Gervase Wheeler: A British Architect in America, 1847–1860 (The Driftless Connecticut Series & Garnet Books)

Gervase Wheeler was an English-born architect who designed such important American works as the Henry Boody House in Brunswick, Maine; the Patrick Barry House in Rochester, New York; and the chapels at Bowdoin and Williams colleges. But he was perhaps best known as the author of two influential architecture books, Rural Homes (1851) and Homes for the People (1855). Yet Wheeler has remained a little known, enigmatic figure. Renée Tribert and James F. O’Gorman’s study sheds new light on the course of Wheeler’s career in the states, and brings crucial issues to the fore—the international movement of ideas, the development of the American architectural profession, the influence of architectural publications on popular taste, and social history as expressed in the changing nature of the American house. Wheeler’s career is traced chronologically and geographically and the book is lavishly illustrated with over fifty images, including building plans and historical photographs.

Gervase Wheeler was an English-born architect who designed such important American works as the Henry Boody House in Brunswick, Maine; the Patrick Barry House in Rochester, New York; and the chapels at Bowdoin and Williams colleges. But he was perhaps best known as the author of two influential architecture books, Rural Homes (1851) and Homes for the People (1855). Yet Wheeler has remained a little known, enigmatic figure. Renee Tribert and James F. O'Gorman's study sheds new light on the course of Wheeler's career in the states, and brings crucial issues to the fore—the international movement of ideas, the development of the American architectural profession, the influence of architectural publications on popular taste, and social history as expressed in the changing nature of the American house. Wheeler's career is traced chronologically and geographically and the book is lavishly illustrated with over fifty images, including building plans and historical photographs.

Introduction New York City, 1847 Brunswick, Maine, 1847-1848 New Haven, Connecticut, 1847-1848 Hartford, Connecticut, 1849 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1849-1850 New York City, 1850-1851 Norwichtown, Connecticut, 185-1852 New York City, 1853-1860 Epilogue Appendix. Business and residential addresses.