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From Publishers Weekly

In this study of the evolution of domestic living, McGill University architecture professor Rybczynski traces the material and cultural influences that have helped shape our notions of comfort. PW recommended this "intriguing" book.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From Library Journal

In a loosely configured essay, Rybczynski (Architecture, McGill Univ.) discusses the idea of comfort and the Western cultural attitudes that have shaped it since the end of the middle ages. Rather than dealing with the technical aspects of architecture, he reviews such cultural variables as intimacy and privacy, domesticity, ease, and ideas about light, air, and efficiency as they have changed over time. Essentially Rybczynski makes a plea for the primacy of cultural ideals as a basis for creating psychologically comfortable homes. Though he is selective in his history and examples, this is a worthwhile counterweight to the all-too-common technical practices of modern architects. Recommended. Jack Perry Brown, Ryerson & Burnham Libs., Art Inst. of Chicago
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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We've all seen this comfortable man; his face looks out from the advertising pages of magazines. Read the first page

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4.7 out of 5 stars (14 customer reviews)

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5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect companion to invite "Home", Jun 27 2004

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L. Cameron (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Home: A Short History of an Idea (Paperback)

Rybczynski's elegant prose makes "Home: A Short History" a perfect fireside companion -- not least because he'll make you think about why you positioned your most comfy chair beside the fireplace, how your nice halogen reading light has transformed your evening hours, and whether you'd ever have even been permitted to sit down at the court of a French king.

If Tom Wolfe's "From Bauhaus to Our House" is a savage indictment of modern architecture, Rybczynski's book is no less disappointed but even more careful to show how far back in history architects went astray from the guiding principle of 'how to keep humans comfortable'. Till I read Rybczynski, I hadn't realized that 19th century women were more concerned with the sensible flow of activity from room to room in a house, and more interested in time/labor saving innovations such as electricity, than were the architects of the time: they were still preoccupied with the regularity of the fa�ade rather than the sensible use of space inside the home.

In fact, I'd add a third book to add to your fireside reading about the home and its development in modern times: "A Place of My Own: The Education of an Amateur Builder", by Michael Pollan. (His meeting with the unlucky souls who live in a Peter Eisenmann home is worth the price of admission...)

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4.0 out of 5 stars Exploration, Jun 6 2004

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Erika Mitchell (E. Calais, VT USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Home: A Short History of an Idea (Paperback)

This book is an exploration into the meaning of the word "comfort" and its place in the home. Rybczynski begins the volume with an examination of the Sixteenth Century painting by Durer "Saint Jerome in His Study". He describes each of the objects and furnishings visible in the paining in turn, noting that they are not particularly conducive to comfort or reflective of individuality. Rybczynski goes on to describe how this painting may be representative of the era in which it was painted, how houses at the time had many occupants and were spaces where people lived communally, but not necessarily as a family in the present sense of the term. He argues that in the Sixteenth Century, the nuclear family as a residential unit was non-existent, since children were sent away to live and work with others at a young age, and households always included many unrelated servants or apprentices. It was only later, as the concept of the nuclear family became more established that the need for privacy came to the fore, and private and public spaces began to be differentiated within the house. Later developments in technology, especially plumbing, ventilation, and lighting also came to influence housing design. One of the themes of the book is how the field of interior design has often been faced with the conflict between what looks good and what feels good. Rybcynski stresses that often the style of a design wins out, leaving the residents with the very least in comfort (to the point of having to carry their toothbrushes to and from the bathroom for lack of proper storage there, for instance).

Some of Rybcynski's discussion is quite interesting, particularly that concerning the influences French, Dutch, and British cultures have had on the development of houses and homes over the centuries, especially in North America. It would have been interesting to consider some of the influences of other world cultures on housing styles as well. For example, certainly Spanish and Arabic cultures have had a strong impact on house design and interiors of North American homes. However, considering such topics for the sake of completeness might have taken the book too far afield. In order to explore the concept of comfort with respect to design, Rybcynski has selected only a few examples of cultures and designers to explicate his points.

The book is academic in style, although quite accessible and engaging for the general reader. Sources are listed in the extensive endnotes, and there is an index.

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5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best Writers Around!, Sep 25 2003

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Margo Taylor (Tucson) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Home: A Short History of an Idea (Paperback)

I found Home by accident three years ago. Since then I've become a Rybczyski fan. This man knows how to write and has lots of thought provoking things to say about the relationship between people and their buildings. I recommend all his books. Witold is on my list of the top ten people I'd like to meet at a soiree.

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Most recent customer reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant book
Traces the evolution of the European-influenced home from medieval times to our present age. Rybczynski describes how the home evolved from an uncomfortable, group dwelling-place... Read more

Published on Sep 18 2001 by Liam Friedland

5.0 out of 5 stars For anyone buying or building a home.
I first read this book 14 years ago and it changed my life. This book is a must for anyone buying or building a home. Read more

Published on Jun 10 2001