If you have ever been enchanted by the houses of the Georgian period, and particularly if you are lucky enough to live in one, this book should be of interest. It sets the buildings in their historical context, and shows how and why each aspect of a house came to be as it is. Steven Parissien describes the development of the Georgian style in Britain and its colonies from its introduction in the early 18th century through to the mid-19th century. He devotes a chapter to each element of the Georgian house, including roofs, brickwork and stonework, doors and windows, staircases and fireplaces, mouldings and plasterwork. Throughout the book, he stresses the need for today's owners to understand the ideas and techniques and materials employed by those who built their homes.