Reading other reviews, I'm not sure why we have the overall impression that highly specialized references such as this should be bargain basement priced - the costs of writing and producing a book such as this are not inconsiderable, so I feel compelled to defend the author and publisher in that respect.

That being said, I'm perhaps the ideal customer for this book in that my home - former military quarters - was built in 1910 and re-fitted by the military at least twice during its life. Trying to figure out what is original and what is retrofitted is very challenging and this book provides an excellent guide for my purposes.

If you want pure gratification from a text with lots of color pictures you should know this is not a coffee table book, likewise, it is not a catalog. Nevertheless, I think the serious restoration-minded reader will be very satisfied, as I am.

Like several other reviewers, I found the book to be overpriced. The book provided neither extensive and in depth narrative history NOR extensive patterns. ...and I don't believe there was one color photograph to be found. Don't buy it until you've had it in your hands.

As you try and make a decision about this book I wanted to give an explanation as the author. I noticed the reviews above and wanted to clarify the purpose of the book. I don't want you to spend $70 dollars on a book that doesn't help.

First, if you are looking for an old millwork catalog, this may not be your book. I wrote this book for architects trying to specify the correct doors, windows and moldings for historic buildings. I wrote this book for homeowners trying to figure out the millwork in their home and the subtle differences that take place during each architectural period. I wrote this book for contractors trying to restore an historic building with the proper details.

1870-1940 is a unique 70 year period in which there are numerous architectural changes that effect the moldings and millwork details of a building.

This book was written to help clarify how historic millwork was produced, who the major players were, how architectual and stylistic differences revealed themselves in the moldings and millwork of the home. I have broken out chapters by topic like windows or doors and then traced the changes in these products from 1870 to 1940. Hopefully, by reading this book you will be able to easily distinguish; a Victorian 5 panel door from an Arts and Crafts 2 panel, understand when colonades were popular and how they change, identify a Queen Anne sash, and recognize Victorian millwork from others.

I hope this helps you get a clear picture of what you are buying.

Thanks

Brent Hull

PS. I had to rate the book in order to submit this review.

This book is quite overpriced relative to similar books. Better titles are available from Dover (Universal Millwork Catalog), Lee Valley (Home Interiors of the 1920s), Linden Publishing (Modern Practical Joinery), Fredionia (Modern Carpentry) that cover the information and provide more information at about 1/3 to 1/4 the price for each book. It looks like that many examples are out of these books commonly available. Furthermore, this book has relatively few examples for each catagory. Before you spend the money on this book, check it out from your library or have them get it through interlibrary loan along with the other books mentioned.