Newport Houses

More about the book

The architectural heritage of Newport, Rhode Island, reflects the vibrant history of its inhabitants. The city's buildings showcase a range of attitudes, styles, and tastes from colonial settlers seeking freedom in the seventeenth century to the wealthy socialites of the late nineteenth century who indulged in life's pleasures. Simple clapboard houses and religious structures coexist with opulent summer cottages and mansions built from the finest materials, creating a diverse picture of American architecture. Renowned photographer Roberto Schezen captures this architectural range, focusing on the remarkable private homes and compounds throughout Newport. His keen eye highlights the exquisite decorative details, grand interiors, and dramatic settings that establish Newport as a national architectural treasure. The book features various styles from the American architectural lexicon, including Greek Revival, Stick and Shingle Styles, and the eclectic grandeur of the Gilded Age. The accompanying text narrates the stories behind numerous residences and public buildings, revealing the personalities involved in constructing landmarks like the Breakers, Marble House, Touro Synagogue, the Quaker Meeting House, the Newport Casino, and the Redwood Library. From its origins as a trading hub to its evolution into a major summer resort and a model for preservation, Newport's architectural journey is presented in an intriguing and compreh