The Architecture Shelf

A. A. Fischer's St. Louis Streetscapes
Nancy Moore Hamilton
Missouri Historical Society Press
PO Box 775460, St. Louis, MO 63177
https://mohistory.org/publications
9798985571622, $50.00, HC, 496pp

https://www.amazon.com/Fischers-St-Louis-Streetscapes/dp/B0BFD4LMCN

Synopsis: Though few people in contemporary St. Louis likely know his name,=
it is indisputable that builder A. A. Fischer left an indelible mark on th=
e city's residential architecture. Between 1894 and 1929, Fischer was respo= nsible for the construction of more than three hundred houses and apartment=
buildings in St. Louis and nearby University City, Missouri. His trademark=
was the broken frieze, whose wreaths and swags descend into the spaces bet= ween the upper-story windows, rather than extending straight across the fa = ade below the cornice, as is traditional. Today, you can still see homes an=
d commercial buildings across the St. Louis area bearing Fischer's trademar=
k.

With the publication of "A. A. Fischer's St. Louis Streetscapes", Nancy Moo=
re Hamilton has provided the first biography of this unsung urban builder. = Hamilton delves into Fischer's life and work, exploring not only his prolif=
ic construction career but also his other related business ventures, dabbli=
ng in speculation, buying and selling real estate, and producing architectu= ral plans. Featuring more than four hundred images and a full-color fold-ou=
t map showing all of Fischer's homes, "Nancy Moore Hamilton" is sure to bri=
ng attention to a builder who quietly shaped a midwestern metropolis.

Critique: A seminal work of simply outstanding research and meticulous scho= larship, "A. A. Fischer's St. Louis Streetscapes" rescures from an undeserv=
ed obscurity an ground-breaking late 19th Century and early 20th Century Am= erican architect. The informative and exceptionally well organized and pres= ented large format volume is a substantial, singular, and unreservedly reco= mmended addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library=
American Architecture and American Biography collections.

Editorial Note: Nancy Moore Hamilton is a longtime resident of Kalamazoo, M= ichigan, whose writing has appeared in The Society of Architectural Histori= ans - Missouri Valley Chapter newsletter. (https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/b= ooks/author/H/N/au196850221.html)

Cottages, Cabins, and Unique Retreats
Fine Homebuilding Editorial Staff
The Taunton Press
63 South Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470
www.taunton.com
9781641551977, $34.95, PB, 224pp

https://www.amazon.com/Cabins-Cottages-Editors-Fine-Homebuilding/dp/1641551= 976

Synopsis: Smaller =3D Smarter.

Smaller homes like cabins and cottages are becoming more popular due to eco= nomic factors, smaller family sizes, tighter building lots, and the desire =
to use fewer natural resources and build sustainably. These days, builders = and designers alike are getting creative and employing all their best trick=
s to help homeowners get the most out of their small spaces, whether they b=
e part of a primary residence or weekend vacation home.

"Cottages, Cabins, and Unique Retreats" from the pages of Fine Homebuilding=
magazine features useful and beautiful small spaces that are built to fit = the lifestyles and aspirations of their homeowners. The reader will get ins= pired and enjoy the design styles and construction types showcased here in = hundreds of beautiful photographs.

Each page showcases gorgeous photographs of inspiring, exciting small space=
s. The featured authors/contributors focus on homes both new and remodeled,=
urban and rural, traditional and modern, and even a few quirky spaces like=
nooks, butler's pantries, and attic offices.

Critique: An inspirational pleasure to browse through one page at a time, "= Cottages, Cabins, and Unique Retreats" is a very special and unreservedly r= ecommended addition to personal, professional, community, college, and univ= ersity library Contemporary Architecture collections and supplemental curri= culum Residential & Small Home/Cottage Design studies lists.

Editorial Note: All contributing authors to "Cottages, Cabins And Unique Re= treats" are seasoned professionals whose articles have appeared in Fine Hom= ebuilding magazine. Since 1981 the Fine Homebuilding magazine has been prov= iding information and inspiration to everyone who cares about quality home = improvement and construction. The magazine is arguably the best source of h= ome improvement information and helps readers build projects better, faster=
, and more efficiently. The farmhouses have been selected from the pages of=
Fine Homebuilding magazine.

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Midwest Book Review
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James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review

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