Palliser's American Cottage Homes

Item Details

Bridgeport, Connecticut, Palliser, Palliser & Co., [1882]

Folio. Date taken from one of the advertisements. Early edition of this influential nineteenth-century American architectural pattern book, illustrated with 40 plates depicting a variety of Victorian cottage and residential designs, including exterior elevations and floor plans, with facing description page. With the original 16-page advertising section, including mounted color samples of contemporary architectural paints and finishes. Original publisher's maroon cloth binding with gilt lettering & design on front board. A good copy only; the front board has pulled away from the text block but remains attached through the rear board; wear to spine and corners; minor internal spotting; the pages are somewhat age toned. 

 The 40 architectural plates illustrate a variety of picturesque Victorian residences, ranging from modest cottages to more elaborate suburban and country homes. Designs include exterior elevations, floor plans, and architectural details, featuring characteristic Victorian elements such as steeply pitched roofs, projecting bays, ornamental porches, gables, and decorative woodwork. The plans emphasize practical, economical construction while offering attractive and fashionable designs suited to the needs of middle-class American homeowners. This work was instrumental in popularizing professionally designed, affordable domestic architecture throughout the United States. The firm's innovative mail-order service enabled prospective homeowners and builders to purchase complete architectural plans and specifications, contributing to the widespread adoption of picturesque Victorian residential styles. The original advertising section features nineteenth-century businesses supplying building materials, architectural hardware, paints, and decorative finishes, including advertisements with mounted samples of contemporary house paints.