great homes of the south that are open to the public. It has fantastic photos and the info accompanying them is very informative. Got as a gift to my Mother, she loves it, she can't put it down.

A beautiful coffee table book that doubles as a guide book. Perfect for reading up on and previewing homes before travelling -- we purchased it to learn more about Natchez before a visit -- and then a lasting souvenir upon return.

Just exactly what I wanted. Thanks! It also came at the right time.

This book looks great on my coffee table. The cover colors are neutral enough it would work in any room. The photography inside is stunning.

Gave as Christmas Present to my mother. She only quickly looked at book while I was there but she seemed pleased with the item. I only looked at it briefly but it had a lot of history/information the houses pictured.

This book is very inspirational. The photos are very nice and the content is very informative as well. You should check it out.

Great coffee table book. I used this as our guest book for our wedding. I wanted something with enough space on pages so guests could write their note and name in between the texts and pictures. I searched for awhile before finding this one. It arrived in perfect condition. I could not tell from the product description or photos how much blank space the book would have, but figured with the amount of pages and pictures it would work. Based on customer reviews, I had high hopes it would work, and it did not disappoint. I received a ton of compliments on the unique idea but mostly for how gorgeous the book was and all the photos with details on each house. My guests loved looking for a house in their city (by using the box’s index), and would suggest visits or trips I should take in the future. I highly recommend the book as a coffee table book, guest book, gift idea, etc. I have not had time to read it, but I have read on a few of the houses, and it gives great detail on the houses I have known growing up in the south.

This book is intended as a living room conversation piece rather than a reference work or scholarly study. That, of course, does not diminish the supreme quality of the photography of this rather small selection of grand Southern houses. Let me make clear that the SELECTION is small, but the houses are most certainly not. The author treats us to gorgeous stops at Mount Vernon and the Biltmore House, Shirley Plantation and Whitehall. The book is arranged in chronological chapters, beginning with 1700-1800 and ending with 1865-1940, so the majority of the book is dedicated to OLD structures. Think the framing essays for each entry are just filling material and you'd be seriously mistaken. The author creates the perfect balance of historical depth and reader accessibility. The writing is profound without being pedantic, and the book will be as interesting to architectural historians as it is to amateur enthusiasts. Here's something really nice: The building selection is limited to places that are open to visitors, so a reader can visit ANY of the houses s/he falls in love with from the book. My only regreat is that this author's "South" does not include Texas. There are no examples from Texas, but there are several from Florida, Kentucky and Maryland. This is a big book printed on heavy gloss paper. Overall, it is one of the very best coffee-table books you can buy on this subject, and it's a nice travel guide as well. Exceptionally well done.

After visiting Oak Alley plantation during a trip to louisiana, I developed an interest in southern plantations and mansions. This book did not disappoint! The pictures were breathtaking and the biographical history that accompanies them is an education that will stick with you. I was amazed at how modern some of the houses were, and how they were restored and maintained. There are now several more "great houses" I plan to visit....

The book was absolutely stunning. It was a gift to friends who hosted me in their home in Atlanta. It was a perfect fit. It inspired my friends to see those homes again on their vacation.

Beautiful book. We used it as a sign in book at our daughter's wedding.

In my opinion this is the best photographic book of the whole history of southern homes on the market. Rizzoli rocks. (Note, I'm speaking photograph-related only.)

This book rates a 5 star. It is extensive in the history for each home. The photographs leaves one in a state awe. Through the pictures I could almost feel the warmth and majesty of each home. I have visited several of the homes in this book, but reviewing the book makes me want to go back again and pay closer attention to the detailed architecture and interior decorating. This is an excellent coffee table book. You will not want to keep this book on a shelf. It's too pretty to keep tucked away.

I just received this book and though I'm delighted with the quality of publication and the content -including choice of houses, many of them unfamiliar to me- I have to say that many of the best illustrations are often put two to a page plus captions and printed text, thus making it difficult to admire all the details -alas I realize this is probably due to space constraints, but it would have been lovely had more page space been provided for said illustrations. Still, a worthwhile book on par with Wendell Garrett's Victorian America ( which however does give full page cover to most of its images).

,,,simple stunning photos n history Proud to display it

What a beautiful collection of southern charm! The homes and estates are a glimpse into the history of the South. Lovely.

The witty and erudite text and stunning photographs of this beautiful book succeed at placing some of America's most historic, largest, and anachronistic homes in the context of an evolving narrative on life in the South as expressed in its premier homes. Ossman's incredibly well researched yet concise essays trace the evolution of the use of home architecture to provide signs and represent status of the owners from the earliest days of European settlement to the flowering of Colonial Revival in the mid-twentieth century. Seeking common threads in a disparate fabric of house high styles over centuries, Ossman links transplanted English Palladian forms with classic plantation style Greek Revival and later Beaux Arts and Colonial Revival homes through how each represents the aspirations of its creators within the Southern milieu. Brooke's stunning photography illustrates and complements the text to provide a panoply of gorgeous house settings and interiors from Key West to Baltimore, Charleston to New Orleans organized by progress in time. Each house is open to the public so readers can use these chapters to guide them on their own travels through the South's rich history.

great order

Outstanding.

Just beautiful!!!

Beautiful pictures !

nice

Everything is exactly as advertised

It was just as I had hoped!

This is an excellent coffee-table book with lovely color depictions of many familiar plantation houses of the deep South. It is everything I expected from a coffee-table book. The text is helpful, but not scholarly.

Laurie Ossman brings a skilled eye to reveal the inner workings of these amazing homes rich in history and beauty. Her writing style teaches and amuses us, while the beauty of the photographs makes you feel you are visiting as you read along. Read this book. Then hit the road to visit firsthand!

Great coffee table book. I used this as our guest book for our wedding. I wanted something with enough space on pages so guests could write their note and name in between the texts and pictures. I searched for awhile before finding this one. It arrived in perfect condition. I could not tell from the product description or photos how much blank space the book would have, but figured with the amount of pages and pictures it would work. Based on customer reviews, I had high hopes it would work, and it did not disappoint. I received a ton of compliments on the unique idea but mostly for how gorgeous the book was and all the photos with details on each house. My guests loved looking for a house in their city (by using the box’s index), and would suggest visits or trips I should take in the future. I highly recommend the book as a coffee table book, guest book, gift idea, etc. I have not had time to read it, but I have read on a few of the houses, and it gives great detail on the houses I have known growing up in the south.

This book is intended as a living room conversation piece rather than a reference work or scholarly study. That, of course, does not diminish the supreme quality of the photography of this rather small selection of grand Southern houses. Let me make clear that the SELECTION is small, but the houses are most certainly not. The author treats us to gorgeous stops at Mount Vernon and the Biltmore House, Shirley Plantation and Whitehall. The book is arranged in chronological chapters, beginning with 1700-1800 and ending with 1865-1940, so the majority of the book is dedicated to OLD structures. Think the framing essays for each entry are just filling material and you'd be seriously mistaken. The author creates the perfect balance of historical depth and reader accessibility. The writing is profound without being pedantic, and the book will be as interesting to architectural historians as it is to amateur enthusiasts. Here's something really nice: The building selection is limited to places that are open to visitors, so a reader can visit ANY of the houses s/he falls in love with from the book. My only regreat is that this author's "South" does not include Texas. There are no examples from Texas, but there are several from Florida, Kentucky and Maryland. This is a big book printed on heavy gloss paper. Overall, it is one of the very best coffee-table books you can buy on this subject, and it's a nice travel guide as well. Exceptionally well done.

After visiting Oak Alley plantation during a trip to louisiana, I developed an interest in southern plantations and mansions. This book did not disappoint! The pictures were breathtaking and the biographical history that accompanies them is an education that will stick with you. I was amazed at how modern some of the houses were, and how they were restored and maintained. There are now several more "great houses" I plan to visit....

The book was absolutely stunning. It was a gift to friends who hosted me in their home in Atlanta. It was a perfect fit. It inspired my friends to see those homes again on their vacation.

Beautiful book. We used it as a sign in book at our daughter's wedding.

In my opinion this is the best photographic book of the whole history of southern homes on the market. Rizzoli rocks. (Note, I'm speaking photograph-related only.)

This book rates a 5 star. It is extensive in the history for each home. The photographs leaves one in a state awe. Through the pictures I could almost feel the warmth and majesty of each home. I have visited several of the homes in this book, but reviewing the book makes me want to go back again and pay closer attention to the detailed architecture and interior decorating. This is an excellent coffee table book. You will not want to keep this book on a shelf. It's too pretty to keep tucked away.

I just received this book and though I'm delighted with the quality of publication and the content -including choice of houses, many of them unfamiliar to me- I have to say that many of the best illustrations are often put two to a page plus captions and printed text, thus making it difficult to admire all the details -alas I realize this is probably due to space constraints, but it would have been lovely had more page space been provided for said illustrations. Still, a worthwhile book on par with Wendell Garrett's Victorian America ( which however does give full page cover to most of its images).

,,,simple stunning photos n history Proud to display it

What a beautiful collection of southern charm! The homes and estates are a glimpse into the history of the South. Lovely.

Beautiful photos and history

Although this may be a beautiful book to add to your coffee table, it is also well-written and researched with good representations from each period as well as presenting examples from throughout the south. I would recommend this book to all lovers of historic houses. The photography is particularly noteworthy and the text informative yet accessible for even the person with a casual interest.

This beautifully written (and photographed) book is an engaging review of an almost forgotten part of our heritage -- the great homes of the South. Ms. Ossman's prose makes one want to take a "grand tour" of the South, and explore further its history. It is an elegant additional to the Rizzoli collection.

A great book with wonderful photography of the houses.

For friends who have visited the homes it brings back happy "rememberies". "I want one" is what I hear most often as they ooh and ahh through the pages.

This is a beautiful book.

The book is very detailed, will be taking this with us when we visit the area

Amazing photos, large, excellent quality. I use this as a coffee table book

Great coffee table book. I used this as our guest book for our wedding. I wanted something with enough space on pages so guests could write their note and name in between the texts and pictures. I searched for awhile before finding this one. It arrived in perfect condition. I could not tell from the product description or photos how much blank space the book would have, but figured with the amount of pages and pictures it would work. Based on customer reviews, I had high hopes it would work, and it did not disappoint. I received a ton of compliments on the unique idea but mostly for how gorgeous the book was and all the photos with details on each house. My guests loved looking for a house in their city (by using the box’s index), and would suggest visits or trips I should take in the future. I highly recommend the book as a coffee table book, guest book, gift idea, etc. I have not had time to read it, but I have read on a few of the houses, and it gives great detail on the houses I have known growing up in the south.

This book is intended as a living room conversation piece rather than a reference work or scholarly study. That, of course, does not diminish the supreme quality of the photography of this rather small selection of grand Southern houses. Let me make clear that the SELECTION is small, but the houses are most certainly not. The author treats us to gorgeous stops at Mount Vernon and the Biltmore House, Shirley Plantation and Whitehall. The book is arranged in chronological chapters, beginning with 1700-1800 and ending with 1865-1940, so the majority of the book is dedicated to OLD structures. Think the framing essays for each entry are just filling material and you'd be seriously mistaken. The author creates the perfect balance of historical depth and reader accessibility. The writing is profound without being pedantic, and the book will be as interesting to architectural historians as it is to amateur enthusiasts. Here's something really nice: The building selection is limited to places that are open to visitors, so a reader can visit ANY of the houses s/he falls in love with from the book. My only regreat is that this author's "South" does not include Texas. There are no examples from Texas, but there are several from Florida, Kentucky and Maryland. This is a big book printed on heavy gloss paper. Overall, it is one of the very best coffee-table books you can buy on this subject, and it's a nice travel guide as well. Exceptionally well done.

After visiting Oak Alley plantation during a trip to louisiana, I developed an interest in southern plantations and mansions. This book did not disappoint! The pictures were breathtaking and the biographical history that accompanies them is an education that will stick with you. I was amazed at how modern some of the houses were, and how they were restored and maintained. There are now several more "great houses" I plan to visit....

The book was absolutely stunning. It was a gift to friends who hosted me in their home in Atlanta. It was a perfect fit. It inspired my friends to see those homes again on their vacation.

Beautiful book. We used it as a sign in book at our daughter's wedding.

In my opinion this is the best photographic book of the whole history of southern homes on the market. Rizzoli rocks. (Note, I'm speaking photograph-related only.)

This book rates a 5 star. It is extensive in the history for each home. The photographs leaves one in a state awe. Through the pictures I could almost feel the warmth and majesty of each home. I have visited several of the homes in this book, but reviewing the book makes me want to go back again and pay closer attention to the detailed architecture and interior decorating. This is an excellent coffee table book. You will not want to keep this book on a shelf. It's too pretty to keep tucked away.

I just received this book and though I'm delighted with the quality of publication and the content -including choice of houses, many of them unfamiliar to me- I have to say that many of the best illustrations are often put two to a page plus captions and printed text, thus making it difficult to admire all the details -alas I realize this is probably due to space constraints, but it would have been lovely had more page space been provided for said illustrations. Still, a worthwhile book on par with Wendell Garrett's Victorian America ( which however does give full page cover to most of its images).

,,,simple stunning photos n history Proud to display it

What a beautiful collection of southern charm! The homes and estates are a glimpse into the history of the South. Lovely.