Early American Country Homes: A Return to Simpler Living Hardcover – October 1, 2011

This beautiful book is filled with artistic photographs of lots of historic homes (mostly interiors - some exteriors). The text is warm and engaging and speaks to the heart of those of us who love historic homes, and country and early american ambience and style. I haven't seen any of the homes he's chosen in any other publications. The reason I did not give this book 5 stars is because of the quality of the photographs. It appears some of the photos have been taken in rooms with natural light and with any available over-head lighting turned on to high beam. This does not do justice to these beautiful homes, as the images and their details would have been sharper had professional photographic lighting been used. Photo credits go to the author and his wife with some being taken by another person for whom the author credits as providing the best photographs in the books. I still like this book very much and I'm not sorry I bought it. In fact, I hope Tim Tanner does more books, but hopefully next time he has more access to professional photography.

Good for what it is. Same basic book as "Early American Country Interiors" with a few format changes and of course different homes. As I said there, this is about creating the modern interior designer's concept of what a "country" faux early american home should look like for those into that style. Realize this has nothing to do with historical authenticity, unless you think people really hung corn up in their living rooms, collected checker boards and hung them in the hallway, or took all their nesting boxes out and stacked them up like a Christmas tree, when in fact they were made to nest. There's a lot of silliness here (I enjoyed the designer who said the objects on your mantle basically didn't matter so long as they were the correct size. So there you go.) but also some genuinely beautiful houses and rooms that make it a worth while purchase. Big emphasis on the influence that David T. Smith has had on kitchens, in both this and the Interiors book.

I bought two of his books. Both are beautiful with stunning photographs. I just like looking at old country and early American furniture for things to copy, either quirky details or whole pieces. I barely read the text, to be honest, so I won't comment on that aspect, but I will say the photos of rooms are not great for studying the individual pieces furniture. This is not a criticism--just to say these books wouldn't be my first choice if I were looking for furniture. That said I really do enjoy looking at these books, even though I'm not really the target audience. My only complaint might be that a few too many of the photos feature the work of David T. Smith. I love his workshop's stuff and have learned a lot from him, but there comes a point when the photos seem like they're from an advertising brochure. The other book I bought was Early American Country Interiors, another beautiful book.. I am happy to have both.

I truly enjoyed the journey! Early American interests me and reading this book has helped me develop ideas for a project I am wanting to do. Thank you.

I have bought many "picture" books with country homes as the focus. I wavered on the decision to order E.A.C.H. from Amazon thinking it would probably not be much different from those country home books I already had and I really didn't need another. I first saw it advertised through a book club but when I checked the Amazon offer it was even more impressive.Then I talked myself into just one more country home book. If it was great it would be the last one; if it wasn't then it was still the last one.Well I am impressed Mr. Tanner. Not sure how you did it but it pictures old and older homes in a charming way that makes me want to live in about one-third of them.Thanks,Brenda HoukSedalia, Mo.

The book arrived promptly but the the back of the dust cover was damaged. It appeared that the box, exactly fitting the book, was too snug and the cover was damed when it was slipped into it. Otherwise, I was satisfied with this purchase.

liked subject enough to want to see more and more houses but interior spaces were clutteredsection on new houses w old elements felt very suburban to me.I'd prefer radical renovations using colonial houses -- the breadth of what has been attempted -- rather than restoration and cluttered imitation

We purchased this book for inspiration as we embarked on designing and building a country style farmhouse, and we were not disappointed. Every single page is filled with beauty, insight, and authenticity, helping readers on their quest for a simpler way of living. An excellent read and an excellent gift for an American antique enthusiast.

a gorgeous book, thank you