Unlike almost all previous histories, this book does not deal exclusively with the grand houses of the aristocracy: Steven Parissien's masterly text concentrates rather on the homes of the merchants and middle classes, who have been the first to take advantage of new technologies to furnish and decorate their homes. Fully illustrated with contemporary plates from catalogues and books, as well as paintings and photography, this beautiful book traces a constantly absorbing and often surprising story, as it took place all over Western Europe and North America. Ideal for all students of and enthusiasts for the domestic interior and period settings. Steven Parissien's strongly narrative text explains not simply what happened, but why.

Dr Steven Parissien is Director of Education at the Prince's Foundation for the Built Enviroment. He has written extensively on architectural and cultural history and on architectural conservation. His 1992 book 'Adam Style' was Apollo magazine's Book of the Year for 1992 and the American Institute of Architect's Book of the Year Choice for 1993. His most recent books are 'George IV: The Grand Entertainment' (2001, published in the US in 2002 as 'King George IV: Inspiration for the Regency') and 'Transport Architecture in the 20th Century' (jointly edited with Julian Holder, 2004).