A colorful introduction to one of New England’s most productive and imaginative architects
Henry Austin’s (1804–1891) works receive consideration in books on nineteenth-century architecture, yet no book has focused scholarly attention on his primary achievements in New Haven, Connecticut, in Portland, Maine, and elsewhere. Austin was most active during the antebellum era, designing exotic buildings that have captured the imaginations of many for decades. James F. O’Gorman deftly documents Austin’s work during the 1840s and ’50s, the time when Austin was most productive and creative, and for which a wealth of material exists. The book is organized according to various building types: domestic, ecclesiastic, public, and commercial. O’Gorman helps to clarify what buildings should be attributed to the architect and comments on the various styles that went into his eclectic designs. Henry Austin is lavishly illustrated with 132 illustrations, including 32 in full color. Three extensive appendices provide valuable information on Austin’s books, drawings, and his office.
“This is a ground-breaking study of a major architect who did much to shape our image of the Victorian world. Austin was a complete cipher until now, and O’Gorman has done an admirable job of rescuing him from historical oblivion.”—Michael J. Lewis, Faison-Pierson-Stoddard Professor of Art, Williams College
“With his extensive background in 19th-century American architecture, James O’Gorman has put Henry Austin into the context of his time. Few in-depth books on individual antebellum architects are available, so this knowledgeable study of Austin is invaluable.”—Christopher Wigren, deputy director, Connecticut Trust For Historic Preservation
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JAMES F. O’GORMAN is McNeil Professor Emeritus at Wellesley College. He is chairman of the Maine Historic Preservation Commission and author of numerous books, including Living Architecture: A Biography of H. H. Richardson (1996), ABC of Architecture (2000), and Connecticut Valley Vernacular (2002).
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